Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA

NBA Conference Semi Finals: Preview and Predictions

Previewing all four matchups!
Publish Date: 05/02/2022
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 22: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo 34 brings the ball up court during Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls on April 22, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire NBA, Basketball Herren, USA APR 22 Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs - Bucks at Bulls Icon22042227

Conference Semi-Finals

Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NBA Playoffs!

Check out the top sportsbook providers for betting on the NBA Playoffs!

DraftKings
1.
4.6/5
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
2.
4.6/5
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
USA
USA Players Welcome
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
BetMGM
3.
4.5/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Fanatics
4.
4.3/5
Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash
USA
USA Players Welcome
Skrill
Venmo
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Caesars
5.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
USA
USA Players Welcome
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Best Alternative
DraftKings Open DraftKings
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Eastern Conference

Heat vs Sixers

A week ago, this matchup had fans all over the NBA salivating. Fast forward a week, and now the 76ers have a significant issue with the injury to their star Joel Embiid. The Heat would have been a slight favorite with two completely healthy teams,  but now the Heat is prohibitive favorites in this series.

The loss of a big man like Embiid will make it much harder for the Sixers to spread out the Heat defense. Both teams like to grind it out, and with Embiid not being able to play, the pressure will fall squarely on James Harden’s shoulders.

Miami is a deep and talented team, which makes them hard to beat in a long series. There will be a reason to hope if the Sixers can find a way to split the opening pair of games in Miami. Embiid could return in this series, but I don’t think it’s a realistic option until game 3 or 4; it might be too late by then. Pick Heat in 5

Bucks vs Celtics

Middleton is out, but Giannis is still here! Giannis is the best player in the world. The Celtics swept the Nets and did it with outstanding defense. The loss of Middleton throws a definite wrench into the Bucks plan to repeat, but they are still a force to be reckoned with. Check out all of the latest gambling news!

The Celtics lack of size makes this a bad matchup for Boston, even with Middleton out for the Bucks. The Nets were tailor-made for the Celtics, and it looks like the Celtics are tailor-made for the Bucks. Pick Bucks in 5

Western Conference

Grizzlies vs Warriors

The third-seeded Warriors reached the second round of the postseason by winning their first-round matchup with the Nuggets in five games.

The Grizzlies had some trouble with the Timberwolves but prevailed in six hard-fought games.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala each have three Championship rings with the Warriors, and they will be facing a young athletic Grizzlies team who have not been on a stage this big.

The Grizzlies won three of the four regular-season matchups between the teams, but as we have seen in the past, that means little come playoff time.

The Warriors are an experienced team with an ability to shoot the long ball that is unmatched by almost any team in NBA history. I think all of the games will be tight and hard-fought, but the Warriors know how to win those close games in big spots. The Grizzlies will learn a lot from this series, and it will help them in the future, but the Warriors will take this. Pick Warriors in 6

Check out the top sportsbooks for betting on the Playoffs!

DraftKings
4.6/5
DraftKings Review
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
4.6/5
FanDuel Review
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
BetMGM
4.5/5
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Dallas vs Phoenix

The Suns are a perfect 9-0 against the Mavericks in the last nine matchups, with the Mavericks’ previous win coming on Nov. 29, 2019, almost three years ago. So the Suns have owned the Mavericks.

In round one, Dallas executed a perfect defensive game plan against the Utah Jazz. The Mavericks ran the Jazz off the three-point line, daring the Jazz’s guards to beat them with floaters, short paint shots, and long twos. It worked. Can they come up with a plan to beat the Suns?

That same game plan would get the Mavs beat against the Suns because the Suns have mid-range weapons like Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Suns blooming center DeAndre Ayton could be the most significant factor in this series as I don’t think the Mavs will be able to defend him.

In the end, Luka will get his, but I don’t think the Mavs have enough weapons to counteract the Suns in this series. The Suns are too deep and versatile. Pick Suns in 5

 

 

Read Also
NBA Playoffs Game 1 Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-21-25
The Eastern Conference Finals tip off tomorrow night as the New York ...
NBA Playoffs Game 6 Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-16-25
Tonight, the New York Knicks have a golden opportunity to close out ...
NBA Playoffs Game 5 New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-14-25
​Tonight’s Game 5 between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics at ...
NBA Playoffs Game 4 Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-12-25
The Knicks have covered the spread in three of their last four ...
NBA Playoffs Game 3 Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-10-25
​Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and ...
NBA Playoffs Game 1 New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 05-05-25
​The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks tip off Game 1 of ...
NBA Playoffs Game 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-28-25
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to host the Miami Heat in Game ...
NBA Playoffs Game 2 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 04-23-25
​Tonight’s Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs features the Orlando Magic taking ...
NBA Playoff Game 2 Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 5/23/24
The Indiana Pacers blew a perfect chance at taking home-court advantage away ...
NBA Playoff Game 5 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 5/15/24
On Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Boston in what could be ...
NBA Playoff Game 6 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic: Odds, Tips and Predictions 5/03/24
The Cavs jumped out to an early lead against the Magic in ...
NBA Playoff Game 5 Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics: Odds, Tips and Predictions 5/01/24
Game five returns to Boston as the 8-seed Miami Heat (46-36) take ...
NBA Playoff Game 2 Game Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks: Odds, Tips and Predictions 4/22/24
On Monday night in New York City, Philadelphia and the New York ...
2022 NBA Finals Game 5 Golden State vs Boston: Preview and Prediction
You can watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals live on ABC ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
DraftKings
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.5/5
Fanatics
4.3/5
4.5/5
4.5/5
4.3/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new Sportsbook customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: dkng.co/offer. Get 1 promo code to redeem a 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings. Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt’l terms: support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Ends 11/29/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpgg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). Find online real money wagering only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 free play credit. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable bonus with cash withdrawable. Bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Fanatics
Fanatics Promo
Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash
T&Cs apply
4.3/5
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Caesars Promo
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Barstool Promo
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Latest Sport News
Notre Dame vs BYU Hinges on Who Owns the Line
Notre Dame has won 16 straight games by ...
NFL Week 6 Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts 2026 Preview: Prediction, B...
The Indianapolis Colts return home Sunday afternoon looking ...
Missouri Can Blow Up the SEC Race—and Ole Miss Is Standing in the Way
Missouri has an opportunity to make the SEC ...
Wisconsin vs. UCLA Prediction Market Preview: Outright Winner and Point-Sprea...
The Wisconsin Badgers travel to Pasadena for an ...
Indiana Can Beat Ohio State Again—and the Reason Starts Up Front
Indiana has a clear path to beating Ohio ...
Only Randy Moss Stands Between Jeremiah Smith and Receiver Immortality
Two springs ago, Will Howard sailed a pass ...
A 24-Team Playoff Is Close, and College Football Is Furious
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Thursday that the College ...
Dubois vs Wardley 2: Swinging For The Fences 
This Saturday, live from London at the O2 ...
College Football Alabama vs Tennessee: Prediction Market Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide travel to Knoxville for ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJames ErnestMark LewisJohn RaspantiMarvin Uzor
+5
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
John Raspanti
Author
Marvin Uzor
Marvin Uzor
Author
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Jon Adams
Jon Adams
Sports Writer

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass!
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now