NBA Finals preview and tips: Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets - Game Two
- George Dempsey
- 4 June 2023
Denver Nuggets hold a 1-0 lead over Miami Heat as the pair meet at Ball Arena for Game Two of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
Game one produced a comfortable yet controlled victory for the Denver Nuggets, who did the basics well and kept Miami are arm's length in a low-scoring match.
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Heat @ Nuggets - Game Two verdict
It's no surprise that Miami Heat were a little flat after such an emotionally and physically draining series against the Boston Celtics. Denver won by a clear margin and the game two line hasn't moved. SX.bet have made Denver a -8.5 favourite on the spread.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets looked fresh and focused, and they did exactly what they needed to do. They never really let the shackles off as they felt out Miami in game one.
Despite that, Nikola Jokic was able to produce another triple-double, scoring 24 points, dishing 14 assists and grabbing 10 boards.
Bam Adebayo excelled during game one with 26 points and 13 rebounds but Miami never got the sort of production they always hope for from Jimmy Buttler.
We backed the over in game one and it wasn't even close. We highlighted how at least one of the first two games have been high-scoring for these teams in the playoffs.
We think the new total for this evening, a full four points lower, is an overreaction. It's one of the lowest we've seen for Denver and already it's been heavily backed up to a higher number.
Butler has to have a big game if the Heat are to avoid falling 2-0 behind before heading home. It's also worth noting they did limit the Nuggets from three-point range, so Denver can improve there.
Miami shot just 40% and it could have been so much better considering they threw up 96 shots. They also show just two free throws, so some added aggression will be necessary.
There is so much room for improvement in game two and now that Miami have had a rest and have their legs under them, we expect a more intense contest. Bet over the total in game two between Denver and Miami.
