The Miami Heat will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. The Nuggets cruised to a Game 1 victory over the Heat. The victory had some people claiming that Denver was destined to win in four games. However, the Heat rebounded with an impressive Game 2 win.
With the series all knotted up at one game apiece, Game 3 holds much importance without question. Upsetting the odds once again will prove to be a challenge for the Heat though. Nevertheless, they are going to give all they have in this affair.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST on Wednesday, June 7 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL. Let’s take a look at the Heat vs Nuggets odds, NBA picks, and NBA Playoffs betting analysis.
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Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Facts & Trends
- The Miami Heat are 45-56-3 against the spread this season.
- The Heat are 21-28-2 against the spread when playing at home.
- Miami is 23-17 against the spread when playing as an underdog.
- They are 7-2 against the spread as a home underdog.
- The Denver Nuggets are 54-44-1 against the spread this year.
- The Nuggets are 23-25 against the spread when playing on the road.
- Denver is 38-36-1 against the spread when playing as a favorite.
- They are 11-17 against the spread as an away favorite.
The Heat are narrow underdogs at home. However, they certainly weren’t favored on the road in Denver and still managed to earn a split.
Overall, the Nuggets have been the better team against the spread. They have been fairly mediocre against the spread on the road, which isn’t all that bad. Meanwhile, the Heat have dealt with their share of struggles when trying to cover the spread at home.
The Miami Heat does a good job against the spread as an underdog though. The Nuggets have been solid against the spread overall as the favorite. However, Denver Nuggets picks haven’t been quite as effective when the team is listed as an away favorite.
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Matchup Information
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST in Miami.
The Nuggets entered the series as heavy favorites. They enjoyed a remarkable 2022-23 season and ultimately performed well throughout the Western Conference playoffs. That said, this Game 3 feels like a must-win affair in a sense.
Going down 1-2 against the Heat on the road would be far from ideal. They obviously wouldn’t be out of the series with a loss, but the Nuggets want to get the job done in Game 3. They are favored by a narrow margin heading into the game.
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Odds
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Betting Previews
Betting on Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets look like a truly dominant force in Game 1. The Heat had no answer for Nikola Jokic’s dominant versatility, and the entire Denver roster seemingly stepped up.
However, the Heat stuck around and made things interesting, losing 103-94. The fact that the Nuggets played so well and still only won by nine points was fairly concerning. Sure enough, the Heat roared back with a 111-108 win in Game 2.
Jokic did everything he could in the loss. He scored 41 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. That said, he only dished out four assists. Jokic took 28 shots, while the next highest shot-taker was Murray, with 15. Nobody else took more than eight shots. Jamal Murray scored 18 points, but for the most part the Nuggets struggled (with the obvious exception of Jokic) on offense.
Denver was efficient in the game, shooting 52 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from beyond the arc. However, the Heat did a great job of controlling the pace and not allowing the Nuggets to shoot in high-volume. The Nuggets need more offensive production as a team. Regardless, the Nuggets vs Heat odds still favor Denver.
Betting on Miami Heat
The Miami Heat bounced back nicely from their Game 1 loss with a Game 2 victory. It’s unclear what their defensive plan was, but it worked. Despite Jokic’s outburst, the Heat still performed well on the defensive end. Offensively, Miami stepped up and shot the ball well following an abysmal shooting performance in game 1.
The Heat shot 48.7 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from deep. Six different players made at least two or more three-pointers in the game. Max Strus led the way with four three-pointers.
Miami’s offensive efficiency helped them control the tempo in this contest. Denver was left searching for answers but the Heat continued to make them pay from all over the court. Jimmy Butler didn’t have his best game, but he was able to dish out nine assists.
If Butler finds his rhythm in game 3 the Nuggets will be in trouble. Even if he doesn’t, though, the Heat’s roster is capable of stepping up. They have plenty of shooters who are reliable, and Bam Adebayo is one of the best all-around big men in the NBA.
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets
- The Nuggets have no injuries to report.
Miami Heat
- After there was initial optimism for Tyler Herro’s (hand) potential Game 3 return, he has officially been ruled out for Game 3.
- Cody Zeller (foot) is probable for Wednesday’s contest.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
- Betonline: Denver Nuggets -2
- Bovada: Denver Nuggets -2.5
- MyBookie: Denver Nuggets -2.5
- BetUS: Denver Nuggets -2.5
- BetNow: Denver Nuggets -2.5
The Nuggets are favored by just 2-2.5 points. After reviewing Bovada NBA and the rest of the Heat vs Nuggets odds, it’s time to reveal our pick for Wednesday.
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Picks & Predictions
We can expect another competitive game. Although the NBA odds favor the Nuggets, the Heat are worth taking a chance on as the home underdog.
The Pick
Take the Miami Heat -2 with your betting selection.
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