Best first basket scorer picks for Heat vs. Nuggets in NBA Finals Game 5

Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball while defended by Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half in game four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball while defended by Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half in game four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports /
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This could be the last game of the NBA season and that means we might not have basketball to bet on until the fall. So, instead of just betting the game straight up, let’s see if we can get a big payout in the first minute or two by betting the first basket scorer.

In Game 4 it was Bam Adebayo who got into the scorebook first after misses from Gabe Vincent and Michael Porter Jr. Here are my two picks for first basket scorer in Game 5.

Odds to score the first basket in Heat vs. Nuggets Game 5

Heat vs. Nuggets best first basket scorer picks

Jamal Murray (+600)

I needed Porter Jr. to hit that shot and I would’ve cashed last game. I almost went back to MPJ because I do think Michael Malone would like to get him going after a terrible start to the series, but by this point I think that ship has sailed. The Nuggets are going for the kill shot and that means more Murray and Jokic. I think they start off with that two-man game and run it until Miami proves they can slow Denver’s duo down.

Kevin Love (+1000)

The Miami Heat have their back’s against the wall, so who will they lean on, maybe a player with a ring already on their finger. Kevin Love is one of the few members of the Heat who has won a Championship and they might turn to him to get the team off to a good start. Frankly, it seems like Miami is completely out of answers, but they need Love for his size and if he can get hot from three, maybe they have a chance.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change