At the onset of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, gamblers saw the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics as the only realistic choices in the East. Nobody was giving the Miami Heat a realistic chance. And when Miami blew a 3-0 series lead to Boston, they were written off for dead. But the Heat stunned the NBA betting world by clinching the Eastern Conference title at Boston. Now Miami faces the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. While Miami is coming off a grueling series against the Celtics, Denver is well-rested and waiting at home.
2023 NBA Finals Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, June 1, 2023, 8:30 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO. |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | +8½ (-110) | 219 (-110) | +300 |  |
| Nuggets | -8½ (-110) | 219 (-110) | -380 | |
| ||||
2023 NBA Finals SBG Odds Overview
At the beginning of this series, there is sportsbook concern about Miami and fatigue. Of great concern is if the Heat has anything left in the tank. The Heat overcame the stress of nearly blowing their upset against Boston in seven games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have been relaxing at home for over a week after taking out the Los Angeles Lakers.
2023 NBA Finals Series Schedule
- Game 1: Thursday at Denver, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 2: Sunday at Denver, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 3: Wednesday, June 7 at Miami, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 4: Friday, June 9 at Miami, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 5*: Monday, June 12 at Denver, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 6*: Thursday, June 15 at Miami, 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 7*: Sunday, June 18 at Denver, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
*If necessary
Miami Heat Team Overview
The Miami Heat finished 44-38 straight up, 31-49-2 against the spread, and 41-41 over/under the NBA betting total. Late on, Miami has covered five out of their last seven games. In comparison, the Heat has gone under the total in four of its previous five matchups.
Miami has NBA metrics of 30th for scoring offense, 28th for field goal percentage, 27th for 3-point field goal percentage, 2nd for free throw percentage, and 27th for offensive rebounding. In comparison, on defense, the Heat have NBA metrics of 2nd for scoring defense, 22nd for field goal percentage permitted, 22nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 6th for defensive rebounding.
First among Miami scorers is Jimmy Butler, with 28.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game. Bam Adebayo adds 16.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.
Denver Nuggets Team Overview
The Denver Nuggets finished 53-29 straight up, 45-37 against the spread, and 37-44-1 over/under the total. Late on, Denver has covered four out of their last six games. In comparison, the Nuggets have gone under the total in four of its previous six matchups.
Denver has NBA metrics of 12th for scoring offense, 1st for field goal percentage, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage, 26th for free throw percentage, and 19th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Nuggets have NBA metrics of 8th for scoring defense, 20th for field goal percentage permitted, 3rd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 1st for defensive rebounding.
First among Denver scorers is Nikola Jokic with 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. At the same time, Jamal Murray adds 27.7 points and 5.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest.
2023 NBA Finals SBG Free Pick
In this situation, Denver is overpriced. Miami offers more value and has the proven grit to take the series.
2023 NBA Finals SBG Best Bet: Miami Heat.