bouncing back from a late fourth-quarter deficit against the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In. In addition, their victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics have left the league agog and their team morale high.

2023 NBA Finals: Game 1 Preview

Reflecting on the season series, the Nuggets have the upper hand, leading 2-0 with victories by a combined nine points. Nevertheless, the Heat’s playoff performance this year is nothing short of impressive. They’ve clinched Game 1 on the road in all three series so far, and their bench has outscored opponents by a whopping 213 points in the postseason. However, they’ll need to overcome their Denver jinx, as they haven’t won there since 2016, and confront the Nuggets’ remarkable 8-0 home record in the playoffs.

Meet the Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets, who have been exceptional in this year’s playoffs, losing only three games, are strong contenders for the NBA Finals. Coming off a nine-day break after trouncing the LA Lakers, they are driven by the exceptional play of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. In addition, their offence has been impressive, with role players stepping in to take crucial shots when the defence focuses on Jokic or Murray. Coupled with their flawless home record in the playoffs, they are the front-runners in this contest.

Nuggets Injury Update

Collin Gillespie – Lower leg

Getting to Know the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have carved a niche in NBA history by becoming only the second team to reach the Finals from 8th seed and the first in the 2000s. Jimmy Butler has been their guiding star, steering them past the 1st-seeded Bucks and the 2nd-seeded Celtics. While Butler’s performance has been outstanding, it’s the unexpected role players like Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, and Caleb Martin who have truly shone. Despite the Heat exceeding all expectations, their three-day rest compared to the Nuggets’ nine, after a gruelling seven-game series against the Celtics, might pose a challenge.

Heat Injury Update

Tyler Herro – Hand

NBA Finals: Game 1 Prediction

The Denver Nuggets, with their remarkable playoff performance, are well-positioned to win the NBA Finals this year. Fresh off a nine-day break following a sweeping win over the LA Lakers, the Nuggets’ performance is hard to miss. Led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, their offence has been striking. The team’s role players have consistently made key shots when the defence is concentrated on Jokic or Murray. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, despite making history as the second team to reach the Finals as an 8th seed, have had a more demanding journey. Even with Butler’s extraordinary performance and the unexpected contribution from role players, the Heat’s short three-day rest after a tough seven-game series against the Celtics might prove challenging. The Nuggets, with their extended rest, flawless home game record.

The Nuggets, with their extended rest, flawless home game record, and strong team players, definitely have the advantage in this championship showdown.

Recommended Bet: Denver Nuggets​​.