Conference Championship Picks: Top Selection & 2nd Choice

The National Basketball Association’s 2022 playoffs begin on April 16. Before the playoffs, the NBA has their play-in tournament to determine which four borderline teams play their way into the postseason. Because there so much still to happen, it makes sense to check out updated NBA Conference odds. See below for NBA Conference Championship odds on MyBookie as well as our top pick, second pick and top underdog pick for both conferences.

NBA Updated 2022 Conferences Championship Betting Odds

2022 NBA Playoffs

When: April 16 – June 19

Eastern Conference Odds

Brooklyn Nets +242
Milwaukee Bucks +270
Philadelphia 76ers +370
Boston Celtics +430
Miami Heat +450
Chicago Bulls +2000
Toronto Raptors +2500
Cleveland Cavaliers +2900
Atlanta Hawks +5200
Charlotte Hornets +9000

Top Pick: Miami Heat +450

The 76ers traded for Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving can now play in home games, and the Bucks are surging. But even with so many positive things happening for Eastern Conference contenders, the Heat remain the top pick.

Miami has been the conference’s most consistent club. The Heat continue to maintain a lead over Milwaukee for the playoffs’ top seed. Even if the Heat must play as the second or third seed, they remain the best choice to win the conference.

Miami has a great defense, they rank fourth in points allowed, and are the best three-point shooting team in the NBA. Respect the Miami Heat.

Second Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +270

If Miami doesn’t make it to the NBA Finals, the 2021 defending champions will. Milwaukee went 7-3 straight up from March 8 through March 29. All 3 losses happened versus Western Conference teams, which means the Bucks are dominating their conference foes.

Giannis plays for the Bucks. That alone makes the defending champions a solid pick to win the East. Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez are also healthy. So Milwaukee will have their strongest hand in the postseason.

Top Underdog Pick: Chicago Bulls +2000

The Bulls are a tepid underdog play. After Milwaukee and Miami, it’s difficult to find a team that will win the Eastern Conference that offers underdog odds.

Chicago is the best pick because the Bulls have a lot of talent, DeMar DeRozan can take over a game, and Lonzo Ball should be ready for the playoffs. The odds are also attractive on Chicago to upset Milwaukee, Miami, Philly, and Brooklyn.

Western Conference Odds

Phoenix Suns +120
Golden State Warriors +295
Utah Jazz +640
Memphis Grizzlies +650
Denver Nuggets +960
Dallas Mavericks +1175
Minnesota Timberwolves +1975
Los Angeles Lakers +2000
Los Angeles Clippers +2500
New Orleans Pelicans +9500

Top Pick: Phoenix Suns +120

If Phoenix doesn’t win the title this season, the Suns may never. No doubt, this is the best team Phoenix has ever sent to the court.

Better than the teams with Amar’e Stoudamire and Steve Nash? Yep. Better than the teams with Kevin Johnson and Charles Barkley? For sure.

Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Ayton are dominating. The Suns can beat you in so many ways. Any odds over +100 to win the conference are fair odds.

Second Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +650

The Grizzlies are for real. Ja Morant is one of the best players in the NBA and should be healthy by the time the playoffs roll around.

Also, the Grizzlies have a crazy deep bench and a top three-point shooter in Desmond Bane. One thing to note is that Memphis beat the Suns in Phoenix this season. So if it comes down to Phoenix versus Memphis, the Grizzlies will have a shot.

Top Underdog Pick: Los Angeles Clippers +2500

It’s difficult to understand why the Lakers offer lower odds to win the conference than the Clippers. The Lakers have been an awful team throughout the season.

LAL is a mess. Things are so bad, rumors have swirled that the Lakers will shut down LeBron for the season. Even if that doesn’t happen, the Lakers won’t win the play-in tournament.

The Clippers most likely won’t catch the Denver Nuggets for the 6-seed. So LAC will have to play their way into the NBA Playoffs. Winning the play-in tournament won’t be an issue.

Paul George is back. He immediately paid dividends by dropping 34 point in his first game. With PG-13 dominating, the Clippers should have no trouble beating the Lakers, Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Spurs, if San Antonio beats out the Lakers for the 10-seed, and stamping their ticket to the Association’s postseason.