With the NBA Finals underway, there are still plenty of things to bet on. While the money line and points spread get the most attention, don’t be afraid to check out the litany of prop bets happening as well. It can provide a fun thing to root for even if you have no idea how the game might turn out.
There are a few players that are definitely worth watching in this series. Let’s check out some of the best NBA Finals prop bets as the rest of the series unfolds.
Click here to find out the best strategy on how to bet on the NBA finals 2023.
Nikola Jokic Series Leader in Points (+130)
The two-time MVP who many feel should have won his third in a row this season is the single most dominant force in the series. With all due respect to Jimmy Butler, Jokic is the kind of difference-maker that can dominate the series for the Nuggets.
Jokic is a walking triple-double who does it all on the floor. He can become a master distributor, dominate on the glass, and outscore anyone. He is the favorite to lead the series in points and with good reason. He is the kind of player who will get his no matter what is happening.
After two games, it looks as though the Heat are letting Jokic do as he pleases and forcing the other players to beat him. He put up 41 points in Game 2, following up his 27-point Game 1 performance. And in game 3 he recorded 30 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists: the first 30-20-10 in the history of the NBA. Joker is the most dominant scorer by a mile in this series and should be a shoo-in to lead in scoring.
Nikola Jokic records a 30-point, 20-rebound and 10-assist triple-double as the Nuggets (-3) win and cover in Game 3 ✅ pic.twitter.com/83Ngatrrb4
— ClutchBet (@ClutchBetSB) June 8, 2023
Jamal Murray 3-Pointers per Game (-160)
According to DraftKings, Murray’s over/under for threes per game is 2.5 (over -160, under +130). Though Jokic is clearly the focal point for the Nuggets, Murray has really had himself a breakout performance in the playoffs so far.
He also has shown a penchant to hit a few timely threes from time to time. Murray is just shy of eight attempts per game (7.9) with right around three makes (3.1) per game. He has been on fire for much of the playoffs, though he has troubles historically with Miami, putting up his second-lowest PPG.
Nikola Jokic PTS+REB+AST per Game (+1100)
Yes, we’re going back to Joker for another prop but how can you stay away from one of the most dominant players in the league? The number to watch here is his RPA (rebounds, points, assists) total each game.
FanDuel has the total set at a lofty 50+ (1100) but Jokic has been a monster in these playoffs. He’s hit the mark in 10 of his last 12 games, even succeeding against high-end interior defenders like Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton, and Rudy Gobert. Bam Adebayo is good but not good enough to steal boards from Joker.
This is one of those bets that, no matter who you are rooting for, you can have fun with. Watching the two-time MVP continue to dominate is something we will remember for a long time to come.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the first teammates in NBA history (regular season, postseason, or Finals) to BOTH record 30+ point triple-doubles in the same game!
Jokic: 32 PTS, 21 REB, 10 AST
Murray: 34 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST pic.twitter.com/13OvfXaQw9— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 8, 2023
Duncan Robinson 3-Pointers (+450)
Though he’s not quite the guy you want with the ball in his hands at the end of the game, Duncan Robinson is one of the best shooters in the league. He’s no Stephen Curry but he is more than capable of doing major damage when he gets hot from 3-point range.
This prop involves Robinson hitting 5 or more 3-points in any game (+450 via DraftKings). He’s done it at least once in all three series so far. Even more impressively, he did it in 24 minutes or less each time that he’achieved the feat.
Robinson will be a threat, especially if the Heat are down and need to make a somewhat quick comeback. Robinson is also worth considering for the most threes in the series (+4700) and could wind up being an x-factor if the Heat are going to pull off the upset and complete the run of a lifetime.
Duncan Robinson said it ain’t over till it’s over 🔥😤.
Mark Jackson “Hand down, man down”😭.
Heat vs Nuggets #heatculture pic.twitter.com/mrRfujyFdB— Ball Room Service🏀 (@ballroomservice) June 5, 2023
Jimmy Butler Series Leader in Assists (+3300)
Butler has made quite the reputation for himself in these playoffs. After an all-time performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, many have taken to calling Butler “Himmy.” He has the kind of take-no-prisoners attitude that led Michael Jordan to so much success.
His scoring, however, has slowed down at times since that first series. Part of it has to do with extra attention from the defense and part of it has to do with the energy Butler has to expend to play at this level.
Still, he’s been a threat as a playmaker. Butler will have stiff competition from Jokic in this category but at +3300 he is certainly worth taking a flyer on. When the Heat get hot from deep, Butler tends to be a catalyst.
“He’s gonna be the reason we win the championship.”
Jimmy Butler on Bam Adebayo🥹 pic.twitter.com/W7MlyF6MRY
— michael doleac (@3MWD__) June 6, 2023
