Heat vs Nuggets Odds, and Picks (Game 5)

• The Heat failed to win in Miami, going down 3-1 in the series.
• Denver got a crucial, 108-95, road victory in Game 4.
• The Nuggets are 5-1 on this season as a whole against the Heat.

The Heat (57-47) and the Nuggets (68-33) face off in Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals. Denver won both games in Miami, and can now win their first NBA Finals at home in Game 5. Miami needs a win to stay alive.

How to Watch

• ABC

Preview

Miami struggled again in Game 4, losing in a near identical fashion to Game 3. After losing 108-95, 109-94, and 104-93 in the three defeats, the Heat need a complete change of pace to have any shot of winning this series. Their lone win came by just 3 points, after the Nuggets blew a large 4th quarter lead. It’s not impossible for Miami to come back here, but they need “playoff Jimmy” to start showing up very soon.

The Nuggets continued to dominate the Heat in Game 4, proving that they are the best team in the NBA this season. Their postseason run has been exceptional. They currently hold a 15-4 record since it started. With their 20th playoff game, they have a chance to win their first NBA title in franchise history in front of a home crowd. As long as Jokić continues to be elite, supported by great talent, Denver will be a tough out.

Picks

This Finals matchup between Denver and Miami has not been very balanced thus far. In addition to their 3-1 lead, the Nuggets hold a +36 point differential against the Heat in this series, equaling a win margin of 9 points per game. While all 3 of their wins so far came by double digits, I see the Heat making this game a bit closer with their backs against the wall. Even so, I like the Nuggets to emerge as NBA champions here.

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