November 6, 2026 at 4:57 AM UTC
Pregame AnalysisNuggets Look to Exploit a Shorthanded Pacers Team
Denver's backcourt scoring should be enough against an Indiana team still without Tyrese Haliburton.
This page is the pregame analysis. The box score is the main page for the game, and the matchup history collects every meeting between these teams.
The biggest factor in Indiana's season is the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. He has a hamstring strain and is expected to miss about two weeks. The Pacers are 2-6 and have lost five straight, and they are missing the player who was averaging 21.8 points and 9.5 assists. Denver arrives with a clear edge in top-end talent.
Indiana's recent loss to Atlanta, 108-104, showed both the problem and a bright spot. The Pacers had only six active players, yet rookie Braden Smith, on a two-way contract, made his first NBA start and finished with 19 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and three steals on 8-for-13 shooting. Jay Huff also posted a season-high 22 points and eight rebounds. That is useful production, but it is hard to sustain against a deeper opponent. Ivica Zubac has missed five straight games with an ankle injury and was upgraded to questionable for his last scheduled game. If he returns, Indiana gets size and rebounding back. If he doesn't, Huff will again carry a heavy load against Nikola Jokić. Indiana may also add a veteran to its 15th roster spot, which could help depth.
Denver is not at full strength either. Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther are out, and DeMar DeRozan was questionable with a back injury. Cameron Johnson and Alpha Diallo are back from early-season injuries, which helps the rotation. The scoring load is manageable. Jamal Murray leads the team at 27.3 points per game and scored 35 on 10-of-19 shooting in a loss to Portland. Christian Braun had 31 against Phoenix.
Indiana's young guards and Huff should keep the game competitive for a stretch. Over 48 minutes, though, Denver's scoring options around Jokić and Indiana's thin roster should decide it. I expect the Nuggets to pull away late.
Prediction: Nuggets 118, Pacers 108.