Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Winner
The Denver Nuggets boast a perfect home record in the Playoffs so far. They are 2/9 to win Game Two, with the Heat way out at 7/2 in the odds.
Their respective regular season records show this to be a mismatch, even if Miami has made history by making the Finals as an eighth seed.
The series opener lived up to many pre-series predictions. Miami could not keep pace with Denver’s offence, and that’s a trend we expect to continue this weekend.
It’s a very short price, but Nuggets deserve their favourites status for Game Two of Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat.
Handicap Predictions
The Nuggets are 9.5-point favourites for Game Two after their 11-point victory in Game One. While the spread for the opening game of this series was larger than some expected, Denver covered a sizeable number on their home court.
In handicap betting this season, Denver has been the second-most profitable team to back on their home floor.
Miami has made a habit of upsetting the odds this postseason, but they looked overmatched for much of Thursday’s game. Our predictions expect that to continue.
At 1/1, Denver -9.5 represents good value.
Total Points Scored Predictions
The total for this game is set at 214.5. These teams combined for just 197 points in Game One, although some of that can be attributed to poor three-point shooting from both teams.
Miami has now gone under this total in four consecutive games. Denver has gone under in three of their last four, but they have also played some high-scoring games in each of the last two rounds.
Even with some improved shooting from beyond the arc, we like the chances of this going under 214.5 points at a price of 10/11.
Prop Bets Predictions
Aaron Gordon to score over 13.5 points is the best prop bet for Game Two of the NBA Finals.
Gordon has been an inconsistent scorer this postseason, but he starred with 22 points in the NBA Conference series-clinching win over the Lakers and had a big-time performance in Game One.
The former Magic forward got the Nuggets off to a hot start, taking advantage of mismatches and scoring 16 points on 10 shots. Miami is a small team. Denver was quick to get Gordon the ball when he had a smaller player on him.
Gordon is 10/11 for over 13.5 points at BetKing.
Our Analysis of the Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Game
Denver has won seven consecutive games. They have lost just three times in the Playoffs, and have been almost unstoppable at home. Miami have now lost four of their last five games.
The Heat need Jimmy Butler at his best if they are to be competitive in Game Two. Butler scored just 13 points on Thursday night, which continues a concerning trend after having some difficult games in the Conference Finals.
Game One couldn’t have gone much better for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon and Bruce Brown all had effective games to complement another triple-double from Nikola Jokic.
It’s no surprise the Nuggets are heavily favoured once again. The Heat need something special to avoid falling 2-0 behind.
Top Scorers Predictions for Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat
Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is projected to be the top scorer in Game Two of Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat. His points line is at 27.5. Jamal Murray and Jimmy Butler are tied at 26.5.
Jokic scored 27 in Game One, while Murray finished with 26. Murray was exceptional in the last round, however, and looks good value for over 26.5. He has had seven games with 30 or more points in these Playoffs.
We would lean towards the under with Butler’s points line. As expected, Aaron Gordon proved an excellent matchup for the Heat’s star wing. Butler has gone under this number in four of the last six games.
Nuggets Poised To Extend Perfect Home Record
Betting sites tabbed the Nuggets as heavy favourites before this series began, and nothing in Game One went against that assumption. Denver was the top seed in the Western NBA Conference and has been dominant throughout these Playoffs.
Nikola Jokic controlled proceedings from start to finish. He picked apart the Miami defence at will. Their lack of size was a problem, and their three-point shooters struggled against an effective Nuggets defence.
Homecourt advantage is significant in Denver. The altitude clearly played a part in Miami’s woes after a gruelling seven-game Conference Finals, but it isn’t going to get any easier for them this weekend.
Last results of the teams
Denver Nuggets Recent Results
Denver Nuggets 104-93 Miami Heat
Los Angeles Lakers 111-113 Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Lakers 108-119 Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets 108-103 Los Angeles Lakers
Miami Heat Recent Results
Denver Nuggets 104-93 Miami Heat
Boston Celtics 84-103 Miami Heat
Miami Heat 103-104 Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics 110-97 Miami Heat
Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Odds
Denver Nuggets – 2/9
Miami Heat – 7/2
