The opening game of the NBA Finals, saw the LA Lakers claim a commanding 116-98 win over the Miami Heat. The size of the win saw the Lakers duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis shoot into favouritism for the NBA Finals MVP award. Both All-Stars were instrumental in the Lakers recovery: LA rallying from a 13-point first-quarter deficit to run away with the win.

Injuries decimated the Miami Heat, who’ll struggle to match the two-headed monster of James and Davis without star Jimmy Butler and veteran Goran Dragic. Butler has been instrumental in the Heat’s push to the finals, with the All-Star struggling with a sprained ankle in the first half of the opening game. Butler was able to recover to finish with 23-points and is expected to take his place in the line-up in game two this weekend in Florida.

Heat veteran Dragic wasn’t as lucky as a foot injury forced him out of the opening game. He was quickly followed by Bam Adebayo who succumbed to a shoulder complaint.

While the Heat floundered, Davis and LeBron were both standouts in Game One. Davis led the way with 34-points and was supported by LeBron with 25-points, 13-boards and 9-assists. The injuries to Miami saw the Lakers duo shoot to the top of the betting line. James is 4/6 odds on favourite to claim the Finals MVP, with Davis trailing on odds of 5/4.