2023 NBA Finals odds, line, Game 5 start time: Heat vs. Nuggets ...

A win-or-go home game takes place for the Miami Heat when they travel to Ball Arena to battle the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals. After splitting the first two games in Denver, Miami dropped both games at home. The Nuggets are averaging 114.5 points per game during the postseason. Meanwhile, the Heat are putting up 109.2 points per contest in the 2023 NBA playoffs. 

Tip-off from Ball Arena in Denver is at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Nuggets are 8.5-point favorites in the latest Heat vs. Nuggets odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 210. Before making any Nuggets vs. Heat picks, make sure you check out what proven SportsLine NBA expert Matthew Severance has to say.

Matt Severance is a well-connected writer and handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, Matt quickly established himself as a top expert in multiple sports. Over his past 164 NBA picks, he is 106-57-1 against the spread, returning $3,379 for $100 players. Anybody following him has seen huge returns.

Now, Severance has set his sights on Heat vs. Nuggets and just locked in his picks and NBA Finals predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Nuggets vs. Heat:

Heat vs. Nuggets spread: Denver -8.5Heat vs. Nuggets over/under: 210 points Heat vs. Nuggets money line: Denver -400, Miami +310MIA: The Heat are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games following an ATS lossDEN: The Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overallHeat vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine Why the Nuggets can cover

Center Nikola Jokic is one of the top players in the game due to his size and unique skillset. Jokic owns outstanding vision as a facilitator with a soft touch on his jumpers and around the rim. The five-time All-Star has recorded 10 triple-doubles in the 2023 playoffs. In Denver's Game 1 victory over Miami, Jokic had 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. 

Forward Michael Porter Jr. is a long and athletic scoring threat in the frontcourt. Porter Jr. rebounds very well and has a smooth jumper from beyond the arc. The Missouri product is second on the team in rebounds (7.8) along with 13.2 points per game in the playoffs. Additionally, he's shooting 36% from downtown. On June 1, Porter Jr. had 14 points and 13 rebounds. See which team to pick here. 

Why the Heat can cover

Forward Caleb Martin provides Miami with a scoring threat in the frontcourt. Martin can handle the rock and will put the ball on the deck with ease. The Nevada product is a disruptive defender due to his quick instincts. He's averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs. In Game 4, Martin finished with 11 points and five boards.

There are plenty of role players ready to step up for Miami. Forward Kevin Love gives this squad a veteran presence who knows how to win. Love rebounds well and can knock down perimeter shots. In his last outing, Love recorded 12 points, four rebounds, and went 3-of-5 from downtown. Guard Kyle Lowry is another impactful and savvy playmaker. Lowry has great vision and a knack for swiping steals. The Villanova product has dished out at least five assists in three of his last four games. In Game 4, Lowry had 13 points and seven dimes. See which team to pick here. 

How to make Nuggets vs. Heat picks

Severance is leaning Over on the point total, and he has identified a critical X-factor he says makes one side of the spread a must-back. You can find out what it is, and see which side of the Heat vs. Nuggets spread to back, at SportsLine.

Who wins Heat vs. Nuggets, and what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Heat vs. Nuggets spread you need to jump on Monday, all from the expert who has returned $3,379 to $100 players over his last 164 NBA picks, and find out.