As NBA Finals Game 1 approaches, the Denver Nuggets enter the matchup against the Miami Heat as clear favorites. But sports analyst Skip Bayless believes that the odds are underestimating and undervaluing the Heat. Despite losing six straight games to the Nuggets, Bayless points out that the Heat have a history of defying expectations in the playoffs. They previously eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks and the heavily-favored Boston Celtics.
Bayless ridiculed the way Vegas and other analysts continue to undervalue the Heat, saying they are seen as just a “cute little Cinderella story.” He added that the Heat were still being underestimated despite their record of eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks in just five games.
Home court advantage is expected to be a significant factor in this series. The Nuggets have a perfect record of 8-0 at Ball Arena in the playoffs and had a 34-7 home mark during the regular season. Meanwhile, the Heat have been a strong road team, going 6-4 straight up and 7-3 against the spread away from home during the playoffs.
Although the Nuggets are favored by 8.5 points heading into Game 1, Bayless believes that the Heat have a good chance to surprise everyone. He compared the situation to that of the Celtics’ series, in which they were “prohibitively favored.” With Tyler Herro returning to the Heat lineup, they will have another offensive option.
The Heat are the lowest-scoring team in the regular season, but they have found their offensive rhythm in the playoffs, averaging 111.7 points per game. Their exceptional three-point shooting, with a postseason-best 39% average, is the main reason for their success.
Although an eighth seed has never won the NBA championship before, the Heat have a strong determination to prove their worth on the biggest stage of basketball. The Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets face off in the NBA Finals, and it remains to be seen who will come out on top.
