Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Picks and Predictions November 8th 2024

Nuggets vs Heat November 8th 2024

In a non-conference matchup, the Miami Heat (3-4) travel to take on the Denver Nuggets (5-3) at Ball Arena. The Nuggets are favored by 3.5 points and the over/under line is set at 221.5. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 ET and the game can be seen on ALT.

The Heat are currently +135 on the moneyline, while the Nuggets are -161. Miami is 3-4 on the season, while Denver is 5-3.

Heat vs. Nuggets Key Information

The Heat fell to 3-4 on the season after a 115-112 road loss to the Suns on Wednesday. Miami, who entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs, kept it close, losing by just three points. The combined score of 227 points went over the pre-game total of 222.5.

Miami led 87-84 going into the 4th quarter after outscoring the Suns 33-29 in the 2nd quarter and playing even in the 3rd. However, they were outscored 31-25 in the final period, leading to the loss.

Tyler Herro led the Heat with 28 points, hitting 5 threes at a 55.6% clip in their 115-112 loss to the Suns. He shot 60% from the field overall. Haywood Highsmith added 19 points, shooting 87.5% from the floor and 66.7% from beyond the arc.

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Miami hit 13 threes at 38.2%, with a 43.5% overall shooting percentage. Herro scored 10 points in the 3rd quarter, while Highsmith added 8 points in the 4th.

Defensively, the Heat couldn’t slow down the Suns, allowing 115 points on 50% shooting in Wednesday’s loss. Miami gave up 26 points in the 1st quarter and 31 in the 4th, with Phoenix scoring 29 in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

The Suns hit 18 threes at a 41% clip, but the Heat limited their free-throw attempts, with Phoenix going 13/18 from the line. Miami recorded 12 steals and 3 blocks in the game.

The Nuggets improved to 5-3 this season with a 124-122 win over the Thunder on Wednesday. Denver, who were +7 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The game’s total of 246 points went well over the 224.5-point line.

Denver turned things around after a rough 2nd quarter, where they were outscored 34-25. A key 12-0 run helped them take the lead, and they finished strong by outscoring the Thunder 29-27 in the 4th quarter.

Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets with 29 points and 6 assists in their win over the Thunder, shooting 66.7% from the field and hitting 3 threes at a 75% clip. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun each added 24 points, with Porter knocking down 6 threes at 60% and Braun contributing 4 threes at 50%.

Denver made 16 threes as a team, shooting 42.1% from beyond the arc, though their overall field goal percentage was 47.2%. Westbrook scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter, while Porter had 15 in the 3rd. Nikola Jokić added 10 of his 23 points in the 3rd quarter as well.

Defensively, the Nuggets gave up 122 points to the Thunder but tightened up in the 4th quarter, allowing just 27 points to help secure the win. Overall, Denver allowed Oklahoma City to shoot 44% from the field.

The Nuggets struggled to defend the three-point line, as the Thunder hit 16 threes at a 40% clip. Denver also sent Oklahoma City to the line 23 times, where they made 18 free throws. The Nuggets finished with 8 steals and 6 blocks.

Coming in as the underdogs at +3.5, we have the Heat as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 221.5, and our model projects the Heat and Nuggets to reach a combined total of 249 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Heat Seek Redemption Against Surging Nuggets in Denver

The Miami Heat continue their challenging six-game road trip with a tough matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. After letting a big lead slip away in Phoenix, Miami faces a Denver squad that’s surging despite missing some key players.

Heat Looking to Bounce Back After Painful Loss in Phoenix

The Heat started their road trip with high hopes after building a 15-point lead against the Suns on Wednesday night. However, they were unable to close it out, ultimately falling 115-112. It marked Miami’s second consecutive loss and their third defeat in four games, a stretch that has exposed weaknesses in their lineup.

Miami’s starting unit has struggled, being outscored by 16.6 points per 100 possessions, according to the Miami Herald. This inefficiency led coach Erik Spoelstra to experiment by playing Haywood Highsmith with the starters instead of Nikola Jovic during the second half in Phoenix. Highsmith stepped up, contributing 19 points and playing solid defense on Kevin Durant, which allowed Bam Adebayo to handle Jusuf Nurkic.

“I’m, in a sense, used to this,” Highsmith said. “Some games, I might not be in the rotation or I might be in the rotation. I’m always going to be ready no matter what.”

Highsmith’s performance could earn him more minutes with the starting group, especially with Jovic’s recent struggles from beyond the arc (30.8 percent on 3-point attempts). Despite his desire to remain in the starting lineup, Jovic understands that lineup changes may continue.

“I really hope so because I really think I’m trying to help the first unit,” Jovic said. “But you never know. It is not an easy job… If I’m not [in the lineup], there will be more chances.”

Nuggets Overcoming Injuries, Riding Winning Streak

The Nuggets enter Friday’s game on a roll, having won three straight and five of their last six games. Denver’s depth has been crucial, particularly with power forward Aaron Gordon sidelined due to a right calf strain and star guard Jamal Murray still in concussion protocol.

Denver’s bench has stepped up in the absence of key starters. In Wednesday’s nail-biting 105-103 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Peyton Watson, starting at power forward, made a game-saving block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to secure the victory.

Russell Westbrook, who joined the Nuggets in the offseason to lead their second unit, has been filling in for Murray as a starter. Westbrook looks increasingly comfortable in Denver’s system, scoring 21 and 29 points in the last two games, respectively. His defensive contributions have also been crucial, including a game-sealing block against the Toronto Raptors earlier in the week.

“I have always told coach [Michael Malone] since day one, regardless of what happens I’m always laying it on the line,” Westbrook said. “I always compete at the highest level… Every time I step on the floor, I will compete to the highest level.”

Key Matchup: Miami’s Defensive Adjustments vs. Denver’s Versatile Offense

The Heat face a difficult task against a Nuggets team that has found success despite missing starters. Miami will need to tighten its defensive rotations and limit Denver’s offensive runs. The Heat will likely continue to experiment with different lineups, especially if Highsmith continues to thrive alongside the starters.

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Meanwhile, Denver’s ability to adapt with players like Westbrook and Watson stepping up has kept them competitive. The Nuggets will look to exploit Miami’s defensive struggles, particularly if they can get their 3-point shooters going early.

What to Watch For

• Haywood Highsmith’s Role: Will Highsmith continue to get starting minutes after his strong showing against Phoenix? His defense and energy could be vital against Denver’s versatile offense.
• Russell Westbrook’s Playmaking: Westbrook has been thriving in his new role with Denver, especially with Murray sidelined. His aggressive play could be a difference-maker against Miami’s defense.
• Miami’s Shooting Struggles: The Heat have been inconsistent from deep, with players like Nikola Jovic struggling to find their rhythm. Can Miami find more efficient scoring to keep up with Denver’s high-powered offense?

Prediction

Both teams are dealing with lineup adjustments and injuries, but Denver’s depth and home-court advantage could tilt the game in their favor. The Heat will need a near-flawless performance, particularly on defense, to slow down Denver’s offensive versatility. Expect another strong game from Westbrook as the Nuggets aim to extend their winning streak.