The basketball world’s focus is on Denver as the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets prepare for Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals on Sunday night. Denver emerged victorious in the series opener, securing an 11-point win and the early advantage. Miami, on the other hand, hopes to maintain its resilience from a historic playoff run and recover from a disappointing shooting performance in Game 1.
Denver hosts the game at 8 p.m. ET, with Caesars Sportsbook listing the Nuggets as 8.5-point home favorites. The over/under for the game is set at 216 points. Before placing any bets on Nuggets vs. Heat, consult SportsLine’s advanced computer model for guidance.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has generated over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks in the past four-plus seasons. The model boasts an impressive 72-38 record on all top-rated NBA selections this season, netting nearly $2,900. Following the model has yielded significant returns.
For the Heat vs. Nuggets matchup, the model locked in its picks and NBA Finals predictions. Visit SportsLine to view the model’s selections. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Nuggets vs. Heat:
- Heat vs. Nuggets spread: Nuggets -8.5
- Heat vs. Nuggets over/under: 216 points
- Heat vs. Nuggets money line: Nuggets -385, Heat +300
- MIA: The Heat are 22-28-1 against the spread in road games
- DEN: The Nuggets are 31-18-1 against the spread in home games
- Heat vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Heat can cover
Despite a lackluster shooting performance in Game 1, Miami has a strong offensive track record. The Heat committed only eight turnovers in the opener, with All-Star center Bam Adebayo contributing 26 points and 13 rebounds. Miami boasts an impressive 38.7% shooting accuracy from the 3-point range during the postseason, leading the NBA. Additionally, the Heat rank second in free throw shooting during the regular season and are guided by superstar Jimmy Butler, who averages 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in the playoffs. Visit SportsLine to see which team to pick.
Why the Nuggets can cover
The Nuggets are dominating the competition in the 2023 NBA playoffs, with more than 1.19 points per possession and the best offensive record. Despite poor 3-point shooting in the opener, Denver’s defensive effort was exceptional, holding the Miami Heat to 41% shooting from the field and 33% from the 3-point range. Denver also excelled in avoiding fouls, yielding only two free throw attempts and securing the defensive glass. With an undefeated home record and high-altitude advantage, the Nuggets have reason to be confident. Visit SportsLine to see which team to pick.
How to make Nuggets vs. Heat picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning over on the total, projecting 219 combined points. The model also predicts that one side of the spread will hit well over 50% of the time. To view the model’s NBA playoff picks, head to SportsLine.
