The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off this Tuesday with two key matchups that will determine which teams advance further into the postseason. The opening doubleheader features the Miami Heat facing the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Portland Trail Blazers hosting the Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. ET. These games not only promise thrilling basketball action but also present attractive betting opportunities, especially with the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets depending on their initial wager results and location.
According to the current NBA odds, the Charlotte Hornets are favored by six points in their home game against the Heat, while the Phoenix Suns enter as 3.5-point favorites against the Trail Blazers. SportsLine's advanced Projection Model, which simulates each NBA game 10,000 times, has weighed in on these contests, alongside expert analysis from SportsLine NBA analyst Mike Barner. Both have locked in their recommendations to help bettors maximize their chances.
For the Suns vs. Trail Blazers game, the Projection Model strongly favors the Suns to cover the 3.5-point spread. Phoenix has been dominant against Portland in recent years, holding a 4-1 home record over the last three seasons when facing the Trail Blazers. This season, the Suns have been a formidable force at home with a 25-16 overall record and a 23-18 mark against the spread (ATS). Conversely, Portland has struggled on the road with an 18-23 record and a 19-22 ATS performance away from home.
Devin Booker, one of Phoenix's star players, is expected to play a crucial role in the outcome. He rested his ankle in the final two regular-season games but is coming off three consecutive 30-point performances and finished the season ranked ninth in the NBA with an average of 26.1 points per game. The model projects Booker to have a significant impact, helping the Suns cover the spread in 60% of simulations. Bettors are encouraged to back the Suns using the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to take advantage of this strong prediction.
In the earlier game, SportsLine NBA expert Mike Barner highlights Charlotte guard Coby White as a key player to watch. White, who was acquired from the Chicago Bulls, has averaged 15.6 points despite limited playing time, coming off the bench for about 19 minutes per game over 21 appearances. His aggressive style includes an average of 11 shot attempts per game, with nearly half coming from three-point range, plus a notable 4.1 free throw attempts per contest. In two previous meetings against Miami as a Hornets player, White scored 13 and 24 points, respectively. Barner recommends backing White's scoring over in the Hornets-Heat game, presenting a promising prop bet opportunity for Tuesday's NBA action.
Beyond basketball, SportsLine's Projection Model has also identified a compelling baseball bet for the evening's MLB schedule. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, both sending strong pitching matchups to the mound-Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers and Nolan McLean for the Mets-are expected to engage in a high-scoring game. Despite the Mets missing star outfielder Juan Soto due to a calf injury, their lineup still includes impactful hitters like Francisco Lindor and Luis Robert Jr. Meanwhile, the Dodgers boast one of the most formidable lineups in recent baseball history, featuring stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
Given these potent offenses, the model projects the total runs scored to surpass 7.5, with the Over hitting in 70.7% of simulations. This makes the Over 7.5 runs bet a strong pick for Tuesday's MLB best bets. Bettors looking to capitalize on this prediction can also use the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to enhance their wagering experience.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which has operated with a track record of delivering profitable NBA picks for over eight seasons, entered the 2026 playoffs riding an impressive 23-9 run on top-rated NBA spread picks this season, translating to a 72% success rate. Players who have followed the model's advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps have enjoyed significant returns, underscoring the model's reliability and accuracy.
For those interested in maximizing their potential winnings, combining the three highlighted picks-the Suns covering the spread, Coby White's scoring prop, and the Dodgers-Mets Over 7.5 runs-into a parlay at BetMGM would currently yield a payout of +559. This means a $100 bet could return $559, though odds remain subject to change. Utilizing the latest BetMGM promo code CBSSPORTS is recommended to benefit from exclusive bonuses and promotions when placing these bets.
In summary, Tuesday's NBA Play-In Tournament games offer exciting basketball and betting prospects. The Hornets are favored to win by six points at home against the Heat, with Coby White's scoring ability standing out as a key factor. The Suns, favored by 3.5 points, have the edge over the Trail Blazers on their home court, bolstered by Devin Booker's scoring prowess. Meanwhile, the MLB matchup between the Dodgers and Mets promises a high-scoring affair, with the Over 7.5 runs bet showing strong value.
For bettors looking to capitalize on these insights, the combination of expert analysis and the SportsLine Projection Model's simulations provides a data-backed foundation for wagering decisions. Taking advantage of the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS can further enhance the betting experience by offering substantial bonus bets on qualifying wagers.
Those interested in exploring more bets across NBA, MLB, NHL, and other sports can access comprehensive against-the-spread, total, and money-line picks generated by the model, which runs 10,000 simulations per game to deliver precise predictions. This extensive approach helps bettors make informed decisions on a wide range of contests beyond just Tuesday's highlighted games.