2023 NBA Finals odds, line, Game 1 start time: Heat vs. Nuggets ...

1 Jun 2023

Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals is underway when the Denver Nuggets host the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The Nuggets are rolling right now and have won six straight games in the 2023 NBA playoffs. On May 22, the Nuggets topped the Los Angeles Lakers 113-111 to close out the West Finals. Meanwhile, Miami recovered to defeat the Boston Celtics in the East Finals after giving up a 3-0 lead. On Monday, the Heat blew out the Celtics 103-84 in Game 7.

Tipoff from Ball Arena is at 8:30 p.m. ET. Denver is a 9-point favorite in the latest Heat vs. Nuggets odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 219. Before making any Nuggets vs. Heat picks, make sure you check out what proven SportsLine NBA expert Matthew Severance has to say.

Matt Severance is a well-connected writer and handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, Matt quickly established himself as a top expert in multiple sports. Over his past 162 NBA picks, he is 106-55-1 against the spread, returning $3,599 for $100 players. 

Now, Severance has set his sights on Heat vs. Nuggets and just locked in his picks and NBA Finals predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Heat vs. Nuggets:

Heat vs. Nuggets: Denver -9 Heat vs. Nuggets over/under: 219 points  Heat vs. Nuggets money line: Denver -400, Miami +310 MIA: The Heat are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win DEN: The Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games Heat vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine

Featured Game | Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat

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Why the Nuggets can cover

Denver's supporting cast has stepped up to help Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Forward Michael Porter Jr. is an athletic three-level scorer. Porter Jr. creates looks for himself while utilizing his catch-and-shoot ability to play off-ball. The Missouri product has long arms that allow him to snag boards. Porter Jr. is averaging 14.6 points and eight rebounds per game during the playoffs. In his last contest, he had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Forward Aaron Gordon provides Denver with another springy force in the frontcourt. Gordon is able to soar above the rim with ease for dunks and rebounds. Additionally, the Arizona product is always cutting to the basket for easy looks. Gordon logs 13 points and 5.5 boards per game. In Game 4 against the Lakers, he amassed 22 points, six boards and five assists. See which team to pick here.

Why the Heat can cover

Center Bam Adebayo is a monster in the lane. Adebayo has terrific power and strength to push back defenders down low while constantly piling up boards. The Kentucky product is first on the team in rebounds (9.2) along with 16.8 points per game in the postseason. He's recorded a double-double in consecutive matchups, including in Game 7 against the Celtics when he totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

Guard Gabe Vincent is a sharpshooting playmaker in the backcourt. Vincent owns great court vision as a passer and can score off the dribble with ease. The UCSB product logs 13.1 points, 3.9 assists, and shoots 39% from downtown during the 2023 NBA playoffs. On May 21 versus the Celtics, Vincent finished with 29 points and went 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. See which team to pick here.

How to make Nuggets vs. Heat picks

Severance is leaning Under on the point total, and he has identified a critical X-factor he says makes one side of the spread a must-back. You can only find out what it is, and see which side of the Heat vs. Nuggets spread to back, at SportsLine.

Who wins Heat vs. Nuggets, and what critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Heat vs. Nuggets spread you need to jump on Thursday, all from the expert who has returned $3,599 to $100 players over his last 162 NBA picks, and find out.

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