NBA Expert Picks & Predictions For Both Game 7s Sunday (5/15/22)

ScoresAndOdds NBA betting expert Derek Farnsworth breaks down his expert picks and predictions for Sunday, May 15, 2022. Make sure to use our BetMGM promo for a $1000 free bet!

Ladies and gentlemen, the last two-game slate of the year is upon us. Before we get into the picks for these fantastic Game 7s, let’s recap Friday night. Even though I had very little conviction in the Celtics or the Warriors, I bet on both to cover their respective spreads. It’s hard to believe the Bucks lost in a game where Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 44 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, but that’s exactly what happened. The Celtics got a huge performance from Jayson Tatum and solid performances from everyone else in the lineup. 

The Warriors played with fire early in their Game 6 against the Grizzlies, but eventually went on one of their patented runs early in the fourth quarter. When they make a few shots in a row and start getting stops on the defensive end of the floor, they are extremely tough to slow down. They have really struggled with decision-making with Mike Brown at the helm, but hopefully Steve Kerr will be back on the sidelines for Game 1 against the winner of the Suns and Mavericks Game 7. 

We were able to hit both of the against the spread bets on Friday as well as the Warriors series bet. Our playoff total is up to +6.73 units, which is better than I could have imagined given where we were entering the second round. Let’s hope to cap it off with a couple more wins on Sunday.

Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics Pick and Prediction

• Series: TIED 3-3

This has been a wild series and a very unpredictable one. The Bucks had a chance to take a commanding series lead in Game 4, but they weren’t able to close the door. The Celtics had a chance to take the series lead in Game 5, but they blew a fourth quarter lead. Naturally, the Bucks were unable to win their closeout game at home and we now have a winner-take-all Game 7. For those keeping track at home, that is three straight victories for the road team in this series. 

In looking at the series stats, the Bucks have had a major edge on the glass and the Celtics have been a lot more efficient shooting the ball. This makes a lot of sense, as the Bucks have a big size advantage and the Celtics are the better defensive team. Ultimately, I expect the Celtics to close the door on the defending champions. While Giannis is the best player on the floor, Tatum isn’t far behind. After that, you could argue that the Celtics have three of the next four best players in the series. Role players generally fare better at home and I picked Boston before the series started, so I see no reason to hop off at this point. 

• Pick: Boston -5, Multiple Sportsbooks

Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns Pick and Prediction

• Series: TIED 3-3

This series has been a lot more productive than the other, as the home team has won each of the first six games. While the series is tied at three games apiece, we have yet to have a competitive game in the fourth quarter. The lowest margin of victory has been nine points and three of the games have been decided by 20 or more points. 

The trends clearly point to the Suns in this one, but we can generally throw everything out when it comes to a Game 7 in sports. As I’ve noted a number of times throughout the series, the Mavericks have had the edge in the turnover department and from the three-point line, while the Suns have had the edge on the glass and in their true shooting rate. 

Luka Doncic has been dominant in this series, but his supporting cast has really struggled in these road games. The Suns have more depth and should get better performances from their supporting cast. I’m also expecting a much better outing from Chris Paul, who has not looked like his Hall of Fame self over the last three games. 

• Pick: Phoenix -6.5, Multiple Sportsbooks