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The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat play in an inter-conference battle on Monday. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nuggets-Heat prediction and pick.
The Nuggets and Heat enter play on Monday heading in different directions. Denver has lost six straight with Nikola Jokic out due to injury, in addition to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. also already being out. Miami on the other hand has won six of their last eight games. Jokic is questionable to make his return to the lineup Monday in Miami, so that will obviously be a huge factor in regards to who comes out on top. Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro are questionable for the Heat, so keep an eye on that as well. The Heat come into Monday's contests as strong favorites on their home floor.
Here are the Nuggets-Heat odds for this Monday NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Nuggets-Heat Odds
Denver Nuggets +7.5 (-110)
Miami Heat -7.5 (-110)
Over 207.5 points (-110)
Under 207.5 points (-110)
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Why The Nuggets Cover The Spread
Denver will likely need Jokic to return to pull out a win in Miami, and even if he does it will be an uphill battle. The Nuggets were short-handed before their MVP went down, and will still be without key pieces even when he returns. The return of Jokic would obviously impact the odds on this game by a significant margin, so it might be wise to wait until his status is determined before making any big plays. If Jokic is out, ride with the Heat as the Nuggets have looked completely lost without their big man this season. Jokic runs such a large chunk of Denver's offense, they haven't been able to function in his absence whatsoever without Murray and Porter Jr.
The Nuggets are 7-12 vs. the spread this season, and 2-6 on the road outright. It will be an uphill battle to say the least for the Nuggets if Jokic is unable to suit up in Miami on Monday evening.
Why The Heat Can Cover The Spread
If Jokic is out, Miami will have a solid chance to cover this spread even if Butler and Herro are unable to go. Miami is the much healthier, deeper team and the line reflects that. The Heat have been one of the better teams in the NBA so far this season, as their +6.3 point differential is tops in the Eastern Conference. The addition of Kyle Lowry has fit like a glove, while young players like Herro, Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson continue to take steps forward. The Heat should be in good position to cover on Monday, and a win definitely seems like a safe bet. If Jokic is able to go, this line should come down a couple points. Wait until his final status is revealed before laying money on Miami, as the line will be smaller if he's ruled in obviously.
The Heat are 6-1 at home this season, and 13-7 against the spread.
Final Nuggets-Heat Prediction & Pick
Take Miami to win and cover vs. a banged up Denver group on Monday. If Jokic plays and Butler does not, that could be one scenario where you may not want to go big on the Heat. Still, the Nuggets come into play really struggling while the Heat have been rolling, it would be hard not to go with Miami in this game.
FINAL NUGGETS-HEAT PREDICTION & PICK: Heat -7.5 (-110)
