Nuggets vs Heat Game 2 Odds: One Step Closer To History

• The Nuggets won Game One 104-93 
• Denver had a 17-point halftime lead 
• Jimmy Butler scored only 13 points while Nikola Jokic lodged a triple-double

The Denver Nuggets host the Miami Heat in Game Two of the NBA Finals Sunday night just a couple of days after cruising to a Game One win 104-93 as they inch closer to their franchise’s first championship. 

Nuggets vs Heat Game 2 Odds

Odds taken from BetMGM

$1,000 BetMGM NBA Playoffs Promo

BetMGM sportsbook is offering a special promo code to all first-time NBA bettors that promises up to $1,000 back in the form of bet credits if a user’s first bet misses.

For example, a user that signs up using a BetMGM promo code and loses $300 with their first bet will receive $300 back in the form of bet credits, which can then be used to win cash prizes in any market on BetMGM. Full terms and conditions apply.

If you're interested in other sportsbooks - check out our best NBA betting sites and get the best betting experience!  

What Happened in Game One?

The Nuggets stamped their authority on the series by rolling to a commanding win in Game One on their home court. They were expected to do exactly that after a week-plus of rest coming off of their four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals and with their undefeated record at home in the playoffs.

The Heat looked like a tired bunch of bandits that had just gone seven games against the Boston Celtics. Most of their shooters could not find the mark from long range, everyone except for Bam Adebayo was outworked on the glass, and their leader, Jimmy Butler, was stuck in neutral. Butler’s poor showing in particular was especially hurtful since Adebayo had a brilliant offensive night.

The Nuggets were heavy favorites to win the series before it started and look like they are up to the task of meeting those expectations. Granted, it’s only been one game, but the Heat don’t have many players they can go to off the bench that will disrupt the Nuggets’ attack, and they are going to have to hope to keep pace with them offensively instead of slowing them down. Denver is also much taller and stronger, and there’s nothing that can be done about that. 

Key Stats from Game One

Nikola Jokic had total control over the game despite only taking five shots in the first three quarters and wound up with 27 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds, joining Jason Kidd as the only players to notch triple-doubles in their NBA Finals debut. Jokic was also the player who slammed the door in the fourth quarter and ensured the Heat wouldn’t produce a signature comeback.

Jamal Murray was also brilliant for Denver and wound up with 24 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. had 14 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks, and was a game-high +20, and Aaron Gordon chipped in 16 points and six rebounds. Denver’ starting five fit together as seamlessly as ever and executed nearly every trip down the floor.

Butler was a huge no-show for the Heat and walked away with just 13 points (including six in the final three quarters of play), seven assists, and seven rebounds. Adebayo was the star with 26 points and 13 rebounds, Gabe Vincent made five of 10 threes and scored 19 points, Haywood Highsmith scored 18 points, and Kyle Lowry had another 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Miami had the role player support to get a win if Butler was at his best. 

Nuggets vs Heat Game Two Preview

The Heat got a clear reminder that the Nuggets are a more well-drilled and disciplined team than the Celtics. They managed to create and exploit mismatches on the defensive end all night long and were also able to get moving in transition nearly every time they wanted to despite Miami extending their pressure beyond half-court. 

The Heat had Caleb Martin guarding Murray at different points in the game and would be wise to keep him there and try to bother him with length. Cody Zeller likely played his way out of the series with his terrible performance in limited minutes against Jokic, and it could be time to see how Kevin Love handles the Joker.

Miami fans will say that Max Strus, Martin, and Duncan Robinson shot 2-16 from three and everything will be fine when they return to normal, but that’s disingenuous. The Nuggets also shot poorly from three (29.6%) and Miami shockingly set a Finals record for the fewest free-throw attempts in a game with just two. They need to get back to attacking the basket to create more interior pressure and also open up more space for their outside shooters.

How Do the Nuggets Win?

The Nuggets have been the best offensive team in the and have a nearly-identical defensive rating to the Heat. Their way to win the series is to simply take care of business at home and continue doing exactly what they have done. Miami has nobody that can stand up to Jokic, and their supporting cast has a clear description of what they need to do and execute nearly every night.

How Do the Heat Win?

The Heat cannot win this series if Butler is not playing at an all-world level. The good news is that several members of the supporting cast have been there nearly every night throughout the playoffs, and Vincent, Highsmith, and Lowry were there in Game One. Get back to basics, attack the rim, collapse the defense, and see what happens.

Nuggets vs Heat Game Two Pick

The Nuggets are now 10-6 against the spread in the playoffs compared to the Heat’s 13-7 record. They covered in Game One, and we expect them to do the same on Sunday. 

Their offense is simply too potent, and they are playing their best defense of the year.

How to Watch Nuggets vs Heat Game 2

• Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
• When: Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ABC
• Streaming: YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, etc.