Twitter: @GGirlSports.
Tonight, is Game 5 of the NBA Finals, and a possible elimination game for the Miami Heat. The Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat 108-95 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on the road and are headed back home. In addition, Miami Heat’s guard Tyler Hero is upgraded to questionable for Game 5. The 1 Seed Denver Nuggets (15-4, 9-1 Home) will face off against the 8th Seed Miami Heat (13-9, 7-5 Away). These teams will play tonight at 8:30 PM EST, at Ball Arena, located in Denver, Colorado. In addition, the matchup will air on ABC. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:
NBA Championship Odds:
Denver Nuggets: -5000, previously -700
Miami Heat: +1600, previously +500
Game 5: Denver Nuggets @ Miami Heat (2-1)
Miami: +295 ML
Denver: –360 ML
Over/Under: 210.
Spread: Denver -8.5, Miami +8.5.
I was hot on the Miami Heat last game, until I saw the Denver Nuggets destroy them. As I said before, the Nuggets are the most complete team in the playoffs, and they have the depth behind superstars Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Denver is 7-3 in their last 10 games, and I think they will win the NBA Championship here at home tonight in Denver. Give me Denver Nuggets Money Line.
Denver was favored by -3 in Game 4, and that number jumped to -8.5 spread in Game 5. I personally think that is a large spread. However, Denver won the last two games by at least 13 or more points and has the momentum going into this game. Right now, my predictions are based off Tyler Herro NOT playing for the Heat tonight. Give me Nuggets -8.5.
Three out of the last four games between these two teams have hit the under. That included two exceptional games by Jokic and Murray. Although 210 is low, there’s no way I can pick the over here. I want to say Miami will come back with some fight, especially shooting wise. Even if Tyler Herro is available tonight, he hasn’t played a game since the series with the Bucks. I like the UNDER here.
Injuries:
Denver Nuggets
G Collin Gillespie (OUT): Leg.
Miami Heat
PG Tyler Herro (Questionable): Hand
SG Victor Oladipo (OUT): Knee.
Game 4 Recap: Denver 108- Miami 95
Betting Odds: Denver -3, Over/Under 211.5.
Betting Results: Denver Money Line, UNDER (203).
Miami Heat Statistics
FG: 44.9 %
3 PT: 32 %
REB: 37
STL: 2
TO:15
PTS in Paint: 46
Denver Nuggets Statistics
FG: 49.4 %
3 PT: 50 %
REB: 34
STL: 11
TO: 8
PTS in Paint: 48
Game Summary:
The Denver Nuggets have never won an NBA Championship and are closer to their first trophy than ever. I’ve never seen this team more locked in and focused, and it really showed in game 4. Also, I don’t think anyone saw Aaron Gordons big game coming, including himself.
The Denver Nuggets were the more dominant team and played brilliantly in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Nuggets shot incredibly from both the field, and the three-point range, and their defense was outstanding. Denver was up by 17 points, and every time the Heat fought back, the Nuggets would find a way to open the lead. In addition, every Nuggets starter was positive on the court, and Denver got to the free-throw line 21 times.
Most people initially thought the Heat would have a chance to come back, after Nikola Jokic tweaked his ankle. Jokic finished the game with 37 minutes played and ran to the locker room briefly before coming back. Even with Jokic out for a few minutes, the Miami Heat couldn’t take advantage of his absence.
It’s hard to point out many flaws for the Nuggets in Game 4. They shot 50 percent from the three, and nearly 50 percent from the field. Both Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic had double-doubles, and Aaron Gordon had the playoff game of his life. Whether it was finishing at the rim, backdoor cuts, or three-pointers, Aaron Gordon could simply not be stopped. Much Like Game 1, Gordon took advantage of the size matchup against the Heat.
Aaron Gordon finished with 27 points, 1 steal, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds. In addition, both Jokic and Caldwell-Pope had 3 steals each, and Denver finished with 11 steals as a team. The only player on the roster to not record a steal was Michael Porter Jr., and Denver was forcing the turnovers left and right. Bruce Brown, who’s hit over 0.5 threes in 4 straight games, added 21 points, and shot 60 percent from the three-point range.
Besides Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus completely disappeared. They had a combined 2 points, 9 total shot attempts, and shot 1-10 from the field, and 0-7 from the three. Both Vincent and Strus played major roles in the playoffs, and each were held to 19 minutes played. Forward Kevin Love had a few nice threes, along with Duncan Robinson and Caleb Martin. Although Jimmy Butler scored 26 points, he was negative 9 on the court, played 45 minutes, and shot 9-17 from the field. Miami finished with 14 turnovers, which 7 of them came from Bam Adebayo, and couldn’t make their shots, especially from mid-range. Although the Heat shot 87 percent from the line, they shot well under 35 percent from the three. Overall, Denver is the more talented, physical, and simply the better team right now.
Sara Jane is a full-time Content Creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and Writer of Ballislife.com.
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