LeBron James, Miami Heat Favored Over Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of NBA Finals
So, who are you betting on?
The Thunder are the feel-good team of the season, finishing with a 47-19 record, thanks largely to 23-year-old phenom Kevin Durant. The three-time NBA All-Star and scoring champion led the Thunder to a 105-94 Game 1 victory over the Heat, scoring 36 points and helping his team come back from a 13-point deficit.
What's most impressive about Oklahoma City's run is that in the first three rounds, they beat three of the last four NBA champions, defeating the Mavericks (2011), Lakers (2009 and 2010) and Spurs (2007).
The Heat knocked off the other champion, the Celtics, who won in 2008.
But this isn't the same Miami team that won six years ago. This is the Miami team that lost last season. And LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are hungry for vengeance.
James himself was a beast in Game 1, scoring 30 points and gathering nine rebounds. It was the other members of the Big Three who were responsible for the loss. Wade was good but not playing at his usual level. Bosh managed just 10 points and five rebounds — none of which were offensive. That needs to change.
Game 2 on Thursday night was far from a breeze, but the Heat fought their way to a 1-1 tie.
Having jumped out of the gates aggressively in each of their first two games, the Heat will have to find a way to stay competitive for a full 48 minutes. Fortunately, they head back to South Beach as they prepare for Game 3 on Sunday.
Can the Heat come through on the NBA betting line that's favored them consistently since the beginning of the regular season?
The Thunder's stronger postseason may have vaulted them ahead of the Eastern Conference champions on the NBA odds, but so long as James and company are healthy, a favorite is far from discernible.
