Best Heat vs Nuggets NBA first basket scorer prop bets for today 6/1: Aaron Gordon causes issues for the Heat

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon
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Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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The 2023 NBA Finals brings us a surprise matchup as the Denver Nuggets take on the Miami Heat. While the Nuggets have been one of the best teams throughout the regular season, the Heat had struggled. They had to go through the play-in tournament as a result, and have made an incredible run since. They caused upsets over the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics and are once again the underdogs here. If they can overcome the Nuggets, it would be one of the greatest achievements in NBA history.

Check out my first-basket scorer pick for Heat vs Nuggets below and you can also read our NBA predictions for picks on the sides and total.

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Heat vs Nuggets first basket best bet: Aaron Gordon (+1400)

The Denver Nuggets faced off against the Miami Heat twice this season, with Bam Adebayo and Nikola Jokic playing in both games. The pair jumped against each other in both contests, splitting winning the opening possession for their teams. Jokic has the height advantage over Adebayo and should have a great chance of helping the Nuggets to get the first possession of the NBA Finals. The Heat won the tip in 51.5% of their games this season compared to 50.5% for the Nuggets. The teams are similarly ranked in defensive rating this postseason but the Nuggets come out top of all playoff teams in offensive rating, so there is a great chance that the first-basket scorer will come from the hosts.

Aaron Gordon should have a great chance to open the scoring. It will be interesting to see if the Heat reinstate Kevin Love into the starting 5 or stick with Caleb Martin. In either case, Gordon should have a favorable matchup. Against Love, he would have the speed advantage and should have success cutting to the rim. If Martin is in the starting 5, the Heat could have issues matching up with his size. The forward is 2nd among the Nuggets in opening the scoring for his team, with only Nikola Jokic doing so more often. With the defensive attention the MVP will receive, Gordon should represent terrific value.

You can also read our Heat vs Nuggets Same Game Parlay and Game 1 player prop picks

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