NBA Finals Picks: Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets

This is a picture of Nuggets against the Heat for the NBA Finals game 1 article

The NBA Finals is finally here and I have to say that I have been waiting for this final for a very long time. Last year, we witnessed the Golden State Warriors triumph over the Boston Celtics in the championship. But this year, it’s a whole new matchup as the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets compete for the prestigious NBA Trophy. In this NBA Finals Picks: Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets (game 1) article, I will give you a breakdown of this game, my pick, and where you can find the best odds.

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Miami Heat Road to the Finals 

The Miami Heat have been on fire this season, and I must say, I’m genuinely surprised by their performance. Despite a somewhat lacklustre regular season, finishing in 8th place with 44 wins and 38 losses, they have truly shined in the playoffs. They displayed their prowess by eliminating the Bucks in the first round, followed by victories over the New York Knicks in the Conference Semifinals and the Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals.

Throughout the postseason, the Miami Heat have been consistently scoring an impressive average of 111.7 points per game, while maintaining a solid defence, allowing an average of 107.4 points. A significant contributor to their success has been the exceptional performance of Jimmy Butler, who has been leading the team in the playoffs with an average of 28.5 points per game.

This is a picture of some of the Miami Heat players for the NBA finals article
Miami Heat 2022-2023 season

Denver Nuggets Road to the Finals

Undoubtedly, the Denver Nuggets have been the most surprising team in the NBA this season. Finishing atop the Western Conference with an impressive record of 53 wins and 29 losses, they have exceeded all expectations. Their remarkable journey to the finals began with a first-round victory over the Timberwolves, followed by eliminating the Phoenix Suns in the Conference Semifinals and the Los Angeles Lakers, in the Conference Finals.

Throughout the postseason, the Denver Nuggets have showcased their offensive prowess, averaging an impressive 116.4 points per game, while maintaining a solid defense, allowing an average of 108.1 points. At the forefront of their success is Nikola Jokic, who has been leading the team in the postseason with a remarkable average of 29.9 points per game.

This is a picture of some of the Denver Nuggets players for the NBA finals article
Denver Nuggets 2022-2023 season

Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets

Once again, the Miami Heat have reached the NBA Finals, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate why they have been the best team in the league this season. Their previous appearance in the finals dates back to 2020 when they faced defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, a lot has changed since then and they are a more mature and experienced team than they were back then. Throughout their history, the Miami Heat have clinched the NBA Championship at least three times. Their first triumph came in 2006 when they won the Mavericks. Subsequently, in 2012, they emerged victorious over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and in 2013, they eliminated the Spurs to secure another championship title.

For the first time in their franchise history, the Denver Nuggets will grace the NBA Finals, presenting a remarkable opportunity for them to secure their inaugural championship. Despite making it to the Conference finals on at least five occasions since their establishment in 1967, they had never before advanced to the finals. In the previous season, the Denver Nuggets faced a defeat against the Golden State Warriors, who ultimately clinched the championship. However, this year’s journey to the finals marks a significant change for the Nuggets, giving them a chance to prove their mettle and compete for basketball’s most coveted prize.

This is a picture of Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets for the NBA Finals game 1 article preview
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets
SportsbookMiami Heat MoneylineDenver Nuggets Moneyline
Betsafe+310-400
iBet+305-417
BetDukes+275-370
BetOBet+282-385
Sports Interaction+298-392
PowerPlay Sports+300-400
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.

Point Spread Odds

SportsbookMiami Heat OddsDenver Nuggets Odds
Betsafe(-110) +9(-110) -9
iBet(-110) +9(-110) -9
BetDukes(-114) +9(-108) -9
BetOBet(-112) +9(-106) -9
Sports Interaction(-110) +9(-110) -9
PowerPlay SportsTBCTBC
Odds were correct at the time of writing. Please check the specific site for the most up-to-date odds.

Players To Look Out For

There are some key players that we should be aware of for this match. The Miami Heat boasts the impressive performance of Jimmy Butler, who has been leading the team in points and assists. Additionally, Bam Adebayo has proven to be a valuable asset for the Heat during the postseason.

Turning our attention to the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic emerges as a standout player. Jokic is leading the team in scoring while also holding the distinction of leading the NBA in assists. His remarkable combination of speed, precision, and unparalleled court vision allows him to read the game like no other. Another player to watch for in the Nuggets lineup is Jamal Murray, who has been amazing in the postseason.

How the Game will play out

This upcoming encounter will mark the third meeting between these two teams this season. In the regular season, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious in all the matchups against the Miami Heat. The Heat will have the advantage of playing in their home arena. However, given the fact that the Nuggets are playing very well right now, I think they will win this match.

My Pick: The Denver Nuggets to win this game with a point spread of -9 @ (-110) with Betsafe.

This ends my NBA Finals Picks: Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets (game 1) article. You may always check our online sportsbook reviews to find the best sports betting sites and bonuses if you want to place bets on the sports you like. Check DAZN Canada in order for you to view all the games you want.

About the Author

João Pedro Freitas

João Pedro Freitas has been working in online gambling since 2022, being the most recent addition to the team. He loves to write sports articles and likes to analyse all kinds of sports, especially soccer and UFC. João focuses on writing content and creating strategies to ensure that the team is up to date on all Canadian and American sports.
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