Free NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Picks, Best Bets, and Parlays for 4/17/22

There are four more first round games in the NBA playoffs on the schedule for Easter Sunday.. There will be three games in the Eastern conference and New Orleans-Phoenix in the West.

We broke even on our Best Bets yesterday as the Sixers covered the spread and defeated Toronto, but the T-Wolves stunned me with their big win over Memphis. That leaves our Best Bet of the Day record at 75-36 in 2022.

We went 3-1 betting the MoneyLine improving our overall record to 438-219 since Jan.1st.

Let’s check out the three games in the Eastern conference for today…

*PAPA DUDES BEST BET* #8 Atlanta at #1 Miami (-6.5): The Hawks beat the Hornets and Cleveland in the Play-In round, to qualify for the first round against top-seeded Miami. They are an explosive team with a superstar in Trae Young. Offense is usually not a problem for them and if they are interested in playing defense, they will have a chance against most anybody. But, Miami isn’t just anybody, and they have played with a lot of adversity all year long. Injuries to their key players didn’t prevent them from having the best record in the East. They are the most physical team in the conference but they also can put points on the board as well. Playing in Miami is a big advantage also and the Heat posted a 29-12 record at home. I think they will be well-rested and ready for this one. PAPA DUDES BEST BET: Miami -6.5

#7 Brooklyn at #2 Boston (-4): This is an interesting matchup and a lot of people will be watching this one. The Celtics were outstanding in the last 25 games of the regular season, posting a record of 19-6 down the stretch. They are led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who averaged over 50 points per game between them. And they are 28-13 at home. Meanwhile the Nets were shorthanded for most of the season, but once Kevin Durant returned to the lineup, they went on a 12-5 run. Any team with Durant and Kyrie Irving in the lineup are a dangerous opponent for sure. But, the Nets are woeful defensively and that is not a good matchup against a very good scoring team like Boston. I like the Celtics to cover this small spread. PAPA DUDES PICK: Boston -4

*PAPA DUDES UPSET SPECIAL* #6 Chicago at #3 Milwaukee (-10.5): I guess I have to pick an upset to keep everyone interested, right? No, I don’t think the Bulls are going to win this game, but I do think they have a chance to beat the spread which might be a little too high. I understand why it is what it is. The Bulls finished the regular season going 7-15 over the final 22 games. They have some injury problems as well. But they have DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who are both exciting scorers, and if they get going they could make a run. The Bucks are the defending champs and they will counter with plenty of firepower as well. Any team with Giannis Antetokounmpo, is going to be a force. I like the Bucks to win, but there is a reasonable chance the Bulls stay close. PAPA DUDES UPSET PICK: Chicago +10.5