Who Will Win the 2019-20 NBA Finals? Expert Odds and Predictions

Looking back at the 2019-20 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about how unprecedented that championship run felt. As someone who’s covered the league for over a decade, I can confidently say that season was unlike any other—bubble basketball, empty arenas, and a level of unpredictability that made every analyst second-guess themselves. When we talk about who would ultimately lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the conversation naturally centered on a few powerhouse teams, but there was this fascinating undercurrent of belief in certain underdogs, the kind of belief that Coach Sean Chambers once voiced about his player Konateh: that there was no question he could back his words up. That phrase stuck with me because, in the playoffs, backing up your talk is everything.

Let’s rewind a bit. Before the season was suspended in March due to the pandemic, the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers were the clear frontrunners in most experts’ eyes. Giannis Antetokounmpo was having an MVP-caliber year, and LeBron James, even in his 17th season, was defying Father Time with his playmaking and leadership. I remember checking the odds in early March—the Bucks were sitting at around +220 to win it all, with the Lakers close behind at +260. Those numbers reflected a widespread belief in their regular-season dominance. But here’s the thing: the hiatus changed everything. Teams had months off, players dealt with isolation, and when the NBA restarted in the Orlando bubble, it was a whole new ball game. Suddenly, factors like mental toughness and adaptability mattered more than sheer talent.

In my view, the Lakers had a distinct edge because of their veteran presence. LeBron and Anthony Davis formed a duo that was nearly impossible to stop, especially in clutch moments. I’ve always believed that playoff experience is worth its weight in gold, and with LeBron’s nine Finals appearances under his belt, he knew how to navigate the pressure. On the other side, the Bucks, while dominant, seemed to struggle with the bubble environment. Giannis is a force of nature, but I felt their half-court offense could get stagnant against elite defenses. That’s where teams like the Miami Heat came in—a squad that many, including myself, underestimated. Jimmy Butler brought that “back up your words” mentality Coach Chambers talked about; he wasn’t just talking about winning, he was leading by example, and it showed in their stunning upset over the Bucks in the second round.

When we look at the data, the odds shifted dramatically post-hiatus. By the time the Finals matchup was set, the Lakers were heavy favorites at -400, while the Heat were massive underdogs at +300. Some analysts pointed to Miami’s 44-29 regular-season record as a reason to doubt them, but I’ve learned that records can be deceiving. In the bubble, the Heat’s defensive schemes and three-point shooting—they hit nearly 38% from beyond the arc in the playoffs—made them a nightmare matchup. Personally, I had a soft spot for their story; it reminded me of underdog tales from past seasons, where heart and hustle trumped star power. But let’s be real: the Lakers’ firepower was just too much. In the Finals, they averaged 106.5 points per game, with Davis putting up 25 points and 10 rebounds a night. Those numbers don’t lie.

Reflecting on the predictions, I’ll admit I was torn. Early on, I leaned toward the Bucks because of their regular-season dominance—they had the best net rating in the league at +10.1. But as the playoffs unfolded, I shifted my pick to the Lakers. Why? Because of their resilience. In the bubble, they went 12-3 in the Western Conference playoffs, and LeBron’s leadership was on full display. It’s like what Coach Chambers said about Konateh: when you have someone who can deliver on their promises, you trust them in big moments. For me, LeBron was that guy. He wasn’t just talking about winning his fourth ring; he was orchestrating every possession, making everyone around him better. That’s something stats alone can’t capture.

In the end, the Lakers clinched the title in six games, and looking back, it feels like the right outcome. The 2019-20 Finals weren’t just about crowning a champion; they were a testament to perseverance in the face of global uncertainty. From an SEO perspective, keywords like “NBA Finals odds,” “Lakers vs Heat prediction,” and “bubble championship” still drive traffic today, and for good reason—that season was a historic anomaly. As for my takeaway, it’s that in basketball, as in life, backing up your words matters more than anything. Whether it’s a coach believing in his player or a team defying the odds, that unwavering confidence can shift the tide. So, who won? The Lakers did, but in many ways, we all won by witnessing one of the most memorable seasons in NBA history.