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5 Best WNBA Prospects In March Madness

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2 months ago

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With the 2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament Final Four scheduled for this Friday, March 31, five of the best WNBA prospects left in March Madness are on the minds of many college basketball fans. For a reminder, the 2023 WNBA Draft is set for Monday, April 10 at Spring Studios New York. This will be the 28th draft in WNBA history.

5.) Angel Reese, 6-foot-3 forward | LSU

Sophomore forward Angel Reese is projected to be a late first-rounder to early second-round pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. She recorded 28 double-doubles this season, breaking Sylvia Fowles’ school record of 27. Through 34 starts this season, the Maryland native is averaging career highs of 23.2 points, 15.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 33.6 minutes per game.

Plus, she’s shooting career bests of 52.6% from the field and 70.8% beyond the arc. Reese led the SEC in points per game, points (790), total rebounds (533), 2-point field goals (277), free throws (233), win shares (12.6), offensive win shares (8.6), and defensive win shares (4.0).

She was selected 2022-23 SEC All-Defense and named to the All-SEC First Team. On another subject, No. 3 LSU will play either No. 1 Virginia Tech or No. 3 Ohio State this Friday, March 31 in the Final Four.

4.) Brea Beal, 6-foot-1 guard | South Carolina

Next, the Indiana Fever are projected to select Brea Beal at No. 7 in the 2023 WNBA Draft. The senior guard would be a solid defensive addition for the Fever. Through 35 starts this season, Beal is averaging 6.3 points, 2.7 assists, and a career-high 1.1 blocks per game.

Additionally, she’s also shooting career bests of 42.7% from the floor and 38.7% outside the arc. Beal ranks 15th in the SEC in assists (93), 13th in blocks (37), and 12th in win shares (5.2). Not to mention, the Illinois native leads her conference in defensive box plus/minus (7.7).

However, a few WNBA mock drafts show Beal as a potential early third-round pick. At the moment, scouts are undecisive. Will South Carolina appear in another Final Four this Friday? The odds are in their favor.

3.) Jacy Sheldon, 5-foot-10 guard | Ohio State

Furthermore, senior guard Jacy Sheldon is expected to get selected No. 9 overall by the Seattle Storm in this year’s draft. Although the Ohio native only appeared in 12 games this season due to a lingering leg injury, she still has the skill and NCAA experience needed to succeed at the WNBA level. During her junior 2021-22 season, Sheldon averaged career highs of 19.7 points, 7.0 field goals, and 33.9 minutes per game.

In 2022, she was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Defensive Team. To add to these statistics, the guard shot a career-best 36.6% from 3-point range during her junior year. Through 12 starts in her senior season, she averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 boards, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 steals per contest. Some WNBA scouts are anticipating Sheldon to fall as low as an early second-round pick.

2.) Diamond Miller, 6-foot-3 guard | Maryland

As for Maryland standout Diamond Miller, a number of mock drafts show the senior guard from Somerset, New Jersey, being second overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2023 WNBA Draft. In 33 starts this season, the 22-year-old averaged career highs of 19.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 dimes, 2.1 steals, 1.3 blocks, and 28.8 minutes.

Miller finished third in the Big Ten in points (647), 11th in total rebounds (214), 19th in assists (97), third in steals (70), and fourth in blocks (43). The Maryland guard was then selected to the All-Big Ten Tournament.

Following her junior year, she was sidelined for multiple months after undergoing knee surgery. So, can No. 2 Maryland upset No. 1 South Carolina on Monday night to advance to the Final Four? Bettors don’t think so.

1.) Aliyah Boston, 6-foot-5 forward | South Carolina

Lastly, senior forward Aliyah Boston of South Carolina is the projected top overall pick in this year’s draft. At 6-foot-5, the four-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, four-time SEC All-Defensive Team member, and two-time SEC Player of the Year is more than ready for the WNBA.

Last year, Boston and the Gamecocks won 64-49 over UConn to win the national championship. Boston won NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Naismith College Player of the Year as well. In the 2021-22 season, the top prospect averaged career highs of 16.8 points, 12.5 boards, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 blocks in 37 starts.

While her senior season has not been as dominant, two NCAA championships would look nice on any player’s résumé. And at least Boston led the SEC in offensive rating (134.1), defensive rating (68.8), and box plus/minus (19.2). Injuries aside, the No. 1 prospect has nothing left to prove.

She has averaged 12.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 dimes, and 2.0 blocks in 35 starts this season. Moreover, will No. 1 South Carolina defeat No. 2 Maryland on Monday night to advance to the Final Four? The Gamecocks enter as 14.5-point favorites.

Check More of Our March Madness College Gambling 2023 Guides





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NBA Playoffs 2023 Is Most Watched Postseason Since 2012

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2 hours ago

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June 3, 2023

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It may not be the NBA Finals matchup that fans and advertisers were hoping for but the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets are the last two teams standing.

The 2023 NBA Finals will mark just the second time in the 13 years that LeBron James, Steph Curry, or both won’t be playing for an NBA Championship.

Instead, the spotlight will be shifted towards Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Heat’s Jimmy Butler.

