We didn’t get the all LA clash in the Western Conference finals and we were denied another Lakers-Celtics showdown in the Finals, but I don’t think there’s any question that the two best teams will be fighting it out for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The Miami Heat continued their unlikely playoff voyage and will take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals starting Wednesday. Both teams lost just three games during the first three rounds with Miami posting impressive series wins over No. 1 Milwaukee and Boston. The Lakers made sure Denver wouldn’t make another dramatic series comeback ending the West finals in a quick five games. Like they’ve been all throughout the playoffs, the Lakers are a big favorite to claim their first title in a decade opening at -341.
NBA Series Prices at BookMaker.eu
Miami Heat +300
Los Angeles Lakers -341
Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers Series Schedule
Game 1: Heat vs. Lakers, Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 2: Heat vs. Lakers, Friday, October 2, 2020, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 3: Lakers vs. Heat, Sunday, October 4, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 4: Lakers vs. Heat, Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 9 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 5: Heat vs. Lakers, Friday, October 9, 2020, 9 p.m. ET (If Necessary)
Game 6: Lakers vs. Heat, Sunday, October 11, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET (If Necessary)
Game 7: Heat vs. Lakers, Tuesday, October 13, 2020, 9 p.m. ET (If Necessary)
Head to Head
There are a number of storylines in this matchup, most notably the relationship between James and Heat executive Pat Riley. The last time Miami reached the Finals was LeBron’s last season in South Beach. The Heat actually reached the Finals four straight times winning it twice before James took his ball back to Cleveland. Riley wasn’t happy with the decision and the two have rarely spoken since. Revenge isn’t a motivating factor since a lot of time has passed. James is more concerned with his legacy. The teams were able to complete their season series ahead of the COVID shutdown with the Lakers winning both games. Getting 26 points from Davis and 25 from James, the Lakers pulled away for a 95-80 win at Staples in November. LA completed the sweep a month later, 113-110, with AD and James combining for 61 points. James compared that game to a heavyweight fight and now it’s entering the last few rounds. The teams split against the spread.
Miami Heat
The Heat have embraced the role of underdog this postseason showing off a winning brand of basketball. They swept Indiana in the opening round, knocked off top-seed Milwaukee and erased Boston in six games in the East finals. They don’t have a superstar or superstars like many teams have opted for. Instead its balance and teamwork that’s led the Heat to a 12-3 SU and ATS record this postseason.
Jimmy Butler is the leader, though he’s gotten plenty of help up and down the roster. Butler is averaging 20.7 points per game, behind the 20.9 put up by Goran Dragic. They are two of six players scoring more than 11 points per game in the postseason. Opponents can’t just dial in on Butler or Dragic with Bam Adebayo doing damage around the bucket. Tyler Herro came up large with 37 points in the pivotal Game 4 win over Boston and has reached double figures in every playoff game. If you fail to close on Duncan Robinson he’ll bury you from behind the arc.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are also hot inside the bubble not going beyond five games in any of their three series. They are 12-3 SU and 9-5-1 ATS in the postseason. When you think of AD and LeBron you think offense. That’s been the case with those two combining to average 55.5 points per game in the postseason with each shooting better than 54 percent from the field. Unlike the Heat, there’s a big drop after that. Kyle Kuzma is third in scoring and the only other player averaging in double figures with 10.5. Everybody knows what’s coming and it still can’t be stopped.
Defense has been the Lakers rallying cry. They had the third best defensive rating during the regular season and are fifth in the playoffs. They’ll need to be stingy against a team that spreads the ball around. A key matchup will take place in the middle between Davis and Adebayo. AD has been dominant averaging 28.8 points on 57 percent shooting, but Adebayo is the most athletic big he’ll face. The Lakers have owned the glass in the playoffs with AD, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard roaming around. That could prove to be the difference in this series.
Heat vs. Lakers Free Picks
Like a lot of other people I didn’t expect the Heat to be playing for a title. They showed no signs of going on a run in the seeding games, but I guess it pays to get hot at the right time. Top end talent favors the Lakers with AD and James destroying everything in their path. But how can you not like the way Miami plays. Like coach Norman Dale said, “Five players on the floor functioning as one single unit – no one more important than the other.” Kinda sums up the Heat and the Lakers can’t defend them all.
Heat vs. Lakers Series Pick: Heat in 7 Games
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