NBA Eastern Conference Betting Predictions: Bulls Can Knock Out Bucks and Face Miami in the Finals

The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat are rolling while the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets could be in some trouble. After a couple of games in the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs first round, almost nothing has been decided. That’s a good thing because it means odds on some teams to win the conference remain at an overlay number. Check out current NBA Conference Odds on the Bucks, Celtics, and other playoff teams in the East to win the conference along with predictions.

NBA 2022 Eastern Conference Championship Betting Prediction

2022 NBA Playoffs

When: April 16, 2022 – June 19, 2022

NBA Eastern Conference Odds to Win

Milwaukee Bucks +206
Boston Celtics +220
Miami Heat +250
Philadelphia 76ers +420
Brooklyn Nets +730
Chicago Bulls +3900
Toronto Raptors +11000
Atlanta Hawks +12000

Chicago knocks off favorite Milwaukee

This is a big prediction. Even though Chicago beat Milwaukee 114-110 in Game 2, Giannis and the Bucks remain the favorite to win the Eastern Conference.

But after watching Game 2, it’s apparent that Chicago has discovered the secret sauce to beating Milwaukee. First, lean on DeMar DeRozan. Second, run the pick and roll with DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.

Third, allow both Caruso and LaVine to create opportunities for their teammates. The Bulls did those things in Game 2, which is the reason they won.

Not only that, but both Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton suffered injuries in the second contest. The Bucks looked tired throughout and for the second straight game, Milwaukee turned the ball over.

The bottom line is that the Bucks have the best player, but Chicago looks like the better overall team. So the Bulls pull off the series upset.

The Celtics end the Brooklyn experiment

Technically, the Brooklyn experiment ended the moment the Nets shipped James Harden to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons. Ben hasn’t played this season.

He probably won’t now that the Nets are in an 0-2 hole. The problem with Brooklyn is that they can’t maintain their energy for 48 minutes.

In Game 2, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving helped the Nets build a decent double-digit lead. Boston not only rallied to win the game, but they won by 7, which means the Nets lost SU and ATS.

It’s time to put a fork into Brooklyn. If the Nets can’t keep a double-digit lead, they’re not going to beat Boston. The Cs are on their way to a sweep.

Miami rolls over the 76rs in the second round

The Miami Heat dominated the Atlanta Hawks in the first game. The second game was all about Jimmy Butler.

As long as Clint Capella remains on the bench with an injury, the Heat shouldn’t lose to the Hawks. The ATL can try any defense they want, but JB can take over at any moment.

Not only that, but Miami doesn’t require Butler to dominate to beat Atlanta. The Hawks require Trae Young to hit threes at over 40% and so far that hasn’t happened. Miami beat the Hawks.

Then in the second round, the Heat take down Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden isn’t a better basketball player than Jimmy Butler. Bam Adebayo won’t outplay Joel Embiid, but he will contain this season’s likely MVP.

Miami rolls the Sixers in Round 2. Don’t be surprised if JB and the Heat sweep Big Joel and Philly.

Chicago bests Boston in Round 2

This is the most daring prediction in this blog. Boston has one of the top defenses in the NBA. But Chicago showed in Game 2 versus Milwaukee that they can play great defense.

Not only that, but the Bulls have a 40-point every night player on their team in DeMar DeRozan. Also, Vucevic should have his way with Al Horford.

Miami outlasts the Bulls in 7 to win the NBA Eastern Conference

Miami versus Chicago will be a classic series. Both teams have take over players, Jimmy Butler for the Heat and DeRozan for the Bulls.

Both teams play great defense. Both team shoots threes well and both teams have terrific coaches in Erik Spoelstra for the Heat and Billy Donovan for Chicago.

Miami wins in 7 for a couple of reasons. First, Butler does more than just shoot the rock. He rebounds, dishes and plays great D. Second, the Heat will have home court.

So at the end, Miami returns to their second NBA Finals in the past three seasons.