Our free NBA picks are out for Sunday, May 8th, 2022! Make sure you check our expert NBA picks before the action kicks off.
Look below to find our free NBA picks for the two Conference Semifinal games on today’s schedule!
Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks – 3.30pm ET
It’s Game 4 of this series between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. The Suns suffered their first defeat in this series in Game 3, as they lost 94-103. It was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Mavericks, as they keep the series alive and are now only down 1-2.
Jeffery Thomas
The Dallas Mavericks had their backs against the wall, facing a 0-2 deficit in the series and responded with a huge 103-94 victory in Game 3 to pull within one game. The key to success was containing future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, holding him to just 12 points and forcing him to commit seven turnovers. It was another great game from Luka Doncic, who had 26 points and 13 rebounds. It was nice to see the pieces around him contribute as well, as Jalen Brunson bounced back for 28 points and three other Mavs players scored in double figures. It was the perfect game plan and something similar will be needed in Game 4 if Dallas wants to avoid a 1-3 hole.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that before Game 3 the Suns had won the previous eleven matchups against Dallas. We knew that trend would eventually end but now that it has, we have to remind ourselves how this head to head usually plays out. It’s very hard to sweep a team and Dallas put up a great fight to avoid being swept, but the better team is the one that resides in Phoenix and I think we see that here in Game 4. The bench production will pick back up and be a catalyst for the Suns in this one, helping them extend their lead out to 3-1.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns (-134)
Noah Dunlap
The Dallas Mavericks managed to get things going in Game 3, and recovered to actually turn this into a series again, after getting throttled in the opening two games of this second round matchup. As expected, it was Luka Doncic leading the way, while he finally got a decent performance from Jalen Brunson, who had struggled in the first two, that helped secure the win in Game 3 in Dallas. If the Mavs want to stand a chance to actually win this series, though, they’re going to have to get three more games of similar performances from both of those guys combined, and I’m just not sure they’re going to be able to get that done.
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns just need to put the performance from Game 3 behind them. They didn’t shoot the ball well, they got out-hustled on effort plays, and they watched Chris Paul have one of the worst halves of his career in the first half. I don’t think you can expect a team that has been as good as they have been all year to string together two performances like that, so I’m going to take the Suns here, even being on the road once again. I like a veteran bounce back from CP3, Devin Booker to perform better, and DeAndre Ayton to actually make a difference in this one. It may stay close, but in the end, Phoenix gets the win in a reasonably close one.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -2.5 (-106)
Tony Battalio
The Dallas Mavericks got a much needed win in Game 3 of their second round series against the defending Western Conference champions, the Phoenix Suns. It was their first home game of the series and now they will be looking to even the series up before heading back to Phoenix for Game 5. As long as Luka Doncic remains healthy I think this Mavericks team has an outside shot to make a run all the way to the NBA Finals. If they can contain Devin Booker and Chris Paul they will have a great shot to win this series as well.
The Phoenix Suns are coming into this game looking to take a 3-1 lead over Dallas in Game 4 of this series. They are only two wins away from making their second straight trip to the Western Conference Finals, and they are a real threat to get back to the NBA Finals. As long as Devin Booker and Chris Paul can stay healthy and keep producing, then they have a serious chance of winning a ring this season. As for the result of this game, I look for Phoenix to get win number three.
Tony’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns (-134)
Miami Heat @ Philadelphia 76ers – 8pm ET
The second and final game of the day will see the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of their series. The change in scenery was all that was needed for the 76ers to get their first win of this series (well, that and the fact that Embiid was back). The Heat still lead this series however, 2-1.
Jeffery Thomas
Just like the Dallas Mavericks did, the Philadelphia 76ers were able to get a big win at home in Game 3 to avoid an insurmountable 0-3 deficit. Joel Embiid made his return to the lineup, donning a black protective mask to protect his facial injury, and provided the necessary spark needed to get his guys the victory. His numbers weren’t eye-popping but his presence opened up the floor for guys like Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey to get what they wanted offensively and do their part in the 20-point victory. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 33 points as he and Tyler Herro were the only Miami players that cracked double figures in scoring.
It was a rate down game for the Heat offensively and Philly took advantage, but now the question is can they do it again in Game 4 to even the series up? The Sixers have been a machine at home in these playoffs and that crowd helped them to get a blowout win in Game 3. I don’t think Joel Embiid will be kept quiet again and in a tighter game, more will be needed from him. That’s where he will dig deep and show everyone why he will probably be the MVP this season and will lead his team to victory with a monster performance on both sides of the ball. All he’ll need is one of James Harden or Tyrese Maxey, etc. to produce along with him and that will be enough for the Sixers to tie this series and turn it into essentially a best of 3 heading to Miami.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Philadelphia 76ers (-120)
Noah Dunlap
I expect a similar situation to arise in this one, as we see in the first game of the day. The Philadelphia 76ers managed to get a game in the series to cut the lead to 1-2 in Game 3, as Joel Embiid made a surprise return to the lineup, and made a huge impact, but with more time to prepare, as they now know that he’s back, I think the Miami Heat come in with a better game plan to deal with him, as well as keeping James Harden’s impact to a minimum, and with the balance they have, I think they can come back, and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
For Miami, the biggest question is going to be the health of Tyler Herro. They’ve had everyone except for Kyle Lowry so far in this series, but Herro has been dealing with a knee issue that could potentially be an obstacle in his performance. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have both had great series’ so far, and I don’t see a reason that changes. If Herro is out, or struggles, they could be in a bit of trouble, but I think he plays and plays well coming off the bench in this one. Even on the road again in Philly, I think the Heat get the win, to get the 3-1 series lead, with the chance to wrap it up at home in Game 5. Look for a close one, but Miami eventually prevails.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Miami Heat +1.5 (-110)
Tony Battalio
In their first home game of the second round, the Philadelphia 76ers got a much needed win over the Miami Heat to pull the series within one game. Now they will be looking to even up the series at two games a piece before heading back to South Beach for Game 5. They will be looking for Joel Embiid and James Harden to step up in this one and lead them to another win after they only put up a combined 35 points in Game 3. They will need to play better if they want to win this series.
The Miami Heat are looking to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years as they currently hold a 2-1 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. They will be looking to bounce back after their Game 3 loss as the series will head back home for them after this one. As for the result of this one, I am taking the Miami Heat to pick up the victory over the Philadelphia 76ers to take a 3-1 lead in this series.
Tony’s NBA Pick: Philadelphia 76ers (-120)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
