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    Brad Botkin
    Brad Botkin
    Book Nerd
    Brad Botkin is a senior NBA writer who has been with CBS Sports since 2011, the first seven as an editor, and over that time he has refined his wagering approach down to one basic rule: Do not trust your first instinct. This most often applies to the glamorous teams and players, but Overs fall into this category, too. Casual gamblers love the big teams and Overs, and the books steal value accordingly. When Brad sees a bet that screams one way, he is always intrigued to look deeper into the opposite angle. For Brad Botkin media inquiries, contact SportsLine@CBSInteractive.com.
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    NBA | Boston 88 @ Golden St. 107 | 06/06 | 12:00 AM UTC

    Boston +4 -110

    LOSS

    ANALYSIS: The Warriors came into this series favored but that's a play on public perception. The Celtics have more advantages than Golden State does. Game 1 was no fluke. Sure, the Celtics probably won't shoot as well collectively as they did in Game 1, but Jayson Tatum won't go 3 for 17 again, either. The Warriors are desperate. No team in NBA history has lost the first two Finals games at home and come back to win the series. That's enough for me to take Golden State straight up, but I'll take Boston, which has been fantastic all postseason on the road, with the points.

    NBA | Golden St. 95 @ Memphis 134 | 05/12 | 1:30 AM UTC

    UNDER 219 -110

    LOSS

    ANALYSIS: Memphis is going to struggle to score in against closeout Golden State defense, but at the same time, Memphis is a far better defensive team without Morant. I like that combo against a fairly high total.

    NBA | Dallas 80 @ Phoenix 110 | 05/11 | 2:00 AM UTC

    OVER 215 -110

    LOSS

    ANALYSIS: Chris Paul isn't going to lay another egg, and back in Phoenix the Suns will come out hot and score late behind Paul and Booker. Dallas won't make 20 3s again, but it has found its stride offensively as well. Luka Doncic in the post puts the Suns in a pick-your-poison dilemma, but Phoenix, with the crowd into it, will force the pace a bit higher. Games 1 and 2 totaled at 235 and 238, respectively. Will this game go that high? I don't know, but I feel good about clearing 215.

    NBA | Miami 108 @ Philadelphia 116 | 05/09 | 12:00 AM UTC

    Miami +115

    LOSS

    ANALYSIS: Embiid came back in Game 3 and the Sixers rode the emotion and defensive uptick he provided. Miami is a better team. Harden isn't providing enough scoring and now Miami has a Kyle Lowry game under its belt. He'll be big in Game 4 and the Heat will re-take control of the series.

    NBA | Golden St. 101 @ Memphis 106 | 05/04 | 1:30 AM UTC

    Golden St. -2 -110

    LOSS

    ANALYSIS: The Warriors didn't get great nights from Klay Thompson or Stephen Curry in Game 1, and they only had Draymond Green for a half. On the flip side, if Jaren Jackson Jr. really going to shoot like Stephen Curry again? Warriors go home up 2-0