Clarity is starting to wash over the 2022 NBA playoffs. No, the betting odds to win the 2022 NBA Finals haven't revealed more than a slight favorite, in the Golden State Warriors. But entering play on Friday, April 29, the postseason is now old enough for our 2022 NBA playoff picks to cover second-round series matchups between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns.
On top of all that, there's the pivotal Game 6 between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves taking place on Friday night. We've got predictions for that contest, as well.
Let's kick things off, like always, by looking at the latest odds on the NBA:
| Favorite |  | | Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Grizzlies | -120 | +102 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Boston Celtics | -200 | +168 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Miami Heat | -180 | +152 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Phoenix Suns | -275 | +220 | Dallas Mavericks |
Make sure to double-check these NBA betting odds if you aren't placing your wagers right away. This is especially important when talking about NBA playoff series odds for Bucks vs. Celtics, Sixers vs. Heat and Mavericks vs. Suns. Those basketball betting lines will shift after each game from their best-of-seven set.
You should likewise make sure to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks before placing any of your wagers. All the information we've provided is designed to help you pluck out the best 2022 NBA playoff betting sites around.
Can the Wolves Force a Game 7 vs. the Grizzlies?
Getting a hold on this series has been virtually impossible. It largely feels like the Timberwolves have been the better team, since they've built multiple huge leads. But they've also blown those leads, and they find themselves down 3-2, facing elimination as a result.
This has prompted many to write off Minnesota. Not only are they too top-heavy, but they have failed to adequately involve superstar Karl-Anthony Towns in the offense for protracted stretches at a time. They have also struggled to put pressure on the rim during the fourth quarter, and Memphis' smaller-ball lineups seem to throw them off balance.
At the same time, the Timberwolves have punched back against the notion they can't respond to disappointing losses at every turn. Why should Game 6 be any different? Minnesota will be playing at home, and they've consistently done a good job getting Jaren Jackson Jr. in foul trouble and limiting Memphis' presence on the offensive glass and from the three-point arc.
Star power will be the difference in this game. Ja Morant has struggled for the Grizzlies. D'Angelo Russell has disappeared at points for the Wolves. Ditto for KAT. Anthony Edwards can't generate any type of half-court groove in the fourth quarter for Minnesota, either. Our gut still tells us the Timberwolves' superior outside shooting will get them by, and that this series is destined to go seven games.
OSB Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves (+102)
Boston has Clear Series Edge Over Milwaukee
Far be it from us to pick against the reigning NBA champs and best-player-alive Giannis Antetokounmpo. But we actually have no choice.
The Bucks have already ruled out Khris Middleton, their second-best player, for the entire second round with a sprained right MCL. Without him to help run the offense, we don't see how Milwaukee survives this matchup with Boston.
Remember: The Celtics just swept the Brooklyn Nets while shutting down two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant. And now they'll be well-rested to boot.
As much as we hate to say it, there's a chance this could be a short series.
OSB Prediction: Boston Celtics (-200)
Philly has a Better-Than-Advertised Shot of Upsetting Miami
It's interesting that oddsmakers are so heavily leaning towards the Heat in this one. This would be one thing if they were at full strength, but they're not. Jimmy Butler missed Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks with knee inflammation and Kyle Lowry hasn't played the past two games while dealing with a hamstring injury.
To be fair, the Sixers are banged up themselves. Joel Embiid is playing through a torn ligament in his thumb, and James Harden, his co-star, has looked a step or two slow the entire postseason.
However, given the uncertainty surrounding the availability of Butler and Lowry, as well as pre-existing concerns about the Heat's offense, we're actually tilting toward an upset.
OSB Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers (+152)
Phoenix will Roll Right on Through Dallas in Round 2
Value shoppers will see the Mavericks at +220 and think it's a good idea to roll the dice—especially after the Suns just let the eighth-place New Orleans Pelicans push them to six games. Resist whatever temptation you have to follow this logic.
The Pelicans were largely able to hang around with the Suns because Devin Booker injured his hamstring. But he returned to the lineup in Game 6 and looked pretty good. Beyond that, the Mavericks' primary offensive engines aren't nearly athletic enough to give Phoenix's perimeter defense that many fits.
This could be a four-game sweep or five-game gentleman's sweep.
OSB Prediction: Phoenix Suns (-275)
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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