Regardless of the outcome of the NBA Finals, the 2023 Playoffs has been a major success for the league. In fact, the 2023 NBA Playoffs will be the most-watched on ESPN platforms since 2012. This year’s postseason averaged 4.7 million viewers per game across the ABC/ESPN, TNT and NBA TV platforms, making it the most-watched playoffs in 11 years.

The Heat vs Celtic Game 7 averaged nearly 12 million viewers on Monday night, marking TNT’s most-watched Eastern Conference Finals ever.

While the 2023 NBA Playoffs have quietly become one of the most-watched editions, there are still doubts and skepticism over the lack of star power in the Finals, which could affect TV ratings.

The NBA 2023 Playoffs Viewership

Questions still surround the two teams in the Finals on whether the matchup could hurt the ratings on ABC.

Last year the Finals between Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics averaged 12.4 million viewers. In 2022, viewership was up by 22% compared to the Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns in 2021.

Based on the current numbers, the 2023 NBA Finals viewership should increase. Through the first 31 games, the NBA Playoffs averaged 5.579 million viewers on the ESPN platform, moving up 9% from last year.

However, Jokic vs Butler doesn’t carry the same magnitude as LeBron James or Steph Curry, and big names matter, especially when it comes to TV ratings.

Both the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat have only the 16th and 18th largest U.S TV markets, respectively.

The small TV market size has had some people questioning the Finals matchup. Fox Sports radio host, Doug Gottlieb has gone on to say that he thinks the Nuggets vs Heat will be a TV ‘dud’.

Will the Finals Be Worth Watching?

Even though a Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers matchup would have reignited the league’s longest standing rivalry, ESPN expert Mike Breen believes this rendition of the Finals with the Heats and Nuggets could generate the best pure basketball in years.

The Denver Nuggets are different and the Finals will showcase the two-time MVP Jokic after he just swept James and the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

According to LeBron, the Nuggets are the best team he’s played in the last four years as a Los Angeles Laker. That alone speaks volume of how good Nikola Jokic and company are. After the addition of Aaron Gordon, the team has morphed into an absolute matchup nightmare.

Even without a few of the league’s biggest stars, the 2023 NBA Finals will still be worth watching, thanks to some interesting storylines surrounding both the Nuggets and Heat.

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Heat vs Nuggets Odds, Picks, & Preview Game 2 2023 NBA Finals

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3 hours ago

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June 3, 2023

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On Sunday night, the Miami Heat face off against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals; preview, odds, picks, predictions, and injuries for the Heat-Nuggets matchup are here. Sportsbooks show the Nuggets as 8-point favorites at home. Miami is 23-29 away, whereas Denver is 43-7 at home. BetOnline odds are below.

Heat vs. Celtics Preview | 2023 NBA Finals Game 2

  • 🏀NBA Playoffs NBA Finals 2023 Game 2: Miami Heat @ Denver Nuggets
  • 📊 Records: Heat (57-46, 44-56-3 ATS) | Nuggets (66-32, 54-43-1 ATS)
  • 📅 When is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: Sunday, June 4, 2023
  •  🏟 Where is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: Ball Arena | Denver, Colorado
  • 🕛 What time is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: 8 p.m. ET
  • 📺 TV Channels: ABC, ESPN2
  • 💻 Free NBA Playoffs 2023 Live Stream: Jazz Sports
  • 🎲 NBA Playoffs 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Odds: Heat +8 (-105) | Nuggets -8 (-115)

Heat vs. Nuggets Odds Game 2 of 2023 NBA Finals

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Heat vs. Nuggets Predictions | Game 2 of 2023 NBA Finals

Entering Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals, the Heat are aiming to pick up their first win against Denver since Aug. 1, 2020. Miami is 0-7 in its last seven matchups vs. the Nuggets. Miami fell to 1-6 all-time in Game 1s of the NBA Finals. The Heat lost the series opener in each of their title years — 2006, 2012, and 2013.

The Heat have won 41 straight playoff games when leading by 10 or more points at halftime, the second-longest streak in NBA history behind the Los Angeles Lakers (63 from 1985-2008). Miami’s last loss was in 2000 at the New York Knicks.

However, Miami trailed 59-42 at halftime of Game 1 and attempted just two free throws, breaking the NBA playoffs single-game record for fewest attempts from the line. Denver outscored the Heat 30-22 in the second quarter.

Bam Adebayo led the Heat in scoring and rebounds with 26 points and 13 boards in 40 minutes of action. Jimmy Butler scored a postseason-low 13 points. Miami is 1-3 this postseason when Butler is held to less than 20 points.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic finished Game 1 with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, becoming the eighth player to record a triple-double in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Miami fell to 3-1 in series openers this postseason, while Denver improved to 9-0 at home this NBA playoffs.

Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Nuggets have a 76.7% chance of winning Game 2 at home. Even if Tyler Herro (right hand) returns for Game 2, Denver should still take a 2-0 series lead at home. Herro was upgraded to questionable on Miami’s injury report. More NBA picks and predictions are on the main page.

