It’s time for the NBA Finals as the Denver Nuggets go in search of their first ring against a Miami Heat side looking to lift the trophy for the first time in a decade. We’ve previewed the upcoming series and put together some of the best betting tips based on the latest basketball odds.
At NetBet Sport, you can fully customise your bet with the new and improved Bet Builder. Simply head to your chosen match, enable the function, add your selections, and watch the odds grow.
Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Series Preview
While the Nuggets were among the favourites to go all the way this season, there aren’t too many that would have predicted Miami would be the team to meet them in the finals. In fact, the Heat almost failed to make the play offs at all and need a second play-in match to book their spot in the post-season.
In contrast, the Nuggets have been exemplary all season, topping the Western Conference and dispatching of Minnesota, Phoenix, and the LA Lakers on the way to the final. And it’s largely down to one man. Nikola Jokic has been unstoppable in the play offs, roughly averaging a 30-point triple-double. Miami’s Bam Adebayo will face the unenviable task of stopping the Joker, a task which most have failed in this season.
Stopping Jokic defensively is one thing, but converting at the opposite end of the court is another. While Jokic has been supported by the 27-point average of Jamal Murray, Miami’s main man Jimmy Butler has been a one-man band. He is the only Miami player averaging above 17 points (28.5) in the post-season and bares the weight of the franchise on his shoulders.
On the one hand, this looks as if it could be a fairly one-sided series. But the NBA finals rarely work like that and anything could happen on basketball’s biggest stage.
NBA Finals Odds
Finals MVP
Nikola Jokic – 1.35
Jimmy Butler – 4.25
Jamal Murray – 10.00
Bam Adebayo – 26.00
Caleb Martin – 51.00
Most Series Points
Nikola Jokic – 2.10
Jimmy Butler – 2.75
Jamal Murray – 3.25
Bam Adebayo – 26.00
Michael Porter Jr. – 34.00
Most Series Assists
Nikola Jokic – N/A
Jamal Murray – 21.00
Jimmy Butler – 34.00
Kyle Lowry – 81.00
Gabe Vincent – 101.00
Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat Series Betting Tips
Most series points: Nikola Jokic – 2.10
In all honesty, Jokic could well register most points, assists, rebounds, and win finals MVP. The best of those markets looks like most points, which is enough to double your stake. He registered two 30+ point games in the 4-0 sweep of the Lakers up against Anthony Davis. We expect him to put up similar numbers in the finals.
Most series assists: Jimmy Butler – 34.00
If you’re looking for an outside bet with bigger odds, this might be your best option. Butler is averaging 5.7 assists in the post-season, bettered only by Denver’s Murray (6.1) and Jokic (10.3). If the Heat are going to compete and take this series to game six or seven, Butler will be crucial in a scoring and creative capacity.
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player well-being is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.