As the 2025 NBA postseason unfolds, the excitement in the basketball betting market is palpable. CBS Sports is committed to delivering daily betting picks throughout the postseason, with expert analyst Sam Quinn providing insights on every game leading up to the NBA Finals. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, these picks can guide your betting decisions during this thrilling time.
The matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder is generating significant interest. Many analysts are confident that the Thunder will secure a win in this series, likely with a comfortable margin. However, a 13-point spread in a playoff game raises eyebrows, especially considering that the Thunder still have their three best players on the court. Last season, Oklahoma City finished as the No. 1 seed and won two games by significant margins while keeping two others close.
The Grizzlies are coming off two strong postseason games, which may give them an edge. While it's reasonable to expect the Thunder to win, the spread seems excessive. The recommended pick for this game is: Grizzlies +13.
The Orlando Magic are facing off against the Boston Celtics, and the statistics tell a compelling story. The Magic, currently ranked as the No. 27 offense in the NBA, will be challenged by a championship-caliber defense. On the flip side, the Celtics boast the No. 2 defense and are well-equipped to handle the Magic's offensive strategies.
Orlando excels at restricting 3-point shots, having allowed only 2,571 attempts throughout the season—far fewer than any other team. The Celtics, who nearly attempted 4,000 threes, heavily rely on this aspect of their game. The Magic’s ability to limit the Celtics' 3-point attempts could lead to a low-scoring game. Therefore, the recommended pick here is: Under 206.
In an intriguing matchup, the Miami Heat are set to clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tyler Herro has been on fire, recently scoring 30 points against Dyson Daniels’ team. Given his performance, the current line for Herro seems outdated. Since the Jimmy Butler trade, he has averaged over 24 points per game, hitting the 30-point mark in both of his play-in games and surpassing the 22.5-point line in seven of his last eight regular-season games.
Although the Cavaliers are likely to pull off the win, the Heat will need a strong scoring performance, particularly from Herro, to stay competitive. The ideal pick for this game is: Tyler Herro Over 22.5 Points.
As we look ahead to the matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, more insights and betting picks will become available as the postseason progresses. Stay tuned for the latest updates and expert analyses to navigate your betting strategies effectively.
