The 2022 NBA Postseason doesn’t start until April 16. But after this week, teams seeded 7 through 10 in both conference throws down in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The tournament will settle final seedings for both the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs and the NBA Western Conference Playoffs.

Because the playoffs is just about here, it’s important to consider the following tips. Check out the top four things you should consider when handicapping playoff games and conference and NBA Finals future bets.

Betting Tips Heading Into The 2022 NBA Postseason

The Nets & Lakers are both contending for playoff spots. Since Kevin Durant entered the NBA in 2007-08, either Durant, LeBron or both have made the playoffs in each season.

2005 was the last time neither made the postseason. Lebron was in his 2nd season & Durant was still in HS. pic.twitter.com/ntnS1tNr7S

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 29, 2022

READ MORE: 2022 NBA Regular Season’s Games to Watch for the Final Two Weeks

Tip #1 – Homecourt means something in the playoffs

In the past couple of seasons, homecourt didn’t mean much. In 2020, NBA Teams threw down in the Orlando bubble at Disney World in front of a handful of fans. Then last season, coronavirus restrictions prevented teams from playing in front of packed arenas. This season, there are no restrictions, which means the teams with homecourt advantage should have a big edge.

Tip #2 – Back balanced squads to cover

NBA teams that rely on both excellent defense and terrific offense should have an advantage against the spread. As you might expect, the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat are three of the teams that play excellent defense and are unstoppable on offense. The Suns rank first in field goal percentage at 48.7%. Phoenix ranks third in field goal percentage allowed at 44.3%

Milwaukee ranks fourth in points per game at 115.6 and tenth in field goal percentage allowed at 45.3%. The Heat shoot the three at 37.4%, ranking second in the league. Miami ranks fourth in field goal percentage allowed at 44.5% and fourth in three-point percentage allowed at 34.1% Balanced teams should cover in the playoffs. So look at stats and consider which teams can lockdown on defense while dropping buckets on the other end of the court.

Tip #3 – Think long before backing teams with key players returning from injury

Brooklyn Nets player Ben Simmons won’t step onto the court until mid-April. Simmons hasn’t played this entire season. So we must question his effectiveness even if the Nets win a spot in the play-in tournament. Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball hasn’t played since March. He won’t until early April and when he does, he won’t be in basketball shape.

Steph Curry hasn’t played for Golden State in at least 3 weeks and Clippers’ star Paul George is trying to get back into shape before the play-in tournament. Beware backing teams with star injured players returning to the court. It may work to your benefit. It may not.

Tip #4 – Experienced playoff teams like the Bucks, Heat, and Suns, have an edge

The Miami Heat fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 NBA Finals. The Bucks and Suns battled for six games in the 2021 NBA Finals. The Suns will enter the postseason with the best record in the league. The Heat and Bucks are battling each other for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Teams that have had recent success in the playoffs should have success in this year’s postseason. Expect the Bucks, Suns, and Heat to play in their respective conference series. Don’t be surprised if the Suns win the West and then take on the Heat or Bucks in the 2022 NBA Finals.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.