NBA Playoffs Thursday Betting Picks - May 19, 2022

As the sportsbooks expected, the Heat took advantage of a tired Celtics to win Game 1 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals with a rampaging second half. Do the Celts have what it takes to level the series up, or will they be playing catch up?

It's Thursday May 19, 2022, and, as always, we've simulated today's NBA Playoffs game 10,000 times to determine where the value lies for basketball bettors across the United States.

With NBA Playoffs betting picks, probabilities, odds and predicted scores featured each and every day, check out our top plays for Thursday's NBA games.

Today's NBA Playoffs best bets and odds for Thursday May 19, 2022 are proudly brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook.

New customers with FanDuel Sportsbook can play their first bet up to $1,000 risk-free. All you need to do is make a deposit, then place your first bet, which if it loses, you'll get the stake back in free bets!

NBA Picks For Thursday May 19, 2022

Game 2: Celtics vs. Heat, 8:30PM ET

PICK: Celtics +3.5 (-110)

Not only were the Celtics already a touch rundown after a gruelling 7-game series against the defending champions in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but they were also dealt a blow just before tip of Game 1 with both Marcus Smart and Al Horford getting ruled out with injury and illness respectively. It looks as though they'll regain Smart but still be without Horford. While losing a guy like Horford is tough, getting back the Defensive Player of the Year is more important. He'll have a lockdown job to do on Jimmy Butler. Butler was well held by the Celtics in the two games he played against them in the regular season in which Smart was also on the floor, averaging just 22 points. If Smart can do the business, Boston will keep this tight.

All you need to do is place a $10 moneyline bet on the team you think will win with BetMGM Sportsbook and you'll score $200 if either team hits a three-pointer. It doesn't even matter if your team wins - you'll still cash. 

🏀 Projected Celtics vs. Heat Game 2 box score
✍️ Betting Preview: Celtics vs. Heat Game 2

MORE: Thursday's NBA Player Props and Parlay

Find out who we're betting on for every basketball game these playoffs via our NBA Bet Hub, where we deliver you NBA predictions and suggested bets, or check out the NBA Betting News section.

*All odds and lines correct at time of publishing

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Best NBA Playoffs Sportsbook Promos and Boosts

Whether you're looking to place a bet on one of today's games or a futures bet on the NBA title, FanDuel Sportsbook is the place to do it.

New customers with FanDuel Sportsbook can play their first bet up to $1,000 risk-free. All you need to do is make a deposit, then place your first bet, which if it loses, you'll get the stake back in free bets!

New customers with BetMGM Sportsbook can claim $200 in free bets from any NBA Playoffs game. All you need to do is place a $10 moneyline bet on one of today's NBA games and you'll score $200 if either team hits a three-pointer. Regardless of the outcome of your bet, you win either way.

Similarly to the BetMGM offer up above, new DraftKings Sportsbook customers can place a $5 on the NBA Playoffs and score $150 in free bets straight up, regardless of whether your bet actually wins or not.

Calling Our Shot 🏀 Free Picks

Calling Our Shot produces daily NBA betting content, including the latest best bets featured below.