In the Monday NBA picks, two teams on the cusp of elite status in the NBA standings clash in a cross-conference showdown. The Indiana Pacers (32-23) are fourth in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets (37-20) sit third overall in the Western Conference.
It’s visiting Denver that oddsmakers are setting as 4.5-point road favorites in the NBA picks on this game.
Let’s check the latest betting line. As always, odds are subject to change.
 | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | -4.5 (-110) | -172 | O 247 (-110) |
| Indiana Pacers | +4.5 (-110) | +145 | U 247 (-110) |
The Pacers have won three in a row and play two more home games this week.
Among seven NBA games on tap on the Monday schedule, this is the one we are selecting to focus on in our NBA picks and best bets.
Prior to making any bets on your NBA picks, you definitely should be checking out the latest NBA Vegas odds. You can also assess the most recent developments in NBA prop bets. You should also be taking advantage of these Vegas betting site bonuses to make the most of your NBA betting.
Denver is 8-0 straight up in the last eight meetings with Indiana. On the other hand, the Nuggets are 1-3-1 against the spread in the past five games facing the Pacers. At Indiana, Denver is 5-0 SU in the past five games but just 2-4-1 ATS over the past seven road games against the Pacers.
The NBA picks are showing Denver is 9-1 SU through the last 10 games. The Nuggets are 6-2 ATS over the past eight games. When facing Eastern Conference opponents, Denver is 4-0 SU over the past four games, but 1-3 ATS. The Nuggets are 9-3 SU in their last 12 road games. However, Denver is 1-5 ATS in the last six games away from home.
Indiana is 16-5 SU over the past 21 games. However, the Pacers are just 3-6 ATS through the last nine games. Indiana is 4-1 SU in the past five home games, but just 3-2 ATS.
Each of Denver’s past four games and five of the Nuggets’ last seven games have gone over. Six of Denver’s last nine meetings with Eastern Conference teams have also gone over.
Five of Indiana’s last six games have gone over. Five of the last six home games played by the Pacers also hit on the over. Ten of Indiana’s last 15 meetings with Western Conference opposition have gone over.
The Pacers are 12-11 SU as a betting underdog this season. Indiana is 11-12-1 ATS as a home team. On the the road, Denver is 13-15 ATS. The Nuggets are 31-13 SU when the favorite in the betting line.
Denver carried a nine-game win streak in the NBA picks into Saturday’s home date with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets were completely dominated in a 123-100 loss. Denver had won eight home games in a row against the Lakers prior to this setback.
Denver coach Michael Malone felt his team was overmatched physically by the Lakers. The Nuggets didn’t deal well with the aggression of the Lakers, who forced 20 Denver turnovers.
Center Nikola Jokic did turn in a triple-double for the Nuggets. He scored 12 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. However, Jokic was just two-for-seven from the field.
It’s worth noting that Denver’s nine-game win streak was fashioned against nine teams with losing records this season. The Lakers were the first real test for the Nuggets and they failed miserably. Luka Doncic (32) and LeBron James (25) combined for 57 points in the win over Denver.
Rolling to a comfortable 129-111 home-court verdict over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, the Pacers got double digits in points from seven different players. Guard Tyrese Halliburton set the pace for the Pacers with 29 points. He was also dishing out 12 assists. It was his 16th double-double of the season.
Forward Aaron Nesmith chipped in with a season-high 19 points. Center Myles Turner, returning from a three-game injury absence, knocked down 17 points, all in the first half.
Forward Pascal Siakim accounted for a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Off the bench, TJ McConnell (13 points) and Obbi Topin (10 points) were also contributing. Indiana outrebounded the Clippers 53-41.
This is the start of a four-game road trip for the Nuggets. Over this four-game stretch Denver will face four of the top six teams in the Eastern Conference.
Even though Indiana has won three in a row, it’s hard to look past Denver’s eight-game win streak against the Pacers. Still, the Nuggets haven’t been covering of late. Take the 4.5 points and play the Pacers to cover in the Monday NBA picks.
