Heat vs Nuggets Odds, and Picks (Game 1)

• The Heat avoided a historic collapse, winning Game 7 in Boston.
• Denver is rested for the Finals, following their sweep of the Lakers.
• The Nuggets are 2-0 on this season as a whole against Miami.

The Nuggets (65-32) and the Heat (56-44) will meet in the 2023 NBA Finals. Miami is now looking to complete their historic run as an 8-seed with a title, while Denver is aiming to win their first Finals ever.

How to Watch

• ABC

Preview

Miami managed to avoid being the first team in NBA history to blow a 3-0 lead, surviving in Game 7. It was an unlikely road victory after losing the 3 games prior, but one in which the Heat went back to doing what they do best and playing stellar defense. After holding Boston to just 84 points in the win, they’ll need to find a similar game plan that will work against the Nuggets. They enter the series as massive underdogs.

The Nuggets have been patiently waiting for the Finals to start for a week, enjoying the benefit of extra rest. Sweeping their series, and then watching the Heat get forced to go to Game 7, was a best-case scenario for a Denver team that already has the advantage. They’ve been sensational in the postseason, especially at home. If Jokić continues to play as well as he has been, the Nuggets will be a very tough out.

Picks

Miami’s incredible run to the Finals has proven their ability to win against higher-seeded teams. I wouldn’t count them out in this game, but it’ll certainly be their toughest task yet. Denver’s record at home is incredible, holding a 42-7 overall record, including 8-0 in the postseason. I feel pretty good about their chances of winning at home once again, though covering a large spread in the Finals won’t be too easy.

Moneyline:

Spread: