Heat vs. Nuggets Game 1 Prediction
The Heat and Nuggets will clash for Game 1 of the NBA Finals at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night. With the total sitting at 219 points, will this opening game matchup turn into a shootout?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
513 Miami Heat (+8.5) at 514 Denver Nuggets (-8.5); o/u 219
8:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 1, 2023
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
TV: ABC
Heat vs. Nuggets Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 57% of public bettors are currently backing the Heat when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Miami Heat DFS Spin
Erik Spoelstra said on Wednesday that Tyler Herro (fractured right hand) won’t play in Game 1 against Denver on Thursday. Spo also said that “[Herro’s] not there yet” as far as returning. Other reports indicated that Herro is targeting a return in Game 3, which would be the first game of the series in Miami. If the Heat want to complete this miraculous run that they’re on, they’ll need Herro’s offense.
Denver Nuggets DFS Spin
Nikola Jokic turned in 30 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, a steal, three blocks and three triples in Monday’s win over the Lakers. Jokic was masterful in the come-from-behind victory, getting involved on both ends of the floor and hitting some more difficult jumpers as the shot clock expired. He delivered 13 points in the Nuggets’ monster third quarter, in which Denver outscored Los Angeles 36-16. That strong play out of the break proved to be the turning point in the game after the Nuggets went down 73-58 in the first half. Los Angeles battled back late, and Jokic played great basketball down the stretch. The two-time MVP has the Nuggets playing in the team’s first ever NBA Finals, and he’ll look to stay hot against either the Celtics or the Heat when that series tips off on June 1.
Heat vs. Nuggets NBA Playoff Betting Trends
Heat are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Denver
Heat are 9-25 ATS in the last 34 meetings
Heat are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games
Heat are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall
Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games
Heat vs. Nuggets NBA Playoff Prediction:
The over is a perfect 5-0 in the last five meetings between these two teams and is 4-0 in the last four meetings between these two teams in Denver. The over is also 13-3 in the Heat’s last 16 games following a win of more than 10 points, is 10-3 in their last 13 road games and is 13-4 in their last 17 games following an ATS win. On the other side, the over is 10-1 in the Nuggets’ last 11 games versus a team with a winning record and has hit in six of their last seven games playing on three or more days of rest.
NBA FINALS GAME 1 OVER/UNDER PREDICTION: OVER 219
