NBA Predictions: Heat, Bucks and Warriors Close to Next Round

The playoffs have a way of moving very quickly and we will be into Round 2 of the NBA postseason before you know it. We already have one team that has punched their ticket into the second round, with a few more ready to follow suit over the next couple of days. Getting to move on early is always ideal, as it gives players on the advancing teams time to rest up before taking on the next challenger. Those few days of rest can often prove to be crucial as the playoffs progress. With Round 1 drawing to a close, we thought this would be the perfect time to look ahead at how things might play out in the 2022 NBA Playoffs so you can continue betting against the NBA Playoffs Odds.

Updated NBA Betting Predictions for the 2022 Playoffs | Celtics 1st Team Qualified to Next Round

Eastern Conference Betting Analysis

The #1 seeded Miami Heat are on the brink of closing things out, as they no have a 3-1 lead in their series against the Atlanta Hawks. Given that the Heat will be heading back home for Game 5, you would have to think that the series will come to a close there, as the last thing they want to do is go back on the road again.

If the Heat do indeed move on, they will face the winner of the series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors. The 76ers lost their opportunity to close out the series at home and will not need to head to Toronto for Game 6. I still like Philly to go through.

It was a surprise to see the Brooklyn Nets finish as the #7 seed, especially since they came in as an early favorite to win it all. They did not put up much of a fight versus the Celtics and were swept in 4 games. The Celtics now await the winner of the series between the Bucks and the Bulls.

The defending champion Bucks have a 3-1 series lead over the Bulls and will have a chance to close things out at home in Game 5, which is exactly what I believe they will do.

Western Conference Betting Analysis

Over in the Western Conference, we are already looking at a potentially huge upset in Round 1. We all expected the Phoenix Suns to get past the New Orleans Pelicans without breaking too much of a sweat, but this series is hanging in the balance at 2-2. I still like the Suns to get the job done.

The winner of that series will face either the Dallas Mavericks or Utah Jazz. It is Dallas who has a 3-2 series lead, but with Luka Doncic back after missing the first couple of games through injury, you would expect the Mavs to go on and take the series.

The #2 seeded Memphis Grizzlies are also having a tough time of things, as they are currently tied 2-2 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Grizzlies will be back home for Game 5, but even on home court, they are going to be feeling the pressure. I still think Memphis will grind this one out, although it might take all 7 games.

The winner of that one is more than likely going to be looking at a Round 2 series versus the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs can close things out this week when they head back home for Game 5 of their series versus the Nuggets, which is what I think will happen.