Series Tied at 1
After two games in Denver, the Heat and Nuggets are surprisingly knotted up at 1 game apiece. Entering the series as massive favorites (-400), the Nuggets boat raced Miami in game one, appearing to be well on their way to the franchise’s first ever title. Casuals and pundits alike were quick to count Miami out, leaving Heat culture for dead once again. However, as we have seen time and time again, Erik Spoelstra’s team picked themselves up off the mat and rallied to tie the series.
Game 2 Bounceback
Despite going down in the first half, the Heat managed to hang around and keep Game 2 relatively close. Then in the 4th in stepped Duncan Robinson, ripping off 10 straight points to put Miami in front, where they would remain until the final buzzer. Not many people thought the Heat would be able to steal a W on the road, but after doing so, the Heat are in a great position to take control of the series.
Heat Culture
The once massive underdogs have cut their series odds to just 2.2/1, with two games on their home court upcoming. Jimmy Butler and his group have shown they are far from afraid of top seeded Denver, and looking to become the first 8 seed to ever win a title. While Jokic is unstoppable, if there is one coach out there with an ability to discover a way to slow him down, it’s the one manning the Heat sideline decked out in all black attire.
Denver’s odds have shrunk considerably, all the way to -270. Still the front runners for now, the Nuggets were far less effective all year away from the confines of Ball Arena. Miami goes home with the confidence and momentum knowing they are tough enough to knock off another favorite for the fourth consecutive round. We said it before this series, but it is difficult to keep betting against this team that simply does not go away.
Heat in 7?
There is one bet that provides some great value, that could be worth taking a flyer on. That is NBA finals correct score, Miami Heat 4-3. With a win under their belt, the Heat should be able to take at least one of the next two on their home floor. That guarantees them at least another game in Miami in Game 6, before a deciding game 7 in Denver. I have seen enough from Jimmy, Spoelstra, and this entire Heat team to be certain I would never bet against them in a Game 7 with that much on the line.
Get it while it's hot
Sure, Denver could win the next 3 and wrap this thing up in 5. They are the deeper and more talented team, that has looked great all playoffs long. But this isn't the first time Miami has dealt with that issue. The adjustments Miami made between games one and two proves they have the ability to extend this series the distance. And once they do, I am not going to be on the wrong side of this team once again. Might as well get it now, with a 4-3 Heat Win currently priced at 7/1.