The Indiana Pacers will host the Denver Nuggets in the upcoming regular season match. Currently riding on a two-game losing streak, the Railroad City at least has the home-court advantage going against the formidable team of the former NBA champions. They are currently third in the Western Conference rankings and hold a two-game winning streak. Previously, when the two teams faced each other, Denver emerged victorious against Indiana by nine points. However, at that time, the Pacers did not have the 2x All-Star Pascal Siakam.

Now, as they do, they will seek revenge against the Nuggets. However, to aid Denver, will their cornerstone Nikola Jokic be playing?

Nikola Jokić will start for the Mile-High City

According to the injury report of the Denver Nuggets, Vlatko Cancar is out because of knee surgery and Julian Strawther is out because of a right knee sprain. Apart from that, their team is intact, and the projected starting lineup is Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and their cornerstone Nikola Jokić. The Serbian Sensation is having an incredible season and is a frontrunner in the MVP race. Currently averaging a double-double per game with 26.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists, he is showing his dominance on both sides of the court.

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Even when the Nuggets and Pacers faced off last, Jokic was the one who led his team to victory. He put up 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists at the Ball Arena with Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, adding 25 points each to seal the deal. So, as per the historical data, Denver has won against the Pacers 7 times consecutively and the upcoming matchup will be their 100th meeting against each other.

Keeping the historical data in mind, the Railroad City will come in with a vengeance. However, according to the injury report, their star player, Tyrese Haliburton is questionable due to a left hamstring strain. As he missed the matchup against the Suns, the 23-year-old would’ve got some time to recover from his injury and might start. So if he does, the projected lineup for the Pacers would be Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner.

What is the key challenge for the Pacers?

The Pacers’ biggest problem will limit the powerful Nikola Jokić, a two-time NBA MVP who almost had a triple-double in their previous meeting. Not only he but the Nuggets, in general, are well-known for their offensive brilliance, with top-five ranks in points per game, field goal percentage, and points in the paint. And as Indiana is coming home after a challenging away run with a 2-4 record, they will aim to capitalize on their home edge, where they have a 13-8 record this season.

However, with the Pacers looking to bounce back, the Nuggets are aiming to extend their winning streak and assert their dominance in the league. Due to that, the upcoming matchup tonight is going to be a high-intensity one as it is against two offensive powerhouses. So, who do you think will emerge victorious, the Nuggets or the Pacers? Let us know in the comments below.

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