The 2026 NBA playoffs heat up this Friday with two must-watch matchups, and there's never been a better time to get in on the action. Thanks to the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS, new users can score $150 in bonus bets if their first bet wins, or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their qualifying wager loses. That's a win-win for basketball fans and baseball enthusiasts alike, as MLB action also takes center stage.
Friday's NBA slate tips off at 7 p.m. ET with the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the New York Knicks, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves welcoming the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Knicks currently lead their series 2-0, while the Spurs-Timberwolves matchup is knotted at 1-1, setting the stage for high-stakes drama.
The Knicks have been on a tear, winning five straight games—four of them by double digits. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, that streak should continue. The model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has generated over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on top-rated picks over the past eight seasons, is backing the Knicks at +120 odds in its Friday best bets. Meanwhile, in the Timberwolves-Spurs clash, the model expects both defenses to shine, projecting Under 216.5 total points.
For baseball fans, the model has also locked in a side for Friday's Braves vs. Dodgers showdown, making it a full day of winning opportunities across sportsbooks and betting apps.
Combine the three picks into a Friday parlay at BetMGM, and you could be looking at a payout of +613 (risk $100 to win $613, odds subject to change). The 76ers showed more fight in Game 2, losing 108-102 after a 39-point blowout in Game 1, but the Knicks have been dominant over the last three years—posting a 15-5 record against Philadelphia, including postseason. With the series shifting to Philly, the pressure is on, but the trends favor New York.
Don't miss out on this Friday's action. Use the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to unlock your bonus bets and make every game more exciting. Check out our full review for all the details and start building your parlay today.