Betting The NBA Playoffs: Expert Picks, Odds and Predictions (5/3/22)

ScoresAndOdds NBA betting expert Derek Farnsworth breaks down his best bets for the NBA playoffs on Monday, May 2, 2022!

The Suns gave me a scare at the end of the game. After being up by 13 points with three minutes to play in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks cut the lead to five with 10 seconds to play. Luckily, Devin Booker hit two free-throws and then the Mavericks missed a three-pointer at the buzzer. We’ll cover this series more in-depth in tomorrow’s article, but the Suns look like the superior team through the first game. 

The Heat wasted no time in their series opener against the Sixers. They jumped out to an early lead in both halves and then put together a strong fourth quarter to run away with Game 1. The Sixers didn’t get much from anyone outside of Tobias Harris, so they have to be hoping for Joel Embiid to return for Game 3. While we shouldn’t put too much stock into a single game, the Heat looked like the better team on both ends of the floor. 

It feels good going 2-0 after going 0-2 on Saturday. We are now within striking distance of getting back in the green heading into tonight’s two-game slate. 

Free NBA Betting Picks For Today

Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics – 7:00 PM ET

Series: MIL 1-0

The Celtics couldn’t have played much worse than they did in the series opener. They shot 33% from the field, they were out-rebounded, they committed 18 turnovers, and they fouled early and often. The 12-point home loss certainly isn’t encouraging, but they’ll make adjustments and be ready to go in what they will treat as a must-win Game 2. As I’ve noted a few times, Boston was first in the NBA in net rating in the second half of the season and they are coming off of a sweep against a talented Nets team. The Celtics are going to be fine. 

The Bucks really found their footing late in the series against the Bulls and they carried that momentum over into Game 1 against the Celtics. They are now 4-0 since Khris Middleton went down with his injury, which is certainly impressive. Eventually, Grayson Allen is going to turn back into Grayson Allen and Milwaukee will feel the absence of Middleton. Regardless, they have to feel good about picking up a win and stealing home-court advantage in this series. 

Given the fact that I picked the Celtics in this series and the fact that I bet on them in Game 1, it’s pretty obvious where my money will be going in Game 2. They can’t afford to lose this game and they will naturally have a better outing given how poorly they played in Game 1. 

• ATS Pick: Boston -4.5, BetMGM

Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies – 9:30 PM ET

Series: GSW 1-0

The Warriors were truly impressive in Game 1. Klay Thompson picked up three fouls in less than 10 minutes of action and then Draymond Green was ejected in the first half. Despite trailing almost all of the first 24 minutes, they staged a comeback without their best defensive player and ended up stealing Game 1 in Memphis. They have now won a road game in 25 straight playoff series. It didn’t make sense at 24 games and it certainly doesn’t make any more sense at 25 games. Regardless, it’s quite the impressive trend!

When looking at the stats, there wasn’t much that separated the Warriors and Grizzlies in Game 1. The two teams were fairly close in shooting, rebounding, and turnovers. The Grizzlies got big games from Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson (where has this been all postseason?), but Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane, and the rest of the supporting cast really struggled. I expect them to be better in Game 2 and similar to the Celtics, the Grizzlies will treat this as a must-win game. 

I’m tempted to bet on the Warriors given the fact that Draymond Green will be back and given the fact that I fully expect them to win this series, but at that point we are staring a sweep straight in the face. This team has enough talent to bounce back and get a win in Game 2. 

• ATS Pick: Memphis +2, Multiple Sportsbooks