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Today's Top Free Expert Picks

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  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    Former Vegas Bookmaker
    CHC -1.5
    +132
    Spread
    Picked: Apr 16 @ 10:39pm

    Analysis

    It'll be interesting to see how the Cubs and Mets respond to winds blowing out to left field at 15 mph at Wrigley Field with temperatures at 69°. For the Mets, they've lost eight in a row, where they've scored two runs or fewer in seven of the games. For the Cubs, they just got their hitting on track, scoring 35 runs in their last four games and winning the last two at Philadelphia by scoring in double digits. Edward Cabrera is making his fourth start for the Cubs, and he's only allowed three runs between his first three starts. Kodai Senga allowed seven runs in 2.1 innings during his last start. I'm going with the team that has found its rhythm. Cubs win.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    #1
    +730
    (74%)
    25-9 in Last 34 MLB ML Picks
    CHC
    -133
    Money Line
    Picked: Apr 16 @ 11:08pm

    Analysis

    I pretty much bet Cubs matinee Friday games on principle as I grew up on Cubbies matinees on WGN (we all know the one show that preceded every day -- partly why I first wanted to be astronaut and loved Artemis mission). Major love to Harry Caray as he could just get hammered on the air. And it was honestly entertaining. Andres Galarrrraagsmaggggaa was perhaps my fave. The Cubs are meh, but Mets much worse and pitching-wise this seems off. NY's Kodai Senga (7.07 ERA) has been terrible and Chicago's Edward Cabrera (1.62 ERA) quite good. This is a 100% New York too-low price. You think I biased? New Yorkers can't not bet their teams even when bad. Spike Lee Syndrome.
  • expert headshot
    Jeff Hochman
    West Coast Wiseguy
    Over 8
    -110
    Over/Under
    Picked: Apr 16 @ 10:23pm

    Analysis

    Zack Littell has shown significant statistical vulnerability; although he sports a 4.20 ERA, his alarming 7.16 FIP—driven by surrendering five home runs in just 15 innings—is a major concern. He’s up against a Nationals lineup that’s second in MLB with 5.6 runs per game and suffers from the league’s worst bullpen ERA. This combination helps explain why Washington is 13-6 to the Over. Logan Webb, meanwhile, has historically struggled away from Oracle Park, posting a career road ERA (3.98) more than a full run above his home mark (2.90). Weather conditions at first pitch—79°F and 38% humidity—will lower air density and enhance ball carry. Coupled with a park factor that boosts slugging by 34%, I anticipate at least eight runs scored here on Friday night.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    #4
    +791.5
    (68%)
    17-8-2 in Last 27 NBA Picks
    ORL +3.5
    -105
    Spread
    Picked: Apr 17 @ 12:28am

    Analysis

    Orlando's Paolo Banchero is one of the top-five most disappointing NBA guys of the season. Solid year, but the ex-No. 1 overall pick was supposed to take a leap and went a bit backward. I think Paolo has a statement game. And to me it feels like the Hornets just sherpa-ed (verb?) Mount Everest and nowhere to go but down after an utterly wild win over Miami. That was entertaining. Love to see the Bugs move on, they are fun to watch. Although LaMelo Ball's tatts looks like drawn by a drunken Monet (or Manet, I always get confused).
  • expert headshot
    Mike Barner
    +2826
    (63%)
    100-60 in Last 160 NBA Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    D. Bane
    Over 19.5
    -120
    Points
    Picked: Apr 17 @ 8:05am

    Analysis

    Desmond Bane was the lone bright spot for the Magic in their loss to the 76ers on Wednesday. He shot 10-for-16 from the field on his way to scoring 34 points. After playing 40 minutes in that game, he should play a lot Friday as the Magic try to avoid elimination. This game being in Orlando is a boost for his scoring upside because he averaged 21.3 points per game at home, versus 18.8 points a night on the road. I like his chances of coming away from this matchup with at least 20 points.

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