Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions January 17th 2025

Nuggets, Heat Await Word on Stars’ Status Ahead of Matchup

The Denver Nuggets might have to navigate Friday night’s matchup against the Miami Heat without their cornerstone player, Nikola Jokic. The superstar center, a three-time NBA MVP, is dealing with right elbow inflammation and was sidelined for Denver’s 128-108 home loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The team listed Jokic as questionable for Friday’s game in Miami, citing a sprain on the injury report.

Jokic has been nothing short of dominant this season, entering Thursday ranked second in the NBA in assists (9.9 per game), third in scoring (30.6), and third in rebounds (13.2). Losing him would leave a significant void for the Nuggets.

“We had no heads up,” Denver coach Michael Malone said about Jokic’s late scratch on Wednesday. “It just happened, and that’s going to happen at times.”

Adding to the Nuggets’ concerns, forward Aaron Gordon also missed Wednesday’s game due to a right calf strain. Gordon, who is averaging 13.4 points per game while shooting 41.8 percent from beyond the arc, is also questionable for Friday’s contest.

The Nuggets’ four-game winning streak ended against Houston, and their depth will be tested further if Jokic and Gordon remain unavailable. Denver will need contributions from players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Chandler Braun. Murray, a lethal pick-and-roll player, is averaging 19.8 points and 6.0 assists, while Porter has been a consistent scoring option with 18.4 points per game. Braun, known for his relentless defense and hustle, is averaging a career-high 13.6 points.

Denver has found success with Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup, posting an 8-4 record since making the switch. Over that stretch, the veteran guard has averaged 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. At 36, Westbrook may no longer be the dominant force he was during his MVP season in 2017, but he continues to provide energy and leadership.

Heat Hoping for Butler’s Return

The Miami Heat return home after a 3-3 West Coast road trip that included a win over the Golden State Warriors. However, they enter Friday’s game on a two-game losing streak and await clarity on the status of six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler. Butler, who has requested a trade, just completed a seven-game suspension for what the Heat described as “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Butler forfeited $2.3 million during his suspension, and his availability for Friday’s game remains uncertain. Reports suggest Butler will meet with Heat owner Micky Arison before the game.

Despite Butler’s absence, Bam Adebayo has stepped up as a leader for the Heat. Adebayo leads the team in rebounds (9.6) and steals (1.5), while Tyler Herro has been the team’s top scorer (24.3 points per game) and playmaker (5.0 assists per game).

“For me, it’s about getting everybody on the same page and understanding that we can still win,” Adebayo said. He also expressed support for Butler, acknowledging the business side of the NBA. “J.B. is one of my guys. We’re giving him space. We’ll let him and management handle this.”

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Key Matchup

This game will pit two of the league’s top coaches against each other. Denver’s Malone guided the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023, defeating Miami in five games. Meanwhile, Erik Spoelstra has steered the Heat to two championships during his illustrious career.

Both teams enter the game with respectable records on the road and at home. Denver is 12-8 in away games, while Miami holds a 10-7 mark at home. The outcome could hinge on the availability of Jokic and Butler, two stars whose presence could significantly tilt the balance.

This will be the first meeting between the teams since last season’s NBA Finals, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.