2020 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Heat Game 6 odds and pick

The lasting image of an exhausted Jimmy Butler after his stunning performance in Game 5 reminded us all that there is no quit in this Miami Heat team. The heavily favored Lakers remain just one win away from the title, but is this series slipping away from them?

Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night, and BetAmerica has the latest betting odds and analysis for the big game.

Can someone step up for the Lakers? 

The Lakers have a great 1-2 punch courtesy of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but in boxing terms they have no left hook. Danny Green has been abysmal, Dwight Howard scored just two points in Game 5, and Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso couldn’t give the Lakers a boost off the bench.  

Because of this, the Heat have been able to grind out two wins despite James and Davis having strong games. James had 40 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists on Friday, while Davis chipped in 28 points and 12 boards. The question remains who will step up and help lighten their considerable load in Game 6?

Jimmy Butler can’t keep this up

An argument can be made that Butler, not James, is the true MVP of this series. Against all odds, Butler has willed this short-handed team to victory twice. While his efforts can’t be ignored, Miami’s superstar can’t possibly be expected to be floating with a 35 or 40-point triple-double for the next few games. Duncan Robinson’s 26 points and Kendrick Nunn’s contributions off the bench went a long way, but there are still two games left to go if they hope to win the title.

It will be up to Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro to break the 20-point threshold, giving Miami a second option outside of Butler and his heroics. Their defense also needs to continue clamping down on the Lakers' supporting cast, making it essentially a 5-on-2 game.

The momentum has shifted

Let’s not forget the Lakers clearly went into Game 5 thinking of it as a victory lap. They wore their Black Mamba jerseys for no other reason than thinking that victory was assured. Game 4 saw James storm off the court with time left on the clock, and the strain is clearly weighing on the Lakers’ minds. 

This series is going seven games, and the Lakers better hope they have it in them to face what’s about to come.

NBA free pick: Miami moneyline