When it comes to the 2022 playoffs and the NBA playoff odds associated with them, the question every bettor should be asking is, who do you trust?
There is no clear-cut NBA champion or finals pairing this year, with it being possible that a number of teams could be competing in the finals. However, there are a number of teams that are showing value and maybe slightly disrespected by the oddsmakers before the playoffs start.
Let’s take a look at some NBA Playoff Futures stats and see which teams may be worth wagering on.
2022 NBA Playoff Futures
We’re No. 1?
The Miami Heat are listed at +1100 to win the NBA finals despite likely heading into the postseason as the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed. Betting stats NBA show the Heat have had their success this season despite only having two players — small guard Duncan Robinson and power forward P.J. Tucker — play in 70 or more games. Robinson, who averages 10.9 points per game, leads the team by making 2.9 3-pointers per game.
Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro lead Miami in scoring, averaging 21.3 and 20.6 points per game, respectively. However, Miami, which is two years removed from its last appearance in the finals, isn’t necessarily a team that will rely on offense to win in the postseason. Miami’s defense is excellent, ranking third in the league by limiting opponents to 105.2 points per game.
The Heat also limit their opponents to 33.9 percent shooting from the perimeter and 44.5 percent from the field, which rank third and fourth in the league, respectively.
If Miami is fully healthy going into the postseason, Miami will be scary with homecourt advantage behind them. The Heat are worth a bet at their current number in this NBA Playoff Futures.
Philly kinda, sorta special
Philadelphia, which +1100 to win the NBA title, is in a big pack of teams behind Miami, jostling for playoff seeding. The 76ers will still be in search of chemistry that will help carry Philadelphia through the playoffs. NBA playoff predictions for Philadelphia are difficult because the 76ers will still be searching to find the right chemistry.
Philadelphia adding the mercurial James Harden could be a big boom. However, there is also a chance the 76ers may have a hard time helping him settle in. If Harden is the player Philadelphia hopes he can be, it will spell trouble for the rest of the Eastern Conference.
76ers center Joel Embiid is an MVP candidate and ranks second in the league in scoring, averaging 30.2 points per game, and sixth in rebounding, pulling down 11.6 rebounds. Philadelphia’s path throughout the playoff is complicated by its seeding, as the 76ers are currently fourth. If Miami can earn homecourt advantage in the first round, it is possible Philadelphia could be set for a strong run.
The Ja effect
The Memphis Grizzlies are a young, exciting team that gets the ball up-and-down the floor. Memphis, which is second in the Western Conference standings, has seen star Ja Morant out for a few weeks due to an injury.
However, the expectation is Morant should be able to return to the playoffs. Morant averages 27.6 points and 6.7 assists per game.
The Grizzlies, who are +1400 to win the championship, has a diverse offense with six players who average in double figures scoring. Memphis’ offense has put up a ton of points this season despite not being the most efficient attack. The Grizzlies are second in the league by averaging 115.4 points per game.
Defensively, Memphis is in the top 15 in most categories. If the Grizzlies can continue their offensive output in the playoffs, they could threaten a deep run.
Defending champs still lurking
The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t had quite as strong this season as last year. However, Milwaukee, who will likely be among the Eastern Conference’s top four seeds, has plenty of firepower for anyone thinking the champs may not be as motivated. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks by averaging 30.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Khris Middleton also averages 20.1 points per game for Milwaukee, while Jrue Holiday turns in 18.7 points per game. Milwaukee, which is +500, ranks third in the league in scoring offense, averaging 115.2 points per game.
The Bucks’ defense has had its share of struggles, allowing 111.9 points and shooting 35.6 percent from the perimeter, which ranks 18th and 19th in the NBA picks, respectively.
With Milwaukee, the Bucks may be worth a bet at five-to-one, but betting Milwaukee may be best done by waiting until the first playoff series starts. If the Bucks stumble at the start of that series, it may be possible to get Milwaukee at a better number.
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