The NBA Finals Bets for Game 1 asks if the Denver Nuggets can begin their path toward glory. Naturally, some wonder if Miami can pull off yet another upset. Can Denver and Nikola Jokic find their way to that elusive NBA crown? That feels more likely. MyBookie online betting Vegas sportsbook offers some intriguing betting possibilities for the final round.
NBA Final Bets rocketed Denver up numbers wise for Thursday night’s Game 1. Again, this begs the questions of rest versus rust. Conversely, there lies the altitude question and the reality that Miami played a few more games than maybe needed. Will the Heat tire out later in Game 1? Adrenaline carries teams so far. At some point, Denver will get their legs.
Denver oddly had a harder time at home versus Los Angeles in the last round. However, in Game 1, score effects took over as the Nuggets enjoyed a huge early lead. Denver went up 72-54 at halftime. Few would be surprised to see a more high-octane effort coming out of the gates. Could the Nuggets muck this up by trying to make too much of an early impression? That remains a valid question.
Okay, it is safe to say that Denver, its players, and their fans are ready. Yes, between the Phoenix series and the Los Angeles series, something even further clicked with this Nuggets team. Michael Malone, their coach, felt Denver dug pretty deep and delivered a performance to gain them much-needed and valuable rest. Therefore, this round may feature the healthiest Denver team yet.
Granted, the 8.5 point spread seems high but Denver likes their fast starts. Altitude provides a boost which Miami cannot prepare for adequately. Furthermore, Miami got banged up from playing an extra three games against Boston. That allowed Denver to see a few more ways to attack the Miami offense and defense. That cannot be overestimated. Honestly, it makes Denver a good favorite ATS for Game 1.
These NBA Finals Bets prop up some different wrinkles. So, we lie a mere 36 hours or so from tip-off on Thursday night. Isn’t it nice to see early props? Yes, it is! Jokic on the Western Conference MVP. We hope one got in on that early MVP bet at -175. Unfortunately right now, the NBA Series prop bets like the Serbian basketball player even more at around -400 for the same award. Playing Miami as opposed to Boston made an impact.
At Vegas Betting, decisions became plenty as we start mixing in some series props before diving back into the Game 1 props for Thursday night. Why be boring about this? Diversifying becomes a good plan with smaller wagers spread out instead of risking a whole bunch of dollars out of the gate. The series number for Denver to win rumbles in at a whopping -400. Bluntly, that is too rough to bet on.
Naturally, the Nuggets figured to bristle against such a statement. Denver has had a decent amount of rest in every series. For a team that was the top seed in the West, rest is beneficial. Practices have been intense and the notion of rust is probably overblown here. Again, there are a few ways to get around that nasty -400 series bet or -360 Game 1 moneyline. Finding something to wager closer to even or plus-money makes better sense.
NBA online betting sites bring the action as Thursday night looms. While few expect this series to go seven, there are some options. Taking Denver and -1.5 games pays out at -190. With Denver raring to go, the NBA Finals Bets like to go a bit off the path with a 4-1 or even 4-2 series win. Now, that latter result pays out at a tidy +400. The former comes in at +240.
The NBA Finals Bets asks what about Game 1 and player props. Of course, the combination of bets rises astronomically as Thursday night draws near. Denver scoring 115 or more points comes in at Even on some sites. That is one which may not last too long. Conversely, the Miami Under 104 points might be an option too. Again, game props are a fun way to open up the wagering.
Currently, Finals Specials offer some crazy ideas. The Under 3.5 Flagrant Fouls rides at -115. This series figures to be physical but not filled with animosity. Nikola Jokic to net two or more triple doubles is at -200. However, three or more is now down to -125. Who can guard Jokic well enough if Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are on their games early.
More specials and props on depth players are worth investigating too. In that spirit, the feeling is someone will score 41 or more points in this series during a game. Again, at Even money, that looks to be another option. That player may very well be Jokic too. The Jokic number at 37.5 is already +105. Explore some alternative lines because +150 would not shock anyone before Game 1.
Hammering the player props on Jokic and Murray especially are solid ideas on Thursday night. Expect them to come out more than ready to lead Denver.
At VegasBetting, we did not forget about the NBA Draft and 2023-24 Futures. The plan is to monitor shifts with not only the series but the draft and futures too.
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."