NBA Playoffs Tuesday Betting Picks - May 17, 2022

After 4 weeks of playoff basketball, perhaps unsurprisingly, we're down to the top 2 seeds in the Eastern Conference, about to do battle in a 7-game series that could be an all-time epic.

It's Tuesday May 17, 2022, and, as always, we've simulated all of the day's NBA games 10,000 times each to determine where the value lies for basketball bettors across the United States.

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

Today's NBA best bets and odds for Tuesday May 17, 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!

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NBA Picks For Tuesday May 17, 2022

Game 1: Celtics vs. Heat, 8:30PM ET

PICK: Total points UNDER 204 (-110)

The Celtics will start this game as favorites to take out the series, but underdogs to win Game 1. Such is the importance of home court advantage in playoffs, the sportsbooks are expecting Miami to take the opener in front of their home fans.

It will be interesting to see how that all plays out, but we're staying away from any spread or moneyline plays today. Instead, we're taking the safety of the total, and the Under. 

Both of these teams have built their identities this season around their lockdown D, both ranking in the top 5 for opponent points allowed per game and that's extended to the postseason where opponent scores under 100 have been the norm.

Looking back at the three meetings these two had against each other in the regular season and each time at least one side was unable to crack triple figures for the night.

In a tense playoff environment, it's hard to see much changing.

Want to lock in a win regardless of whether the Under hits or not?

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 1 box score
✍️ Betting Preview: Celtics vs. Heat Game 1

MORE: Tuesday'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

NEW FEATURE: Like Player Props? Then you'll love Dimers' Prop Bets section

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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.

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Calling Our Shot 🏀 Free Picks

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