At the onset of the 2021- 2022 NBA Playoffs, there are no dominant clubs. An NBA betting dynasty such as the Golden State Warriors from 2015 to 2019 is no longer a factor. And for the NBA gambling community, that is a good thing. Last year’s NBA Finals were between two upstarts. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in a matchup of teams that nobody saw coming. That element of surprise has rarely been a part of the NBA postseason. This year the surprise possibilities could be even greater. Numerous teams have a legitimate championship shot.
2022 NBA Playoffs – Preview
| Date and Time: | Play-In begins April 12, 2022. Playoffs Start April 16, 2022 |
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| NBA Playoff Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
The Play-In Tournament Opens the Postseason on April 12-15, 2022
Last year marked the first postseason for the NBA Play-In. The Play-In is for teams that were 7th through 10th place in the conference standings. Although it was a method to gain more club playoff money, the public bought it. Additionally, the play-in maintains a betting interest in more cities that would otherwise tune out.
The play-in will feature the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference this sports betting season. While in the Western Conference, it’s the LA Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs, and either the Minnesota Timberwolves or Denver Nuggets.
Regular NBA Playoffs Run April 16 Through June 1, 2022
Naturally, the two defending conference champions are expected to repeat in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. To illuminate, the Bucks and Suns are favored to meet in the NBA Finals again. However, any number of teams are capable of winning the NBA championship. And as was the case in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, player health will play a significant role in who advances and who falls out.
To be exact, the Eastern Conference has a core of four teams playing at a championship level for most of the season. In comparison, the Western Conference doesn’t have the same depth.
Milwaukee overcame an early championship hangover to return to their championship form. The Miami Heat showed why they were the 2020 Eastern Conference champions. The Boston Celtics emerged as a team as good as any in the NBA down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers were transformed following the trade for James Harden from the Nets.
Of major concern is how the Brooklyn Nets fell from a hot futures market pick heading into the season only to collapse. Cause by injuries, COVID, and the Harden for Simmons trade all combining to wreck their season
In particular, the Suns proved they were for real as the winners of the Western Conference in 2021. Phoenix is playing with the NBA betting confidence of a team that knows they can go all the way.
Conclusion
By contrast, the surprise team of 2021-22 is the Memphis Grizzlies. Consider how the Grizz gets perpetually ignored by the masses. But Memphis is loved by the Wise Guys for their money-making ability against the spread.
Seth Curry and the Golden State Warriors will draw casual money support but lack depth. In a similar way are Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz, and Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
NBA Playoffs SBG Best Bet: Phoenix Suns.