The Denver Nuggets took care of business in Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals, defeating the Miami Heat 104-93. Heading into Game 2 on Sunday, June 4, Miami needs a strong performance to tie this series. This should be a competitive game, and we are here to break it all down with a Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 predictions, odds, and props preview.
Denver closed as an 8.5-point favorite at most sports betting apps for Game 1. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Nuggets are laying 8.5 points again for Game 2. The Nuggets’ series price odds opened as low as -400 at BetMGM and up to -460 at FanDuel. After the Game 1 victory, Denver is as high as -900 at Caesars Sportsbook to win the 2023 NBA Finals.
NBA Finals: Odds to win 2023 NBA Finals | Game 2 Odds | NBA Finals Schedule
Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 Odds: Spread, Moenyline, Total
The Nuggets won the first NBA Finals game ever in franchise history, and although they won by only 11, it felt like much more than that. However, throughout the entire postseason, Miami has been a tough team to put away, especially against the spread, as was evident in Game 1.
Before placing your Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 bets, check out the odds and lines from the top US sports betting apps. This will ensure you get the best number for your wager and open you up to each sportsbook’s bonus offers.
Here are the Heat vs. Nuggets odds for Game 2, including spread, moneyline, and total.
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Heat vs. Nuggets Series Price
Denver opened as big favorites to win the NBA Finals, and with the Game 1 victory, their odds have gotten even shorter. This also means that Miami’s series price odds are very attractive, especially if you believe the Heat will make this a series.
If you want to bet on Miami to win the NBA Finals, we recommend checking out Caesars Sportsbook, where you can get +600 odds on the Miami Heat to win the NBA Finals.
Here is the updated Heat vs. Nuggets series price odds before Game 2.
| Team | DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM (Code TODAY) | Caesars Sportsbook (Code TODAYFULL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuggets | -5000 | -6000 | -5000 | -10000 |
| Heat | +1600 | +2400 | +1800 | +2000 |
Heat vs. Nuggets Betting Trends & Notes
The Nuggets are now 5-2 ATS in the last seven games, and for the playoffs, Denver has covered 10 of its 16 postseason games. At Ball Arena, the Nuggets are a perfect 9-0 ATS, and they have knocked off the Heat in seven of the last eight games played in Denver.
Meanwhile, Miami closed as an 8.5-point underdog in Game 1, and although they were never really close, they were well within striking range of a backdoor cover to end the game. This has been the theme for Miami all postseason, as the Heat have come back from multiple second-half deficits.
While they have struggled with the Nuggets, the Heat are 7-3 ATS on the road, and five of their 12 playoff wins have been away from home. The Heat did not shoot horribly in Game 1, but inconsistency in the first half led to the Nuggets pulling away early, and Miami could not penetrate the Nuggets’ defense.
Miami Heat Betting Trends
- Miami is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
- The total has gone UNDER in five of Miami’s last five games
- Miami is 0-7 ATS in its last seven games against Denver
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of Miami’s last 14 road games
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
- Denver is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games
- The total has gone UNDER in five of Denver’s last seven games
- The total has gone OVER in five of Denver’s last six games against Miami
- Denver is 11-0 SU in its last 11 home games
More Finals Action: NBA Finals Series Price | Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 SGP
Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 Prop Bets
Jimmy Butler Over 6.5 Assists (+105, DraftKings)
It was not a good night for Butler, as he only scored 13 points on 14 shots. Throughout the postseason, Butler has been huge for this team down the stretch, and a big part of that was his aggressiveness in getting a shot off. In Game 1, he went away from that and looked to distribute the ball to his teammates.
That was a poor strategy, as Max Strus went 0-of-9 from three, and Caleb Martin could only get two three-pointers up, and he only made one. However, Butler has done a really nice job getting his teammates involved all postseason, which has played a big part in Miami’s shooting resurgence in the playoffs.
In Game 1, Butler totaled seven assists, and throughout the playoffs, Butler has gone over this number six times. Miami took 39 three-point attempts in Game 1, and if they fall behind early in the game, they could turn to three once more, which has treated them very well in the playoffs.
This will create more assist opportunities for Butler, and you have to think Miami will allow its sharpshooters to let it fly. At plus value, this prop is well worth a play.
Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 Predictions
As a Heat +9.5 bettor, you have to feel good about Miami getting 8.5 points in Game 2. Despite a poor shooting night from some of Miami’s most reliable scorers, they had a chance to cover the 9.5-point spread with the final possession but ultimately lost by 11.
Now, the Heat did close at 8.5 point underdogs, but we found Miami getting 9.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook, which is why checking the odds and lines from each book is so important. When betting on an underdog, every half-point counts.
For Game 2, we will once again roll with Miami to cover the spread. It felt like Denver was in complete control of the game from the jump, but as they have been all season, the Heat are an absolute chore to play against.
If Miami gets its shooting touch back, which they should, given how good Martin, Strus, and Duncan Robinson have been from deep, they can easily win this game. It also helps that Tyler Herro could be available to make his return in Game 2, which gives the Heat a much-needed pure-scoring presence.
Again, Denver will end up winning this game because they are so overwhelmingly great on both ends of the court, but expect Miami to keep this one close and cover the spread.
Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 Pick: Miami +8.5 via FanDuel Sportsbook
How To Watch Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2
Date: Sunday, June 4
Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Ball Arena – Denver, CO
Where to Watch: ABC
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