The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers will play Game 1 of the 2019-20 NBA Finals Wednesday in the Orlando bubble. The opening tip is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Heat-Lakers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Heat vs. Lakers Key injuries
Lakers
- SF LeBron James (groin) probable
- PF Anthony Davis (heel) probable
- SG Alex Caruso (wrist) probable
- SG Danny Green (finger) probable
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Heat vs. Lakers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Heat 113, Lakers 109
Money line (ML)
The HEAT (+165) are moneyline underdogs to the Lakers (-200) in Game 1 of the NBA Finals despite Miami winning 12 of its last 15 games. The Heat have had the tougher road to the NBA Finals, going through the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.
The Lakers still should be considered the favorites to win this series given their superior talent, but don’t be surprised if the HEAT (+165) steal Game 1.
Line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Lakers -4.5 (-110) are two-basket favorites over the HEAT +4.5 (-110) on Wednesday night. While Los Angeles has been good against the spread (6-2-1 in its last nine games), it doesn’t even compare to what Miami has done these playoffs.
The Heat have covered the spread in 12 of their 15 playoff games and their losses came late in the fourth quarter or in overtime. Take Miami and the points in Game 1 as it presents the most value.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for Game 1 of the 2019-2020 NBA Finals is set at 217.5 points, which feels about right considering how strong each team has been on defense during these playoffs. During the regular season, both teams allowed fewer than 110 points per game and their defense has only improved in the league’s bubble.
Expect both teams to score well into the 100s in Wednesday’s Game 1. The Lakers have scored at least 105 points in nine-straight playoff games and the Heat have yet to score below 100 points in any playoff game so far. Take the OVER 217.5 (-110) here as both teams have been reliable on the offensive end in the playoffs so far.
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