2022 Japan NPB Odds and Betting Predictions

By: kuda

Posted: February 23, 2022

Updated: February 23, 2022

The 75th season of Nippon Professional Baseball will run from March 2022
So far, the bookies foresee a win for defending champions Yakult Swallows
2021 runners up and 1996 champions Orix Buffaloes are desperate to return to winning ways

Image source: Goshuinnist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Without a doubt, the Nippon Professional Baseball league is one of the best in the world. Fortunately, we have the latest 2022 Japan NPB odds and NPB betting predictions to cover the top event. However, to give you a glimpse of what is to come, the NPB odds are currently pointing towards a win for the Yakult Swallows. The 73rd edition of Nippon Professional Baseball will run from 25 March to 30 October 2022. During this time, 12 teams will compete for the 2022 title. So far, the latest NPB betting predictions and NPB odds are in favor of a win for reigning champions Yakult Swallows. At this time, these are how their 2022 Japan NPB odds of winning stand against the other top contenders on Bet365 Sportsbook:

Club	Odds of Winning
Yakult Swallows	4.50
Orix Buffaloes	5.00
Yomiuri Giants	6.00
SoftBank Hawks	7.00
Hanshin Tigers	7.00

Yakult Swallows have the 2022 Japan NPB odds to defend their title

Without a doubt, most if not all eyes will be on the Yakult Swallows this season. This time around, the Swallows are on a mission to defend their title. Although they will be under pressure to retain their title, their current NPB odds of winning suggest that a consecutive victory is within reach. What’s more, based on the NPB betting predictions, the Yakult Swallows will also enter the season as the team to beat. Given these points, the Swallows pose as safe bets with 2022 Japan NPB odds at 4.50 on Bet365 Sportsbook.

The NPB betting predictions have labeled Orix as a major threat to the Swallows

So far, the Yakult Swallows have the best NPB odds to win on Bet365 Sportsbook. However, according to the NPB betting predictions, there is one team that they should be wary of as they look to defend their title. This team are 2021 runners up Orix Buffaloes.

2022 Japan NPB odds — Image source: ぽこ太郎, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Without a doubt, losing the final game against the Swallow last season is something that the Buffaloes are still struggling to accept. However, they now have the chance to bounce back from the defeat by winning this season’s NPB title. At this time, the Orix Buffaloes have the second best 2022 Japan NPB odds to win at 5.00.

Yomiuri Giants look to add a 23rd title to their impressive trophy cabinet

This time, the Yomiuri Giants are also favorites to win the 2022 Nippon Professional Baseball title. According to the online sportsbooks news in Japan, the Giants are the league’s most successful team. Overall, they have won the NBP title 22 times. However, the Yomiuri Giants last won the league in 2012. So, based on the NPB betting predictions, they will be under pressure to return to winning ways. As we speak, the Yomiuri Giants have the third-best 2022 Japan NPB odds to win at 6.00 on Bet365 Sportsbook.

SoftBank Hawks and Hanshin Tigers are also in contention for the 2022 NPB title

At this time, the SoftBank Hawks will also be looking to add to their trophy cabinet after last winning the league in 2020. Overall, they have 11 titles under their belt and now have the NPB odds to make it 12. So, bettors can bet on the SoftBank Hawks to return to winning ways with odds at 7.00 on Bet365 Sportsbook. Lastly, the Hanshin Tigers are also another team with good odds to win the 2022 title on the online sportsbooks in Japan. As we speak, the Tigers are suffering from one of the worst trophy droughts in the league. That being said, the 1985 champions will be giving it their all this season to avoid any further embarrassment. So far, they have 2022 Japan NPB odds at 7.00 to end their winless streak.