The Miami Heat forced Nikola Jokic to become more of a scorer than a distributor in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, and it appeared to work. The Nuggets won Game 1 going way, and Jokic had 27 points and 14 assists. In Game 2, Jokic had 41 points, taking 16 more shots than he did in Game 1, but he only had four assists. In Game 1, he posted up nine times and shot on five of those occasions, distributing the other four. In Game 2, he posted up 13 times and shot on 10 of those. Frequently, when the ball goes inside to Jokic, it comes out to a three-point shooter, but that didn’t happen successfully at all in Game 2. Miami won Game 2 by three points, giving the Nuggets their first home loss in the playoffs – and their third loss in these playoffs in which Jokic has scored at least 40 points. When he has 39 or fewer points, they are 13-1 in the postseason. How will Denver adjust for Game 3? We’ll see – in the meantime, check out our NBA betting preview on Tuesday’s showdown.
NBA Finals Betting Preview of the Game 3 Denver Nuggets at Miami Heat
Series tied, 1-1
When: Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 8:30 pm ET
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami
TV: ABC
Radio: ESPN Radio
Live Stream: Sling TV
NBA Odds: Miami -2.5 / O/U 216.5
Why should you bet on the Nuggets?
Denver had Game 2 under control after some early struggles, going into the locker room up, 57-51, at the half and entering the fourth quarter leading by eight, 83-75. The Heat went on a 15-2 run to start the fourth quarter, though, and they held on for the 111-108 victory. After the game, Nuggets head coach Mike Malone said, “Let’s talk about effort. I mean, this is the NBA Finals and we’re talking about effort. That’s a huge concern of mine.” This echoed comments he had made about Game 1 in which he mentioned that Denver could have shown a lot more energy.
Jokic needs more help around him in Game 3; Jamal Murray did put up 18 points and 10 assists, but he shot well below 50 percent from the floor. The Nuggets shot 52% as a team, but when crunch time came in the fourth, Miami did more to hustle. The Heat knocked down 17 three-pointers in the game, some of which on wide-open looks when the Nuggets simply did not rotate in coverage, especially in the fourth quarter. If you like the Nuggets, you see them remedying the problem.
Bet on the Nuggets!
Why should you put your money on the Heat?
Tyler Herro could be the X-factor for the Heat starting in Game 3, as he is finally set to return from an extended injury. His sharpshooting could transform this series. However, his lack of defense could also open the door for Denver to go nuts on offense again. The Heat prospered in Game 2, especially in the fourth quarter, by jamming up the Nuggets’ perimeter shooters, but with Herro out there, that defense could have a lot more cracks.
In Game 2, Gabe Vincent had a huge night, leading the way with 23 points. Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler each contributed 21, and Max Strus scored 14. With that kind of scoring distribution, Miami becomes a lot tougher team to beat. This team is more about a system than about stars, and it’s that system that has gotten the Heat to the Finals.
Bet on the Heat!
Final Score and Prediction
Denver has answered question after question all season long, and all they need in Miami is a split to get home court back. I see them playing a complete game this time, and I see the guards working harder, both on defensive coverage and offensive ball movement, to right the ship. I predict a final score of Denver 112, Miami 108.
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