8. Miami Heat vs. 1. Denver Nuggets

If there was ever a classic case of an ‘underdog’ in the NBA Playoffs, the Miami Heat fits that bill. They are the second 8th seed to reach the NBA Finals and had a negative point differential for the regular season. The run they’ve been on in these playoffs has been relatively easy. Aside from nearly blowing a 3-0 lead against Boston in the Conference Finals, they beat the Bucks and Knicks in 5 and 6 games respectively. Jimmy Butler has been the biggest draw for them, but they have had some unsung names helping along the way. The likes of Max Strus, Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent have been key contributors and Duncan Robinson has become more than just a three-point specialist. Bam Adebayo is a jack of all trades and will be heavily relied on to contain Jokic. Miami will need to steal at least one game in Denver for them to win their fourth championship.

This is the first time in Denver’s history that they have reached the NBA Finals. In the last year of the ABA, Denver lost the championship series in 1979 to the New York Nets. It is a unique time for Denver as their core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are clicking on all cylinders during the playoffs. Murray especially considering that he has been injured for the past two playoff runs. Everyone knows that Jokic is a unicorn and with him averaging a triple double during the playoffs that is being re-enforced. Their depth isn’t great, but Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have been great thus far. Denver’s roster takes all the advantages of playing in the high altitude of home. They haven’t lost a home game in the playoffs. That’s a huge advantage for them with the next task of hoisting their first championship trophy.

Players to Watch: F Jimmy Butler and C Nikola Jokic

Who Wins: Nuggets in 6 games