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NBA Finals 2020: Early Odds, Schedule as Lakers Await Celtics vs. Heat
September 27, 2020
The Los Angeles Lakers survived a tenacious Denver Nuggets team to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.
The Nuggets were a dangerous team, as they pulled off two miraculous wins in the last two rounds. Their luck ran out as they came across a Lakers team that looks destined to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy. LeBron James delivered an amazing fourth-quarter performance to lead his team to his 10th NBA Finals appearance.
James and Co. put the Nuggets away in convincing fashion, which has to make them the favorites to win this year. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat will look to close out the Boston Celtics in Game 6 for the chance to advance.
Early Championship Odds
Los Angeles Lakers: -380
Miami Heat: +480
Boston Celtics: +900
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
NBA Finals Schedule
If Miami wins the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 6
Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat (Game 1): Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat (Game 2): Friday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers (Game 3): Sunday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers (Game 4): Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
If Boston forces the Eastern Conference Finals to Game 7
Los Angeles Lakers at East winner (Game 1): Friday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Los Angeles Lakers at East winner (Game 2): Sunday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC
East winner at Los Angeles Lakers (Game 3): Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
East winner at Los Angeles Lakers (Game 4): Friday, Oct. 9, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Jayson Tatum scored 31 points Friday to save the Celtics' season and force Game 6. It looked like the series was over, but another win could give Boston the chance to advance to the finals.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler has the opportunity to make his first NBA Finals appearance. If Pat Riley earns a chance to win a championship for the first time since 2013 with LeBron James standing in his way, it would be quite a sight to see. As it stands, Miami is just one win away and Boston will have to produce two incredible games in a row to stop the Heat.
Erik Spoelstra will likely lead the team to a win Sunday, as it would be a mistake to let their opponents gain any confidence. Game 6 is a must-win game for the Heat, and they will probably close it out.
Series prediction: Heat win in six games.