Is Caleb Martin playing today? Caleb Martin is listed as questionable with an illness for Game 2 as the Nuggets host the Heat for Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The game is expected to tip-off at 08:00 PM ET, Sunday, June 4th, 2023.
Given the Nuggets 11 point win in Game 1, it’s no surprise they are once again an 8.5 point favorite, with many expecting Denver to take a 2-0 series lead before they head to Miami for Games 3 and 4.
MATCH PREVIEW
The Heat face an unfamiliar situation in the NBA Finals after losing Game 1 to the Nuggets. They entered the playoffs as the eighth seed and had started each series on the road, but managed to set the tone with impressive victories in previous series openers. However, they now find themselves in uncharted territory, losing four of their last five games and facing a deficit for the first time in the playoffs.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, feel at ease with their position. Coach Michael Malone reminded his team of Miami’s past successes and the importance of defending their home court. Nikola Jokic’s ninth triple-double of the playoffs, along with Jamal Murray’s strong performance, helped secure a 104-93 victory in Game 1.
The Nuggets shot an impressive 50.6 percent from the field and made 16 of 20 free-throw attempts, while the Heat struggled with just two trips to the line, setting an NBA postseason record for fewest free throw attempts.
Miami’s coach, Erik Spoelstra, emphasized the need for a more intentional and detailed approach, as their aggressive style wasn’t generating enough scoring opportunities. Despite notable performances from Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, neither player managed to get to the foul line. The Heat are determined to bounce back in Game 2, learn from their mistakes, and find alternative ways to regain control of the series.
ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
Game 2 is expected to follow a similar pattern as Game 1, with the Nuggets likely to dominate once again. In the previous matchup, the Nuggets convincingly won by 11 points, although the scoreline doesn’t fully reflect their level of dominance.
Denver held a commanding lead of up to 24 points, and only some late three-pointers by Kyle Lowry and Haywood Highsmith narrowed the gap to 11. The Nuggets have been unbeatable at home throughout the playoffs, and their size advantage at every position poses a challenge for the Heat.
While Miami has impressive undrafted role players discovered by Pat Riley, Denver boasts former lottery picks and highly-rated high school players in their supporting cast. This strength in depth is exemplified by players like Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., who are considered role players for the Nuggets.
Expect the Nuggets to maintain control of the game and cover the spread once again. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the Nuggets to win and cover in Game 2.
Spread: Nuggets -8.5
Moneyline: Heat +295, Celtics -370
Pick: Nuggets -8.5
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