It may have taken a few months longer than expected, but we have finally reached the 2020 NBA Finals. Only two teams remain in the NBA’s playoff bubble, as the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat get set to square off in what should be an epic seven-game series. If you’re looking for some NBA Finals betting insights and hoping to find some value in the latest 2020 NBA Finals odds, let’s examine how both teams got to this point in the playoffs.
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The Lakers entered the postseason as the top seed in the Western Conference, so their spot in the finals shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Despite losing Game 1 to both the Portland Trailblazers and Houston Rockets, the Lakers have yet to face an opponent that can keep up with them for an entire series. Los Angeles ended up winning both series’ in just five games, giving the veteran squad time to rest between each round. The Lakers faced a stiffer challenge in the WCF against the Denver Nuggets, but even the duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray were no match for LeBron and Co. Once again, LA took the series in just five games, leaving the Lakers rested and ready for a chance to win another NBA title.
Unlike their opponent, Miami has defied the 2020 NBA odds just by making it this far. While the team has been solid throughout the year, not many people anticipated their incredible postseason run. Entering the playoffs as the 5-seed in the Eastern Conference, the Heat got off to a fast start by sweeping a depleted Indian Pacers lineup. Miami then went on to shock 2020 NBA odds makers by knocking out league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in only five games. The Heat went on to face the Boston Celtics in the ECF, but their depth and feistiness proved too much as they defeated the Celtics in six games to earn their place in this year’s finals.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS – -350
Los Angeles enters the series as heavy favorites, according to the most recent NBA Finals lines available on Bovada. The Lakers will likely look to use their strength and size to their advantage, as they boast a roster that includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee and Kyle Kuzma. With such a strong, athletic frontcourt, LA may look to go big in order to overpower the undersized Heat.
One of the biggest surprises for the Lakers this postseason has been their veteran point guard, Rajon Rondo. An effective floor general and defender, Rondo has also been shooting nearly 45% from beyond the arc in the playoffs. This detail should not be overlooked, as it will allow the Los Angeles to spread the floor and add another perimeter threat for opponents to worry about. The only question is whether Rondo can keep up this stellar shooting, or if he ends up regressing to the mean.
At the end of the day, this Lakers squad will only go as far as LeBron James and Anthony Davis will take them. The duo looked unstoppable during the WCF, as James nearly averaged just shy of a 27-point triple-double, while Davis shot 54% from the field and put up over 30 points per game. If LA does end up becoming 2020 NBA champions, you can bet it will be on the backs of these two future hall of famers.
MIAMI HEAT – +275
Miami enters the series as considerable underdogs, but their current 2020 NBA Finals odds on Bovada provide betting fans with plenty of value for their money. The team is led by the mercurial Jimmy Butler; who’s relentless style of play has already rubbed off on his teammates. Butler’s strong attitude and suffocating defense have given this team a much-needed identity and galvanized their young roster. If the Heat are able to defeat the Lakers and provide a huge NBA Finals betting upset, you can bet that Butler’s defense on LeBron will be a big reason why!
As you study the latest NBA Finals lines on Bovada, one of the most interesting questions heading into this series will be how Heat center Bam Adebayo stacks up against the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. Bam has taken huge strides in just his third season, and has quietly earned his place among the league’s best big men. Standing at only 6’9, Adebayo has been an integral piece of Miami’s small-ball lineup. His play against Davis will go a long way for his team’s chances of defying the 2020 NBA Finals odds and bringing a championship back to South Beach.
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The backcourt is an area of strength for this team, and this group could play a pivotal role in determining the NBA Finals lines throughout the series. Veteran point guard Goran Dragic has had a very strong postseason, leading his team with 21 points per game, while young shooters Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson have given the Heat an additional scoring threat on the perimeter. If Miami is able to spread the floor and knock down their open looks, we could be in for some exciting NBA Finals betting and incredible value on the underdog Heat.
