Highlights

Today's Top Free Expert Picks

This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and sign up, make a deposit, or place a wager, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
  • 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's tatts looks like drawn by a drunken Monet. Or do I mean Manet? One liked colors, I remember, and one didn't much care. Around HS age, it would take me 2 hours to find out (get to library, Britannica). Yay Google.
  • expert headshot
    Eric Cohen
    EC
    ARI
    -126
    Money Line
    Picked: Apr 16 @ 11:58pm

    Analysis

    Unofficially, when I've gone to Diamondbacks games in the last four years, Arizona wins at least at least 2/3 of the time. Now that's not why I'm picking them on Friday night, but yes, I'll be at the game. The DBacks had a successful 6-3 road trip back east and had a day of rest, whereas Toronto flew from Milwaukee to Phoenix on Thursday night. In terms of the starting pitchers, Michael Soroka is 3-0 this season for the home team, while Eric Lauer has a 7.82 ERA for Toronto. Arizona wins 7-4.

Betting Spotlight

See More

More Headlines

247 Sports
imagn-milan-momcilovic-iowa-state.jpg

Scouting reports, latest intel as splashy portal entries shake up top 100 

Big win for BYU: No. 1 point guard in the portal is coming back to Provo 

Winding road to 'right decision' for four-star QB with Notre Dame in picture 

SportsLine
jalen-brunson-new-york-knicks-imagn-images.jpg

2026 NBA bracket picks, odds, expert best bets for NBA playoffs

2026 Kentucky Derby picks from expert who's nailed 12 doubles

Two NBA Finals futures and two first-round best bets as playoffs begin

Betting

jalen-williams-thunder-cbs-usatsi.jpg

DraftKings Arkansas promo code: Score $300 in bonus bets with a $5 bet

Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS: Claim $10 bonus for Thursday's games

Fanatics promo code CBSFAN: Land up to $1,000 in FanCash on Thursday

Fantasy

oneil-cruz.jpg

Rankings Movers: Cruz, Stewart make the leap

Waivers: Sal Stewart surging early

Waivers: Abel headlines must-add arms

NFL

ajbrown.jpg

Why Eagles' A.J. Brown has been unusually silent as trade rumors swirl

10 bold calls, a frustrating mock and the AFC teams that must nail it

Rams unveil total uniform refresh with 3 key changes and a new logo

College Football

2025 Aflac Kickoff Game - Syracuse v Tennessee

NCAA proposes moving college football season start up one week

Why Franklin let Penn State 'off the hook' by joining Virginia Tech

Spring game storylines: QB battles, transfers, freshmen to watch

Golf

ludvig-aberg-rbc-heritage.jpg

Ludvig Åberg leads RBC Heritage with Hovland, Fowler close behind

Tiger Woods attempting to block subpoena for drug records

2026 RBC Heritage props, bets, PGA parlay pays almost $90,000

Soccer

barca-2.jpg

Barcelona file refereeing complaint after UCL elimination

Champions League Power Rankings: Bayern, PSG surging

Arsenal rediscover defensive identity but attacking crisis looms

NBA

rashardhigginscbs-1.jpg

Magic vs. Hornets odds, spread, NBA play-in picks from 10,000 sims

Damon Jones expected to change plea to guilty in NBA gambling scandal

Luka Dončić, Cade Cunningham eligible for NBA awards after appeals

NCAA Basketball

usatsi-28715335.jpg

Michigan's title glow faded quickly for Dusty May in portal era

Boozer stays at Duke after transfer buzz, solidifying backcourt

UNC basketball roster info, transfer portal news from program insiders

NCAAW Basketball

liv-mcgill.png

Women's hoops transfer portal tracker: Liv McGill heads to Oklahoma St

JuJu Watkins headlines stacked 2027 WNBA draft class

Ranking the 25 best players in women's basketball transfer portal

MLB

parker-messick-getty.png

Parker Messick falls just short of Cleveland's first no-no since 1981

Mike Trout homers again: Why his resurgence looks sustainable

Giants vs. Reds odds, MLB picks from 10,000 sims
Around the Web Promoted by Taboola