The Nuggets fell 128-108 to the Rockets as a 5.5-point home underdog on Wednesday night. Will they rebound when they visit the Heat at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday? Or is there a better bet in tonight’s Nuggets vs. Heat matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Denver Nuggets (+2.5) at Miami Heat (-2.5); o/u 224
8:00 p.m. ET, Friday, January 17, 2025
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
TV: N/A
Nuggets vs. Heat Public Betting: Bettors Backing Denver
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 59% of public bettors are currently backing the Nuggets when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Jokic questionable to play against Heat
Nikola Jokic (right elbow inflammation) is questionable to play against the Heat on Friday. Jokic was sidelined on Wednesday after injuring his elbow during warmups. DeAndre Jordan got the start in his place, with Dario Saric taking on extra minutes off the bench. They will both be low-end streaming options if Jokic misses another game.
Herro leads Miami with 34 points
Tyler Herro led Miami with 34 points (12-of-18 FGs), four rebounds, three assists, one steal, seven 3-pointers and seven turnovers in a 117-108 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday. Herro got off to an incredibly hot start to this game and entered the break with 22 points and five 3-pointers. That led to his third straight game with at least 30 points, and he has been pouring in the triples as of late. Herro has taken on a larger workload on offense with Jimmy Butler out of the lineup, and that is a trend that will continue until Butler either returns or is traded. Regardless, Herro has been on a tear recently, and they still have two more games this week for him to continue lighting it up from deep.
Nuggets vs. Heat NBA Prediction:
Take Denver. The Nuggets have dominated this matchup in previous meetings. They’ve won nine out of their last 10 games against the Heat straight up. They’re also 7-3 against the number in their last 10 games versus Miami. Despite the loss to Houston, Denver has won seven out of its last 10 games overall. In fact, the loss to the Rockets ended the Nuggets’ four-game winning streak. As for Miami, the Heat have lost back-to-back games straight up and have dropped three out of their last four games against the spread.
Nuggets vs. Heat Betting Prediction: DENVER NUGGETS +2.5