Following the Miami Heat’s impressive 111-108 victory over the Nuggets in Game 2 on Sunday night, the series is now tied at 1-1. As the two teams prepare to compete at Kaseya Center, Denver is currently favored by -2 points, with a 214.5-point total.
It remains to be seen whether Miami can maintain their winning streak on home turf, or if Denver will take control of the series. Join us as we analyze and break down the upcoming Game 3 between these two formidable teams.
Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat Game 3 Preview
Miami did the best thing they could do, and that is to return home to Florida with a 1-1 series. The Heat tightened up the defense and shot 48% from downtown to win Game 2 by a score of 111-108.
Denver Series Highlights
- Michael Porter Jr. shot 2-8 from the field and 1-6 downtown in Game 2 and has underperformed offensively against Miami.
- Nikola Jokic is an assist shy of averaging a triple-double against the Heat
- Jamal Murray went 3-8 from downtown in Game 2 but is averaging 22 points against Miami
- Aaron Gordon is shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc with +/- 4 against the Heat
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a +/- -4.5 during the NBA Finals
Miami Series Highlights
- Newark New Jersey native Bam Adebayo leads Miami in scoring and a +/- 5 against Denver
- Gabe Vincent is shooting 56.3% from downtown against Denver with a +/- 11
- Jimmy Butler is shooting 38% from the field with a +/- -7 against the Nuggets
- Caleb Martin is knocking down triples but has a +/- -8.5 in this series
- Max Strus is having a difficult series, shooting 20% from the field and 21% from outside the arc
- Kyle Lowry is shooting exceptionally well but leads the Heat with 2.5 turnovers
Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat Best Bet: Heat +2 -106 (BetRivers)
Miami is a +2 point underdog, and my best bet is for Miami to cover the spread Wednesday.
The Heat leveling this series was just what the doctor ordered, and Miami has a good chance to take the lead with a Game 3 victory. Their fourth-quarter defensive adjustment from man to man to playing a zone defense was the straw that broke the Nuggets home court advantage.
Strus and Vincent draining triples will be key for Miami to cover the spread. Strus has really struggled with his shot and playing at home should give him some additional confidence. Vincent likely won’t drain 50% or better from downtown, but Miami needs their guards to score from downtown and continue to defend.
Denver averaged 13.8 turnovers per game during the regular season and averaged roughly the same amount during this series. That’s up from the 11.5 turnovers averaged during the playoffs and the hostile Miami crowd is going to make matters worse for the Nuggets.
Miami has done a great job keeping Porter from hurting them offensively, and that’s the key to beating Denver. Jokic and Murray will get their buckets, but if Miami can hold Caldwell-Pope and Porter to 3-12 shooting and 11 combined points, the Heat will cover the spread.
Finally, look for Adebayo to continue his dominant play on both ends of the floor and Butler to be “Jimmy Buckets”. If Strus can get his shot to fall, and he is more than due, and Vincent plays the way he’s been playing, Miami will not only cover the spread but win this game outright. Heat +2 -106 (BetRivers)
