Last year was a lost one for LeBron James and the Lakers. King James was all that the Lake Show had. There was no supporting cast. Nor a head coach with gravitas. So, James nursed his groin for the second half of the NBA betting campaign. And waited for help. Namely, Anthony Davis proved to be the missing piece on the court. And coach Frank Vogel brought coaching credibility. As a result, Los Angeles ran away with the Western Conference. By contrast, not much was expected from Miami this season. Milwaukee was supposed to dominate the Eastern Conference.
2020 NBA Finals – Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, September 30, 9 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | ESPN WWOS, Orlando, Florida |
| 2020 NBA Finals TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | +5 (-110) | 217 (-110) | +168 |  |
| Lakers | -5 (-110) | 217 (-110) | -195 | |
| ||||
2020 NBA Finals Schedule
| Game | DATE |
|---|---|
| Game 1 | Wednesday, September 30, 9 p.m. ET |
| Game 2 | Friday, October 21, 9 p.m. ET |
| Game 3 | Sunday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Game 4 | Tuesday, October 6, 9 p.m. ET |
| Game 5 | Friday, October 9, 9 p.m. ET* |
| Game 6 | Sunday, October 11, 7:30 p.m. ET* |
| Game 7 | Tuesday, October 13, 9 p.m. ET* |
*=if necessary
2020 NBA Finals SBG Odds Overview
To be exact the Lakers are an iconic sportsbook brand that draws heavy handle. In like manner to the Cowboys and Yankees. Value is a constant struggle because of this public demand. Counter to that is a Heat team that operates in the shadows. And has become the most profitable team in the NBA Playoffs.
Miami Heat Team Overview
Miami took out the Celtics in six games for the Eastern Conference title. So far, the Heat has covered 12 of 15 playoff games. Defense and team basketball have been their success formula. Jimmy Butler has been an astute pickup. Bam Adebayo has emerged as a formidable asset. And Goran Dragic runs a good offense. More empathically coach Eric Spoelstra has emerged as top tier. Miami’s domination of the Bucks in five games stunned everyone. Accordingly, it served as a warning.
Key Heat: PG Goran Dragic 20.0 PTS, 4.2 REB, 4.7 AST, SF Jimmy Butler 20.7 PTS, 5.7 REB, 4.5 AST, PF Bam Adebayo 18.5 PTS, 11.4 REB, 4.9 AST
Los Angeles Lakers Team Overview
Despite their public popularity price tag, the Lakers are 9-5-1 vs. the odds in the playoffs. Los Angeles ranks third for both scoring and points allowed. While ranking second for team rebounds in the postseason. For this reason, Frank Vogel deserves considerable credit. Starting with his arrival was a commitment to defense. And a full-court game. Compared to the previous coach Luke Walton does Vogel merit respect. Players listen and buy-in.
Key Lakers: PF Anthony Davis 28.8 PTS, 9.3 REB, 3.6 AST, SF LeBron James 26.7 PTS, 10.3 REB, 8.9 AST, PF Kyle Kuzma 10.5 PTS, 3.2 REB, 0.9 AST
Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers Against the Spread
The Heat is:
- 7-3 vs. the odds as dogs
- 6-1 over the total when getting points
- 4-3 against the spread vs. the Lakers
- 1-4 under the total head to head with Los Angeles
The Lakers are:
- 9-4-1 against the spread as chalk
- 7-5 under the total when laying points
- 3-10 vs. the line as chalk to Miami
- 2-7 under the total when favored against the Heat
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles SBG Best Bet
In this situation, the Lakers are the obvious choice. Squares will load up for NBA betting action on Los Angeles. Miami has delivered profits and wins all postseason. Consider how they mauled NBA championship favorite Milwaukee with ease. At this price, the Heat offers much better value. In turn, they are playing at a championship level.
Heat vs. Lakers SBG Best Bet: Miami Heat