Heat vs. Nuggets Injuries | NBA Finals Game 2 Injury Report

Miami Heat Injury Report

SG Victor Oladipo (knee; out for the season) | SG Tyler Herro (hand; questionable)

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

PG Collin Gilespie (leg; out indefinitely)

Heat vs. Nuggets Betting Trends | 2023 NBA Finals Game 2

  • Miami is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games.
  • The Heat are 0-7 in their past seven meetings against the Nuggets.
  • Also, the Heat are 1-7 in their previous eight road games vs. Denver.
  • Furthermore, the Nuggets are 11-0 in their last 11 straight home games.
  • Denver is 5-2 ATS in its past seven contests.
  • The point total has gone over in five of the Nuggets’ previous six matchups vs. Miami.

Projected Miami Heat Starting Lineup

PG Tyler Herro | SG Max Strus | PF Gabe Vincent | SF Jimmy Butler | C Bam Adebayo

Projected Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup

PG Jamal Murray | SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | PF Aaron Gordon | SF Michael Porter Jr. | C Nikola Jokic

Heat vs. Nuggets Picks Game 2 | 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Predictions

For other betting statistics, the Heat are 41-24 as favorites, 16-22 as underdogs, 24-27-1 over/under away, and 23-28-1 ATS away. Miami is 0-7 ATS in its past seven meetings versus Denver. For some reason, the Heat have struggled to win at Ball Arena. Perhaps it’s the high altitude.

On the other side, the Nuggets are 53-19 as favorites, 13-13 as underdogs, 20-29-1 over/under at home, and 31-18-1 ATS at home. Denver has won 11 straight home games, so their win streak will likely continue. Jokic is averaging a triple-double this postseason.

Our betting experts here at Basketball Insiders are projecting the Nuggets to win Game 2, the Heat to cover the spread, and for the point total to go under 215.5. Herro is listed as questionable on Miami’s injury report. When the 2022 Sixth Man of the Year returns, it should make things more interesting.

Pick the Nuggets to win! If Herro plays in Game 2, his addition will help Miami to cover the spread. For those new to sports betting, check out our handicap betting guide. Other NBA picks and predictions are on the main page.

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How to live stream Heat vs Nuggets Game 2 online for free

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4 hours ago

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June 3, 2023

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How to watch or stream Sunday night’s Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets matchup for Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals? These five streaming services carry ABC and ESPN2 — fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV. However, there’s a better way to watch NBA games for free.

Leading into Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals, the Nuggets are 7-0 in their last seven head-to-head meetings against Miami. In Game 1, Denver defeated the Heat 104-93 at home. For Game 2, sportsbooks show the Nuggets as 8-point favorites at home. BetOnline odds are featured below.

How to Watch Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 With A Free Live Stream

Although fuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream only offer free trials to first-time subscribers, there’s one other method to watch NBA games for free. Sports betting sites allow registered gamblers to watch any game for free after placing a bet.

Jazz Sports is one of the best sports betting sites that allows bettors to stream NBA games for free after they’ve placed a wager. This site offers same day payouts, daily casino promotions, and 24/7 bookmaking.

Follow the four steps below to watch any 2023 NBA Playoffs game live stream with Jazz Sports for free.

  1. Click here to sign up for Jazz Sports.
  2. Create an account and make a qualifying deposit.
  3. Place a bet on the Heat vs. Nuggets game.
  4. Stream Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals for free.

How to Watch Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2

For Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Heat and Nuggets, this matchup will air live Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN2. Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Nuggets have a 76.7% chance of winning Game 2 over Miami at home to take a 2-0 series lead.

Click the Jazz Sports link below to watch the free live stream.

  • 🏀NBA Playoffs 2023 NBA Finals: Miami Heat @ Denver Nuggets
  • 📅 NBA Playoffs NBA Finals 2023 Game 2 Date: Sunday, June 4, 2023
  • 🕙 What time is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • 🏟 Where is Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2: Ball Arena | Denver, Colorado
  • 📺 TV Channels: ABC, ESPN2
  • 💻 Free NBA Playoffs 2023 Live Stream: Jazz Sports
  • 🎲 NBA Playoffs 2023 NBA Finals Game 2 Odds: Heat +8 (-105) | Nuggets -8 (-115)

Heat vs. Nuggets Game 2 Odds

On Sunday night, the Heat (57-46, 44-56-3 ATS) enter this road matchup 41-24 as favorites, 16-22 as underdogs, 24-27-1 over/under away, and 23-28-1 ATS away. Our computers here at Basketball Insiders are projecting Denver to win, Miami to cover the spread, and for the point total to go under 215.5.

Furthermore, the Nuggets (66-32, 54-43-1 ATS) are 53-19 as favorites, 13-13 as underdogs, 20-29-1 over/under at home, and 31-18-1 ATS at home. Denver has won its last 11 straight home games. The Nuggets are 7-1 in their past eight home games against the Heat as well.

Next, Miami is 0-7 ATS in its previous seven meetings versus Denver. The point total has gone under in the Heat’s last five games. But the total has also gone over in 10 of Miami’s past 14 road games.

Check out the Game 2 odds below for the Heat vs. Nuggets game. For more information on how to watch or stream other NBA games, go to the main page.

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