Friday NBA picks, best bets: Sixers move on at home, Nuggets keep rolling

Now that we’re in the middle NBA playoffs, the basketball betting market is hotter than ever. CBS Sports will provide daily selections for the duration of the postseason. Sam Quinn will make at least one choice for every game between now and then NBA Final. All lines courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.

Featured Game | Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics

Yes, Joel Embiid struggled on his Game 2 return, but that wasn’t nearly the only reason Philadelphia lost. A disparity of 14 3-pointers also played a big part, and while James Harden is unlikely to score 45 points again, he probably won’t shoot 2-of-14s off the field in Game 3 either. Shut down the 3 point shooter game, get a better game out of Harden and expect a slightly healthier Embiid, and Game 3 should be a much closer affair. With that in mind, I’ll take the points for the home underdog, especially as the Celtics have struggled in games of late that didn’t qualify as takedown wins. The choice: 76ers +2

Featured Game | Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets

Regardless of your take on the value offered by 37-year-old Chris Paul, Phoenix really couldn’t afford to lose a single starter given their depth. In two games, her top scorer in that series alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, DeAndre Ayton and Paul… is backup center Jock Landale, who has seven points. Their four most-used perimeter roleplayers, Cameron Payne, Damion Lee, Torrey Craig, and Josh Okogie, combined shot 3 of 20 from 3-point range. The Suns could tighten up their offense a bit by dedicating a few minutes to Terrence Ross, Landry Shamet or TJ Warren… but that would weaken their already vulnerable defense even more. The Suns just don’t have the bodies to answer Denver right now. The selection: Nuggets +4