The Indiana Pacers hit the road for a tough test in Denver on Sunday at 7:30 IST, hoping to find their rhythm and secure just their second win of the young NBA season. It won’t come easy. The defending champion Nuggets have started the year strong at 6-2 and are riding a three-game winning streak heading into the weekend.

Indiana’s slow start has been less about effort and more about attrition. Through eight games, the Pacers rank last in the league in field goal percentage at 40.8 percent — a number that doesn’t reflect their true offensive potential. Instead, it speaks to a team scrambling to adjust to a wave of injuries that’s forced players into unfamiliar roles.

Ben Sheppard, typically an off-ball guard, has been thrust into point guard duties. Aaron Nesmith is taking on a larger offensive load, often running two-man actions with Pascal Siakam, while rookie Taelon Peter has been thrown into the fire with significant early-season minutes.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, have been rock-solid, especially at home. At the heart of Denver’s success, as always, is Nikola Jokic. The two-time MVP is averaging a triple-double through the team’s first seven games, leading the Nuggets in four of the five major statistical categories. His 12 assists per game top the league, and his 13.4 rebounds trail only Domantas Sabonis. The Serbian center continues to be a puzzle no defense has figured out how to solve, and Indiana’s depleted front line will have its hands full containing him.

For the Pacers, Siakam has been the lone constant. The All-Star forward is leading Indiana in four of five key statistical areas, averaging 25.6 points per game and shouldering the brunt of the offensive workload. With opposing defenses keying in on him more than ever, his decision-making and shot selection will likely determine how competitive the Pacers can be in Denver.

The Pacers should at least benefit from some extra rest, having last played Thursday. But against a Nuggets squad firing on all cylinders and boasting one of the league’s toughest home courts, Indiana will need near-perfect execution to pull off the upset.