The NBA Finals brings us a surprise matchup as the Denver Nuggets take on the Miami Heat. While the Nuggets have been one of the best teams this year throughout the regular season, the Heat had struggled. They had to go through the play-in as a result, and have made an incredible run since. They caused upsets over the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics and are once again the underdogs here. If they can overcome the Nuggets, it would be one of the greatest achievements in NBA history.
Check out my first-basket scorer pick for Heat vs Nuggets below and you can also read our NBA predictions'for picks on the sides and total.
The Denver Nuggets faced off against the Miami Heat twice this season, with Bam Adebayo and Nikola Jokic playing in both. The pair jumped against each other in both contests, splitting winning the opening possession for their respective teams. Jokic does have the height advantage over Adebayo and should have a great chance of helping the Nuggets get the first possession of the NBA finals. The Heat won tip in 51.5% of their games this season compared to 50.5%. The teams are similarly ranked in defensive rating this postseason but the Nuggets come out top of all playoff teams in offensive rating. There is a great chance the first basket scorer will come from the hosts.
Aaron Gordon should have a great chance to open the scoring tonight. It will be interesting to see if the Miami Heat reinstate Kevin Love into the starting 5 or stick with Caleb Martin. In either case, Gordon should have a favourable matchup. Against Love, he would have the speed advantage and should have success cutting to the rim. If Martin is in the starting 5, the Heat could have issues matching up with his size. The forward is 2nd among the Nuggets in opening the scoring for his team, with only Nikola Jokic doing so more often. With the defensive attention the MVP will receive here, Gordon should represent terrific value.