While the postseason is always a hotbed for wild betting odds on the NBA, the 2022 bracket is proving to be a minefield of unpredictability. From injuries to series comebacks to starkly shifting momentum, the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs has been truly and utterly bizarre.
Case in point: At this writing, when we're more than a week into the postseason, only two teams have actually been eliminated from the playoffs, in the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets. Every other series is still happening. And yet, we may have more eliminations to report on Thursday, April 27, when the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans and Utah Jazz will all be fighting for their lives.
Those situations will be the focus of our latest 2022 NBA playoff picks. Can the Pelicans and Jazz force Game 7s? And can the Raptors make NBA playoff history by forcing their own Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers?
We'll get to our NBA predictions in a sec, but let's take a moment to go over the latest basketball betting odds for all the games on Thursday night:
| Favorite |  | | Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | -118 | +100 | Toronto Raptors |
| Dallas Mavericks | -148 | +126 | Utah Jazz |
| Phoenix Suns | -146 | +124 | New Orleans Pelicans |
Continue to double-check these 2022 NBA playoff betting lines for accuracy. All odds on the NBA will shift, even if slightly, leading up to the opening tip.
It's also never too late to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks. Our extensive breakdowns are teeming with all the information you need to identify the best online NBA betting opportunities, as well as the best sportsbook bonuses and promotions.
Are the Raptors Poised to Make History vs. the Sixers?
No team in NBA history has ever erased a 3-0 series deficit and come back to win a best-of-seven set. When the Raptors fell down 3-0 to the Sixers, nobody thought they'd be a squad with a chance to make history.
As it turns out, though, they might be. Star rookie Scottie Barnes continues to be banged up, and Fred VanVleet didn't even play in Game 5. But the Raptors have now won two straight against a Sixers team that is trying to overcome a torn ligament in Joel Embiid's thumb.
Make no mistake, Embiid will play in Game 6. But he didn't look right in Game 5, and the Sixers will have the added disadvantage of being without Matisse Thybulle, since his vaccination status doesn't allow him to partake in games that are held in Canada.
On paper, this still looks like a game—and series—Philly should win. The whole point of trading for James Harden was to have another superstar on deck if anything happened to Embiid. But Harden has not looked like himself; he seems slow. And Philly cannot reasonably expect Tyrese Maxey to win playoff games on his own as a sophomore.
Complicated still, it might not matter. The Raptors' length has started to give the Sixers offense real problems over the past two games. With this tilt taking place at home, we're convinced they'll be a Game 7.
OSB Prediction: Toronto Raptors (+100)
The Mavs Seem Ready to Dispatch the Jazz
Something about the Jazz just appears broken. They look lifeless for stretches. They won't cover corner three-pointers. They won't get back in transition. The offense is suddenly predicated on difficult jumpers and layup attempts.
As if that's not enough, Donovan Mitchell also suffered an injury at the end of Game 5. Though he is expected to play, he hasn't fared well against the Mavericks overall. If he's somehow even worse in Game 6, that puts a lot of pressure on Mike Conley, who also hasn't played well, and Jordan Clarkson.
Truth be told, this series feels over. The Jazz don't have the personnel to defend both Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson, and their situation is worsened by the fact that their best perimeter stopper, Royce O'Neale hasn't looked right all series, either. Go ahead and expect Dallas to end Utah's season in Game 6.
OSB Prediction: Dallas Mavericks (-146)
Phoenix is Hitting Their Stride vs. New Orleans
While Devin Booker is still a no-go for the Suns after injuring his hamstring, they don't need him to end this series.
Kudos to the Pelicans for giving Phoenix a real scare when they knotted up the best-of-seven set at two games apiece. But the Suns showed just how much better they are in Game 5. Head coach Monty Williams adjusted his rotations to more adequately match up with the Pelicans' bigger frontline on the glass, and Phoenix did all they could to get Mikal Bridges to attack mismatches at the offensive end.
There will be no shame for New Orleans if they lose this series. They're without Zion Williamson themselves, and Phoenix still profiles as a contender. We'd be surprised if this series sniffs a Game 7.
OSB Prediction: Phoenix Suns (-146)
Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all of your 2022 NBA playoff betting:
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