Nuggets vs. Prediction, odds, selection, spread
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The Nuggets have been red-hot recently coming into this matchup, while the Heat have struggled with consistency all season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Nuggets-Heat prediction and pick.
The Nuggets have been hot recently, entering this game against the Heat with a 24-16 record and having won five of their last six games. They have stars on the list, such as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murrayand finally become more consistent as a team. This is a big game for the Nuggets to make a statement against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.
The heat was very high this year. Tyler Hero and Jimmy Butler were two of the biggest keys for the Heat, but it seems Butler is leaving for trade. However, thanks to how good coach Erik Spoelstra is, they are the biggest X-factor in the East. They are 20-19 but have lost two straight entering this match. This is a big game for the Heat to try to get back on track.
Here’s Nuggets-Heat NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.
NBA odds: Nuggets-heat odds
Denver Nuggets: -1 (-106)
Moneilines: -110
Miami Heat: +1 (-114)
Moneilines: -106
Over: 226.5 (-110)
Under: 226.5 (-110)
How to watch Nuggets vs. Heat
Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
TV: Altitude Sports and Entertainment/FanDuel Sports Sun
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*
Why the Nuggets could cover the spread/win
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The Nuggets offense was great and one of the best in the NBA. They are third in scoring with 120 points per game, second in field goal percentage with 50%, and third in three-point percentage with 38.2%. Six Nuggets have scored in double figures this season. Nikola Jokic leads the team in points per game and assists with 30.6 points and 9.9 assists per game.
The offense revolves around Jokic, and after missing their last matchup, Jokic should be available against the Heat. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have also been excellent as backups to Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets are one of the best offenses in the NBA, and this is a matchup of strength against the Heat’s great defense.
The Heat have been inconsistent and unimpressive offensively this year. They are 21st in scoring at 110.7 points per game, 20th in field goal percentage at 45.5% and 12th in three-point field goal percentage at 36.9%. Five different Heat players are averaging double figures in points, with Tyler Hero leading the way with 24.3 points per game.
Hero also leads the team in assists, with five per game. Tyler Hero and Bam Adebayo have even more pressure now that Jimmy Butler is suspended and out for the next few games. The Heat have a great matchup against the Nuggets, and how the Nuggets have struggled on that side of the court.
Why the heat might cover the spread/win
The Nuggets defense has been surprisingly inconsistent this season. They are 23rd in points allowed, at 116 per game, 15th in field goal defense, at 46.4%, and eighth in three-point defense, at 35.3%, from behind the arc. Jokic leads in rebounds with 13.2 per game, ranks among the top three rebounders in the entire NBA and dominates the frontcourt. On the low end, only one player is averaging at least one block, with Watson averaging 1.1 per game.
Their strength is on-ball defense, with four Nuggets averaging at least one steal per game. Jokić is also the leader in this category with 1.8 per game. Jokic does everything for the Nuggets and is the biggest key on defense as much as offense. The Heat don’t have frontcourt depth for Jokic, and the rest of the offense is at best this season. The Nuggets should have a decent matchup against this offense that hasn’t been impressive at all
The Heat defense has been excellent this year. They are seventh in scoring defense, with 109.5 points per game, 12th in field goal defense, 46%, and 12th in three-point defense, 35.5%. Bam Adebayo was the best player down low, leading the team with 9.6 rebounds per game. Kel ‘el Ware is the leader in blocks, with 0.9 per game.
The Heat’s biggest strength is their defense. The Nuggets offense has been good, so this matchup is important. The Heat’s defense allows them to compete in games, but it will be more difficult if Butler is unavailable.
Final Nuggets-Heat Prediction & Pick
The Nuggets should win this game. The Heat remain above water without Jimmy Butler, but his absence will only hurt in a game like this. The Nuggets have been dealing with some injuries, but should be healthier in this matchup as well, with Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon available. The Nuggets are the better team and should win and cover this game on the road.
Nuggets-Heat final forecast and pick: Denver Nuggets -1 (-106)
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2025-01-17 17:19:00
