The NBA Finals are here, and the Denver Nuggets will host the Miami Heat for Game 1 on Thursday, June 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 pm ET while airing on ABC.
The Nuggets enter as 8.5-point favorites with the total set at 219. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Nuggets vs. Heat predictions, odds, and picks below.
Nuggets vs. Heat Odds
- Spread: Nuggets -8.5
- Total: 219
Odds via Bet365. If you are new to Bet365, click our exclusive promo link below to Bet $1 to Get $200 in bonus bets, regardless if you win or lose.
Game Info
- Date: Thursday, June 1
- Time: 8:30 pm ET
- Location: Ball Arena – Denver, CO
- TV: ABC
Our top NBA props. Everyday. Matt LaMarca runs through their Best NBA Player Props Today for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Nuggets Betting Trends
- Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
- Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Live in Colorado? Check out our list of the Best Colorado Sportsbook Promos for the NBA Finals and beyond!
Heat Betting Trends
- Heat are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
- Under is 4-0 in Heat last 4 overall.
Live in a non-sports betting state? Check out these sportsbook alternatives in our complete guide: Can I Bet On Sports In A Non-Legal State?
Nuggets vs. Heat Predictions
In case you were wondering, Tyler Herro will not play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. In fact, there’s an expectation that he’ll return in Game 3 at the soonest.
That’s a shame, as the Miami Heat are fatigued after barely holding on in a dramatic seven-game series against the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are fully rested after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers. They haven’t played in 10 days.
That could come into play, as the Nuggets have a 14-7 ATS record with the rest advantage this season. This is probably one of the biggest rest advantages you’ll ever see.
We all know Denver is a buzzsaw at home too, holding a gaudy 30-18 ATS record (62.5%) at Ball Arena this season. However, the Nuggets have gotten the job done (for the most part) in Game 1 of each playoff series this season. Here are the results:
- Game 1 vs. Timberwolves: Favored by 8, Won by 29
- Game 1 vs. Suns: Favored by 4, Won by 18
- Game 1 vs. Lakers: Favored by 6.5, Won by 6
It’s no secret that the Heat have struggled in Denver, losing their last six trips to the Mile High City and averaging a measly 98.5 PPG. The last time Miami won in Denver? November 2016. Ouch.
Take the Nuggets to get the job done.
The Pick: Nuggets -8.5 | Bet $1, Get $200 (win or lose) at Bet365