The Heat are 6-2 when playing at FTX Arena this year in the playoffs, but the Nuggets are desperate to get back on track after the loss in Game 2. Read the article below to get out full tips & predictions for Game 3 of the NBA finals.
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Winner
The Heat are in an excellent spot right now, heading back to FTX Arena after a significant win in Denver in Game 2. Head coach Eric Spoelstra was able to make key adjustments following Game 1 and the Heat were able to force their style of play throughout the game.
The Nuggets’ performance on the road hasn’t been as sharp as at Ball Arena. That said, they are coming off a terrible performance on both ends last time out, and they still only lost by a 3-point margin.
For Game 3, we are going with Denver to win. They are the better team and if they can increase their number of possessions and only slightly bounce back, this will mean victory. We are taking the Nuggets to get the job done at 8/11 odds at bet9ja.
Handicap Predictions
We have a similar story in the handicap market. The bookmakers opened with a -1.5 handicap in Denver’s favour and we see this as a good betting opportunity.
Taking into consideration their performances in key games this postseason, we should expect a much higher effort from the Denver Nuggets tonight.
If this happens, not only will they get the win, but they will also cover the handicap which has moved to -2.5 points. We are backing the Nuggets against the spread at 10/11 odds at bet9ja.
Total Points Scored Predictions
Taking into consideration our first 2 selections for tonight, we are doubling down. The Nuggets are primarily an offensive team and most of their wins have come due to their overwhelming scoring.
That clearly wasn’t the case in Game 2, going for just 108 points. Although their efficiency was still quite high, shooting 39% from behind the arc, their number of possessions was unusually low as the Miami Heat were the ones controlling the pace.
We expect a lot more transition from the Denver Nuggets tonight, as well as more attempts from beyond the arc. This should help get their scorers going, resulting in a much higher scoring total for the Nuggets.
We are backing them to go over the 108.5 total points in Game 3 of Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets at 5/6 odds at Betking.
Prop Bets Predictions
A huge reason why Nikola Jokic was forced to keep scoring in Game 2, resulting in a 41-point performance was the poor shooting of his teammates. Jamal Murray is Denver’s best 2nd scoring option and he had an 18-point outing.
Although not terrible, we all know what Murray is capable of doing when his shots are falling and we have seen this in the postseason, averaging 27 points per game. We expect him to get himself going tonight and go over the 24.5-point total at 5/6 odds at Betking.
Our Analysis of the Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Game
It was very interesting to watch the Miami Heat control Game 2 using their slow and methodical style of basketball, as well as their stellar 3-point shooting. The Heat finished with a whopping 17 made 3-pointers on 48.6% shooting.
These are truly incredible numbers, but we also have to take a look at their opponents. The Nuggets came into Game 2 happy and lazy. It wasn’t the tactics that made the difference, but the effort the Miami Heat put in on both sides of the floor.
With that said, we can’t allow ourselves to expect the same thing to happen again, especially with Game 3 being played in Miami, The Nuggets are lethal when backed up against the wall which we have seen in that crucial Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns.
We expect the Nuggets to come out with a sense of urgency tonight and killer instinct on both sides of the floor. Their perimeter defence was horrible last time out with a lack of defensive drive.
We expect Jokic to attempt fewer shots and pass the ball more, raising his expected assists back to 16. That’s compared to 11 in Game 2 of Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets.
Top Scorers Predictions for Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets
Predicting the top scorer for the Heat has been like shooting darts in the dark in the last few games. However, considering how we expect this game to go, it’s fair to assume that it will be Jimmy Butler tonight.
Butler has been their top scorer this postseason, averaging 27.3 points per game. Despite not being as consistent as we would have liked, he usually steps it up when his team is down and we expect him to do exactly that tonight.
For the Denver Nuggets, we are taking Jamal Murray to be their top scorer. We have already backed him to go over 24.5 points and even though we expect a balanced scoring effort from the Nuggets, Jamal Murray will likely be the scoring leader.
Nuggets Need to Take Back the Lead
Betting sites around the world consider the Nuggets are the favourites to win Game 3, and they are available to get it done at 8/11 odds. Even with their terrible performance last time out, it’s no surprise to see this.
Mike Malone’s team has been amazing this season, and they have only lost 4 games in the playoffs so far. They are the better team with better options on offence and we expect them to come out on top tonight.
Last results of the teams
The Miami Heat are 2-2 over their last 4 games, winning and losing 1 game apiece against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Conference East Finals and the Nuggets in this series. They are coming off an excellent performance last time out and are teeming with confidence.
The Denver Nuggets have won 4 of their last 5 games, covering the spread in 3. They have been the best and most efficient offence in the league this postseason, ranking 1st in offensive rating with 119.5.
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Odds
Miami Heat – 6/5
Denver Nuggets – 8/11
