- The Los Angeles Lakers are favored to take Game 1 of the NBA Finals over the Miami Heat with -200 odds.
- There is a 5-point spread in favor of the Lakers heading into Game 1.
- The over/under for total points in the game is set at 218.
ORLANDO, Fla. – NBA fans and bettors should be jumping for joy as Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set to take place on Wednesday night.
This matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat will mark the first time in NBA history that two teams that did not make the playoffs the year prior face off in the finals.
Online sportsbooks have different betting lines for NBA bettors to take advantage of either before or during the game.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat
- Moneyline: LAL (-200) vs. MIA (+170)
- Spread: Lakers -5
- Total: 218 Points
Starting with the moneyline, NBA odds are favoring the Los Angeles Lakers and rightfully so as they are the higher seed coming into the series and finished with the best record in the Western Conference.
They have also been on an absolute tear in these playoffs as they have won every series by a 4-1 margin.
However, NBA bettors should not count out the Miami Heat just yet. The Heat have shocked the NBA world as they were not favored to win any of the first three series and have done so in dominant fashion.
They also have not lost in a Game 1 scenario in these playoffs at all. They have had the odds against them in every game after the first round and have proven them wrong.
A bet on either side here would be wise but, the Miami Heat’s odds would offer a greater payout.
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As for the game total, it is set right where it needs to be as both teams have proven that they are able to score at will.
Both teams have played 15 games in these playoffs thus far and both have hit the over mark eight times.
The Lakers have two of the top scorers in the league in LeBron James and Anthony Davis to help them hit their over while the Heat are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA and are led by Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. That being said, the over here should be the way to go.
As for the spread, it is only right that it is not such a high number as it is expected to be a close series all the way through.
In the 15 games that the lakers have played, they have not been able to cover the spread in four games which includes the three games they lost and one game in the Western Conference Finals that they won.
As for the Heat, they have been literally playing against the spread throughout all of the playoffs and have defeated the spread every time with the exception of the three games that they lost.
The NBA Finals tips off on ESPN/ABC beginning at 9 p.m. EST.
Samuel decided to get into writing 6 years ago when he first started his college career at Florida State University. After declaring a major in Editing, Writing and Media, Samuel had found his passion for writing. During his free time, he could be found writing about, watching or playing sports.
