The Denver Nuggets coasted to a 104-93 victory over the Heat and opened their first-ever NBA Finals appearance on rousing success. Home advantage and plenty of rest meant a tough challenge for a Miami squad coming from a seven-game series.

The hosts took advantage of the situation and took control of Game 1. They now hold onto the momentum leading up to Game 2, which presents another daunting challenge for the Eastern Conference eighth seed. Nevertheless, we expect a closer game now that the challengers settle in Mile High City and its loud Ball Arena crowd.

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out key assists and lob passes with betting tips and news coverage throughout the 2023 NBA Playoffs. We break down the upcoming playoff showdown between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets.

Heat vs. Nuggets 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Information

• When: Sunday, June 4, 2023, 8:30 PM ET
• Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
• TV: ABC
• Radio: 560 The Joe WQAM (Heat) // Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM (Nuggets)
• Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Odds: Heat (+8.5) // Nuggets (-8.5)

Why Bet on the Miami Heat?

Miami struggled to keep up with Denver’s offense in Game 1. They shot below 40% at one point, but eventually reeled the numbers back up to 40.6% from the field by the end of the game. They were 39 of 96 shooting and 33.3% from deep. The Heat also had an all-time-low two free throws in a playoff game, both of which they hit. Bam Adebayo was Miami’s leading scorer with 26 points on 13 of 25 from the field and led his team in rebounding with 13 boards.

Jimmy Buckets had a relatively quiet night for the franchise with only 13 points, seven rebounds, and a team-best seven assists. Gabe Vincent had 19 points, two rebounds, and five assists, while Highsmith and Lowry had 18 and 11 points, respectively, off the bench. As a team, Miami picked up 43 rebounds and 26 assists. They struggled to score in the paint and put up only 38 points in four quarters.

Miami has three more playoff games than Denver this year. In 18 contests, the franchise averaged 111.7 points on 47.2% from the field and 33.6% from deep. The group also collects 41.0 rebounds, 24.2 assists, and 3.4 blocks. They have the numbers to keep the Nuggets on their toes. It’s just a matter of consistency and if they can stay lively on the defensive end come Game 2.

Why Bet on the Denver Nuggets?

The hosts were near unstoppable from both ends of the floor in the wake of a near-10-day rest. Denver finished the night shooting 50.6% from the field and 80.0% from the line. Although they struggled to hit deep shots at eight of 27 and 29.6%, they were brilliant in almost every aspect of the clash. Of course, big man Nikola Jokic capped his stint with another triple-double performance. The Serbian led his team in scoring and assists with 27 and 14, respectively. He also had ten boards, but Michael Porter Jr. was the more active rebounder with 13 to his name on top of 14 points and a dime.

The two other starters, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, had double-digit figures. Murray had 26 and Gordon scored 16 points. Bruce Brown Jr. also sparked some life off the bench and scored ten points. All in all, the Nuggets got away with 46 points in the paint and converted Miami’s eight turnovers to nine points.

Denver is an incredibly efficient team. In 15 playoff games, they averaged 116.4 points on nearly 50% from the field. They also have a rather impressive three-point shooting rated at 38.6% parallel to 44.2 total rebounds and 25.9 assists per game.

Heat vs. Nuggets Betting Trends

• Miami won three of its last five road playoff contests (3-2 ATS).
• The Heat are 1-4 in the last five road games versus the Nuggets (1-4 ATS).
• The totals went under in three of Miami’s last five road playoff games.
• The Nuggets are 5-0 in the last five meetings with the Heat (5-0 ATS).
• Denver are 7-0 SU in their last 7 games.
• The totals have gone over in four of Denver’s last five games against Miami.

Heat vs. Nuggets 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Expert Betting Prediction

Now that we’ve seen how Denver operates at Ball Arena, we know that they don’t easily cave under pressure. Game 2 keeps them in favor on paper with home advantage and a morale booster from their opening-game win. However, we’ve seen the Heat defy the odds repeatedly. They are known for bringing bettors rewarding moments. Miami is a good pick against the odds as a playoff underdog. Covering the spread files a reasonable narrative for the visitors now that they felt what it’s like to engage in playoff basketball versus Denver.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.

READ MORE: Nuggets vs. Heat 2023 NBA Finals Game 3 Odds and Preview – June 7th