The Denver Nuggets making a run to the NBA Finals wasn’t something that people looking at the NBA schedule would be surprised by. With star forward Nikola Jokic once again playing at an MVP level, the Nuggets earned the top spot in the Western Conference and fought their way through the playoffs.
Not too many people scoping out 2023 NBA championship odds would have expected the same level of success from the Miami Heat. The Heat spent much of the regular season wallowing toward the middle of the NBA standings. After nearly being eliminated from the playoffs in the play-in tournament, Miami found its groove and upset its way into the NBA Finals.
Despite the Heat playing great basketball, the feeling is that Miami is still at a distinct disadvantage.
2023 NBA Championship Odds
NBA odds show that Denver is -500 to win the series. Miami is +360. The Nuggets are playing in the finals for the first time in their history. Miami is in search of its fourth championship as a franchise.
The series is priced most likely to end in a 4-1 Denver victory at +225. The least likely end to the series is a Miami sweep (+4000).
What to like about Denver
The Nuggets haven’t had too tough of a time getting through the Western Conference playoffs. Denver swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. NBA team stats show the Nuggets were able to knock out Minnesota and Phoenix in six games. Jokic averages 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game.
The 2023 NBA Championship odds may ultimately be determined by the play of Denver guard Jamal Murray. Murray is a terrific postseason player. He averages 27.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. The Nuggets aren’t the deepest team, but have a nice supporting cast.
Michael Porter Jr. (14.6 points per game), Aaron Gordon (13.0), Bruce Brown (12.2) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (11.7) all scored in double figures. Jeff Green and Christian Braun are also counted on to contribute.
What to like about Miami
The Heat have displayed the team’s trademark toughness this postseason. Lacking a real start out of Jimmy Butler, who is an enigmatic one at that. Miami has marched through the playoffs despite having Tyler Herro, who averages 20 points per game, out of the lineup due to being on the NBA injury report with a hand injury. Herro is expected to return to this series, possibly as soon as Game 3.
NBA player stats show that Jimmy Butler has once again raised his level in the potseason, averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. When it comes to 2023 NBA Championship odds, the Heat’s chances of winning will be determined by which members of their supporting cast can maintain their strong play.
Caleb Martin, who has made 15 of his 18 playoff appearances off the bench, averages 14.1 points per game. Bam Adebayo is second on the team in scoring at 16.8 points per game. Also, they grab 9.2 rebounds per contest.
An interesting matchup
Betting against the Heat is one of those NBA picks that is difficult to make. Miami didn’t have the regular season success that Denver has. But the Heat has built a strong franchise from a mix of veteran players and finding guys that were undervalued on the free agency market. Miami is hoping to become the first team from the play-in tournament to win in the NBA Finals.
While there are no certainties when it comes to which team can win a playoff series, Denver seems to be in a good position to win its first NBA championship. If the Nuggets can continue to play at their pace and Jokic is able to serve as a playmaker. Denver will win this series in six games.
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