Two adages usually hold true in the NBA playoffs.
One: Don’t overreact to the first game of a playoff series. Two: a playoff series doesn’t begin until an opposing team wins a road game.
As the Denver Nuggets breezed past the Miami Heat with a 104-93 Game 1 in the NBA Finals, however, it seemed those adages no longer applied. One: The Nuggets look unbeatable. Two: It appears Miami can’t win on the road against Denver.
In fairness, the Heat have defied expectations as only the second eighth seed in NBA history to advance to the Finals. That gives NBA fans enough reasons to watch how this series unfolds. That resumes with Game 2 on Sunday.
Here's our full Game 2 preview with odds provided by our presenting sponsor – Betfred Sportsbook.
Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets (Sunday, 5 pm ET, ABC)
Spread: Denver (-8.5)
Over/under: 215.5
In Game 1, the Nuggets sliced through the Heat’s defense any way they wanted. Miami understandably focused mostly on Denver center Nikola Jokic, who collected his ninth post-season triple double anyway in points (27), assists (14) and rebounds (10). Jokic dominated when he worked in the post, operated a two-man game with Jamal Murray or facilitated up top. In related news, Murray (26 points), Aaron Gordon (16), Michael Porter Jr. (14) and Bruce Brown (10) all cracked double figures.
The under-sized Heat lack a significant solution with containing Denver’s balanced offense. Maybe center Bam Adebayo and his teammates improve with throwing various bodies at Jokic to wear him out and force him into foul trouble. Maybe Heat coach Erik Spoelstra plays Kevin Love to space the floor. Nonetheless, the Heat’s solutions mostly point to the offensive end.
Expect Jimmy Butler to produce more than 13 points on a 6-for-14 clip. Anticipate Caleb Martin (1-for-7), Max Strus (0-for-10) and Duncan Robinson (1-for-6) will shoot much better as they mostly have this postseason. Predict the Heat will attempt more than just the two free throws they received in Game 1. While the Heat’s undrafted shooters will likely make their open outside looks, Butler and company will likely look to attack the basket more both to make easier shots and to draw more whistles.
Those developments might make Game 2 at least more competitive. Expect Game 2 to end, however, with the same outcome as Game 1.
Mark Medina is a veteran NBA reporter who will be contributing to Aaron Torres Online and Aaron Torres Media throughout the NBA playoffs - follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.
To get full odds on the entire NBA Playoffs visit Betfred Sportsbook
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