Most of the NBA’s 30 teams have between 10 and 12 games remaining in the 2021-22 regular season, so things are heating up as far as playoff positioning is concerned. Phoenix leads the West by nine games over second-place Memphis, but only 5 ½ games separate third-place Golden State from seventh-place Minnesota, so there is room for teams to improve (or worsen) their positioning. The East is also tightening up, as top-ranked Miami is only 2 ½ games ahead of fourth-place Boston, winners of nine of their last ten. Fifth-place Chicago is just four games ahead of eighth-place Brooklyn. Let’s take a look at our finishing predictions as you consider how to work your sports betting for the NBA postseason and for games between now and then.
NBA News: Playoff Favorites, Surprises, Upsets
Eastern Conference
Predicted Finish:
- Miami Heat
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Boston Celtics
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Chicago Bulls
- Toronto Raptors
- Brooklyn Nets
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Atlanta Hawks
We predict that Brooklyn and Atlanta will emerge from the play-in to take the seventh and eighth seeds, respectively.
Obviously, the return of Ben Simmons for the Nets would improve their fortunes considerably. The other part of that trade has turned out well, as Joel Embiid and James Harden have exploded in Philadelphia. The Miami Heat are cruising thanks to the leadership of Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Milwaukee is benefiting from Khris Middleton finding his shooting form. Boston has found its defense over the last 20 games, going 17-3 over that stretch. Jayson Tatum is putting up 30.1 points per game over that stretch as well. Cleveland has two new All-Stars in Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley could win Rookie of the Year. Getting Caris LeVert at the trade deadline was immense, and despite a stretch of losing eight of 13, the Cavaliers should be all right.
Western Conference
Predicted Finish:
- Phoenix Suns
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Utah Jazz
- Dallas Mavericks
- Golden State Warriors
- Denver Nuggets
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- L.A. Clippers
- New Orleans Pelicans
- L.A. Lakers
We predict that the Timberwolves and the Clippers will take the seventh and eighth seeds, respectively, after the play-in tournament.
Chris Paul was having a transcendent season in Phoenix before featuring his thumb. They went and got Aaron Holiday at the trade deadline to shore up the point guard position, and they are still winning games impressively, but they are just 7-4 since he went down. Golden State should be fine in about two weeks, but how far will they sink between now and then? Stephen Curry is out. Klay Thompson is still finding his shot. Draymond Green is easing his way back in from a disc procedure. Jonathan Kuminga (15.2 points per game) and Jordan Poole (22.0 points per game) are picking up some of the slack, but it might not be enough to keep the Warriors from ending up without home court advantage in the first round. Memphis has won 33 of their last 45, and Jaren Jackson Jr is showing his potential after two injuries limited by injury. Desmond Bane bounced back from a slow February and is putting up points in bunches again. Dallas has won 16 of 21, anchored by Luka Doncic but buoyed by a defensive ferocity that the Mavericks have not shown since their title season 11 years ago. Minnesota has found a solid rotation keyed by Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards. In games when all three play, the Timberwolves have a record in the NBA’s top 10. What about the Lakers? How can you not win with LeBron, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, even with Anthony Davis out with injuries right now?
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