As the 2024 NBA postseason gets underway, basketball betting enthusiasts are eagerly looking for lucrative picks. CBS Sports has announced that they will be providing daily betting predictions throughout the playoffs, with Sam Quinn offering insights and recommendations for each game leading up to the NBA Finals.

In the upcoming matchup between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, the point spread heavily favors the Celtics, who opened as -8000 favorites. However, despite the odds stacked against them, the Heat have a strong track record in Game 1s, boasting a 9-3 record in their last 12 series openers. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra's ability to devise strategic strategies to stifle opponents makes it unlikely for the Celtics to secure an easy victory. As a result, Quinn's pick for this game is the Heat with a +13.5 point spread.

Turning to the clash between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers, uncertainty looms over the status of Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers are known for guarding their medical information closely, leaving bettors unsure about Leonard's availability until just minutes before tipoff. Regardless, the Mavericks have proven their prowess against the Clippers in previous postseason encounters, winning three out of four games played in Los Angeles. Taking into account Leonard's potential rust or lingering pain, Quinn leans towards the Mavericks with a -1.5 point spread, which becomes an even more tempting option if Leonard remains sidelined.

The Indiana Pacers face off against the Milwaukee Bucks in what appears to be a compelling matchup. The Pacers had a favorable 4-1 record against the Bucks during the regular season, with Giannis Antetokounmpo delivering exceptional performances, including a remarkable 54- and 62-point displays against Indiana. Despite the Pacers' defensive focus on limiting 3-point attempts, their rim protection remains subpar, making them vulnerable to Antetokounmpo's punishing attacks. While the rest of the Bucks may not pose the same threat, Quinn predicts that the Pacers will prevail with a -1.5 point spread.

In the contest between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Thunder's weak point lies in rebounding. In Game 1, Quinn anticipates that the Pelicans will exploit this weakness by employing Jonas Valanciunas to dominate the boards, strategically matching up against Josh Giddey and overpowering Chet Holmgren for rebounds. Although the Thunder can make adjustments, such as replacing Giddey with Isaiah Joe, the first game may not see such alterations take place. Therefore, Quinn's pick is for Valanciunas to secure over 8.5 rebounds.

As the NBA playoffs kick into high gear, fans and bettors alike will be closely watching these matchups to see if the outcomes align with Sam Quinn's astute predictions.