Liontips
Miami vs Denver. NBA Match Prediction
On January 18, the Kaseya Center in Miami will host an exciting showdown between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets. Both teams are looking to improve their positions in the standings, as Miami is trying to find stability in the East, while Denver continues to fight for a spot in the top three in the Western Conference. For the Heat, this match will be a test of strength, especially given their internal problems and unstable form. In turn, the Nuggets are determined to rehabilitate themselves after their failure in Houston and regain their winning rhythm. Whose determination will be stronger? - read our betting tip
Command Analysis
Miami Heat
USACurrent form
Miami is facing serious difficulties, both in-game and internal. The story of Jimmy Butler desire to change teams has greatly affected the atmosphere in the team. The team star did not take to the court due to disqualification, which significantly weakened the Heat offensive potential. Erik Spoelstra charges lost two games in a row, as they first lost to the Clippers (98:108), and then failed to cope with the Lakers (108:117).
Miami currently sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, but risks falling even lower if it doesn’t start winning consistently. The head coach is trying to find balance, but the absence of Butler and a weakened attack make this task difficult. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro remain the team’s main hopes, but their efforts are not enough to pull the team out of the crisis.
With a match against a strong opponent ahead, the Heat will have to do their utmost to avoid a third defeat in a row. However, inconsistent form and the lack of a leader could play a decisive role.
Disqualifications and injuries
Drew Smith will not play in the next game due to an Achilles injury.
Interesting facts for betting
The Heat have won two of their last five games.
Probable lineup: Jacquez - Highsmith, Adebayo - Herro, Rozier.
Denver Nuggets
USACurrent form
Denver is coming into the game in good shape, despite the recent loss to Houston (108:128). The Nuggets have won four of the last five meetings, and their game is becoming more and more confident. The absence of Nikola Jokic in the match against the Rockets due to an elbow injury affected the result, but the leader is expected to return to the court in Miami.
Michael Malone team continues to battle for third place in the highly competitive Western Conference. Stability in attack and the presence of players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. make Denver one of the most dangerous opponents in the league.
An important aspect for the Nuggets will be the ability to take advantage of Miami problems and set a high tempo of the game. This could allow the visitors to take the victory from Florida and strengthen their position in the standings.
Disqualifications and injuries
Vlatko Cancar, Aaron Gordon and Daron Holmes are out of the next game due to injuries, while Nikolaj Jokic is questionable.
Interesting facts for betting
The last seven head-to-head matches have ended in favor of the Nuggets.
Probable lineup: Brown - Porter Jr., Jordan - Westbrook, Murray.
Trends
Bet 1st quarter. Denver win
The Nuggets have won in the first quarter in 4 of their last 5 head-to-head games.
2.03Bet 1st quarter: total under 57.5 points
Only 1 of the last 5 head-to-head games has seen more than 57 points scored in the first quarter.
1.83Tip and bets
Denver looks like the favorite in this matchup at the moment. The team has been playing consistently and has a more balanced roster. The return of Nikola Jokic should give the Nuggets an extra boost on offense, which will be a serious test for Miami defense.
The Heat continue to search for themselves and suffer from the absence of Butler, who is a key figure in the attack. In the last two games, Spoelstra charges showed low efficiency, which seriously reduces their chances of success.
We expect Denver to take advantage of the tough situation in their opponent camp and secure a win on the road.
Our prediction is a Denver win with overtime at 2:00
Bet on total
Miami offensive struggles and reliance on defense suggest this could be a low-scoring game. Denver could also slow down, especially if the opponent imposes defensive basketball. We expect the overall total to remain below average.
Betting Tip - total under 228 points for 1.73
Bet on statistics
Without Butler, Miami has a hard time implementing its offensive plans. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro try to take over the game, but this does not compensate for the absence of a leader. Given Denver strong defense, the hosts will have a hard time breaking the individual total.
Prediction - Miami individual total under 112.5 points for 1.90
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