The Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets collide in Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals on Sunday evening. The Nuggets have a chance to take a 2-0 series lead for the fourth time this postseason. On Thursday, Denver beat the Miami Heat 104-93. The Heat are averaging 110.7 points per game in the 2023 NBA playoffs, while the Nuggets are putting up 115.6 points per contest.
Tipoff from Ball Arena in Denver is set for 8 p.m. ET. Denver is an 8.5-point favorite in the latest Heat vs. Nuggets odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 216.5. Before making any Nuggets vs. Heat picks, make sure you check out what proven SportsLine NBA expert Matthew Severance has to say.
Matt Severance is a well-connected writer and handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, Matt quickly established himself as a top expert in multiple sports. Over his past 163 NBA picks, he is 106-56-1 against the spread, returning $3,489 for $100 players. Anybody following him has seen huge returns.
Now, Severance has set his sights on Heat vs. Nuggets and just locked in his picks and NBA Finals predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Heat vs. Nuggets:
- Heat vs. Nuggets spread: Denver -8.5
- Heat vs. Nuggets over/under: 216.5 points
- Heat vs. Nuggets money line: Denver -365, Miami +285
- MIA: The Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five Sunday games
- DEN: The Nuggets are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games
- Heat vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Nuggets can cover
Guard Jamal Murray is a fearless bucket-getter for the Nuggets. Murray has a knack for creating offense for himself due to his effortless jumper and finesse at the rim. The Kentucky product ranks second on the team in points (27.6) with 5.5 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game during the postseason. In Game 1, Murray finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists.
Forward Aaron Gordon thrives attacking the lane. Gordon has great leaping ability and excels at finishing through contact. The Arizona product was aggressive in Game 1 and used his size to his advantage. He totaled 16 points and six boards in Thursday's win. Gordon is logging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during the 2023 NBA playoffs. See which team to pick here.
Why the Heat can cover
Forward Jimmy Butler has been the best player throughout the playoffs for Miami. Butler is relentlessly attacking the lane and owns a smooth mid-range jump shot. The Marquette product also does a great job getting his teammates involved. Butler is first on the team in points (27.6), assists (5.8), and steals (2) in the postseason. On May 29 versus the Celtics, he supplied 28 points, seven boards, and six assists.
Forward Caleb Martin provides a reliable threat off the bench. Martin excels in transition and has the ball handles to create offense for himself. Additionally, the Nevada product piles up rebounds. The 27-year-old averages 13.5 points and 5.6 boards per game. On May 27, Martin racked up 21 points and 15 rebounds. See which team to pick here.
How to make Heat vs. Nuggets picks
Severance is leaning Under on the point total, and he has identified a critical X-factor he says makes one side of the spread a must-back. You can find out what it is, and see which side of the Heat vs. Nuggets spread to back, at SportsLine.
Who wins Heat vs. Nuggets, and what critical x-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Heat vs. Nuggets spread you need to jump on Sunday, all from the expert who has returned $3,489 to $100 players over his last 163 NBA picks, and find out.
