Today’s Best Free Sports Betting Picks and Predictions From Our Experts

[1%] Free Play on Rockies under 11½ -115

1* Free Play on Rangers +113

3* on Mandel Nallo

(#28) Dallas Stars | ML | . 

In the season series, Minnesota found success at home. However, the same cannot be said when the games were played here in Dallas. The Stars took both encounters on this ice and seem to be in a groove at the moment, off five consecutive wins. Even though the Wild might have the more complete team, home ice advantage is real in the playoffs and I just don't see how Minnesota steals the first game of this series without playing the best that it has all season. Dallas is well rested and has been as good as any here this season. Mikko Rantanen is a playoff killer and I'll take Jake Oettinger against either one of the Minnesota net-minders. Go Stars in Game 1.

Burns' Prediction: 4-2 Stars.

1* Free Pick on John Castaneda -148

1* on Rangers +123

*2 BIG GAME RELEASES TODAY* Today we BURN THE BOOKS in 3 sports: 5-1 NBA LAS VEGAS STRIP MOVE, 10-3 NBA FAST BREAK, 17-7 NHL POWER PLAY, and my SMASH PLAY in MLB today. Join me and together we will BURN THE BOOKS DOWN!

Saturday's FREE PLAY: New York Knicks.

Game 582.

3:00 PM PST/6:00 PM EST.

The Knicks have dominated the Hawks taking five of the last six meetings straight up, including two of three matchups this season. They certainly come into this postseason hotter, winning five of their final six games SU, and covering their last five games played. Meanwhile, Atlanta struggled down the stretch dropping three of their last four, both SU and ATS. Playing at Madison Square Garden has certainly benefited the Knickerbockers. They are one of the best home teams in the NBA going 30-10 on their own court. Statistically, New York scores about the same as Atlanta, while their defense is significantly stronger. They are better from the free-throw line, when this game gets physical, and without question, are much stronger at both ends of the court on the boards. Take the Knicks. Thank you.

Ricky's 1* play on Under.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. Here in this game the recent history of these two teams is particularly significant.

- The Under is 4-1 in New York's last 5 games.

- The Under is 5-2 in New York's last 7 games against Atlanta.

- The Under is 6-2 in New York's last 8 games played in April.

Verdict: Points should be hard to come by in this game.

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Marlins -105

*All picks are based on situations, trends, statistics and injuries among many other factors*

Jack's Free Pick Saturday: Arizona Diamondbacks -115

The Arizona Diamondbacks have gone 7-2 in their last nine games overall.  They have scored at least 4 runs in eight of those nine games.  They have the better lineup and the better starter going today at home against the struggling Toronto Blue Jays.

Injuries have been a big problem for the Blue Jays in the early going.  They have gone just 3-11 in their last 14 games overall and have scored 2 runs or fewer seven times.  They have scored a total of 5 runs in their last three games.

Zac Gallen has been solid if unspectacular.  He has gone 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA in four starts this season while allowing 8 earned runs and 2 homers in 20 innings.  Gallen has notoriously had big home/road splits with a 3.24 ERA at home compared to a 3.94 ERA on the road throughout his career.

The 41-year-old Max Scherzer is clearly on his last leg.  He went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts last season, and he is 1-2 with a 9.58 ERA in three starts this season.  Scherzer has allowed 11 earned runs and 4 homers in 10 1/3 innings thus far.  Arizona should be a bigger favorite in this one.  Bet the Diamondbacks Saturday.

No. 2 Ranked Overall Capper All-Time! Jack Jones has absolutely CRUSHED the books over the past 7-plus years! He is riding a 6821-5952 Run L3141 Days on all premium plays that has seen his $1,000/game players cash in $310,910! He was the No. 6 Ranked Overall Capper in 2022 as well as the No. 8 Ranked Overall Capper in 2023! He finished as the No. 2 Ranked Overall Capper in 2024 with his $1,000/game players up $171,920 since January 1st, 2022!

No. 1 Ranked NBA Capper All-Time! Jack Jones has put together a 3248-2761 NBA Run long-term that has seen his $1,000/game players cash in $256,670! He is a 8-Time Top 10 NBA Capper (#1 2023-24, #1 2012-13, #2 2020-21, #3 2021-22, #3 2017-18, #8 2008-09, #10 2015-16, #10 2011-12) as well! He is also on a 1538-1268 NBA Run over the long haul! Jack finished as the No. 1 Ranked NBA Capper in 2023-24 thanks to his 755-631 NBA Run since the start of 2023!

Jack has delivered a HOT 17-7 Run L6 Days to add to his 163-118 Run L46 Days on all premium plays! He has cashed in an EPIC 79-38 NBA Run since February 26th! He is also riding 121-86 & 13-3 MLB Runs! This money train stays right on track with Jack's Saturday 7-Play Power Pack for $59.95! Leading the charge are THREE 20* Top Plays including the Raptors/Cavs winner to kick off the NBA playoffs!

It would cost you roughly $260 to buy all seven plays separately, so YOU SAVE $200 with this 7-Pack! Sign up and bet with confidence knowing you are GUARANTEED PROFITS or Sunday's entire card is ON JACK!

1* Free Play on Jai Herbert +155

1* Free Pick on White Sox/A's: under 9½

All plays are made using sophisticated machine learning models.

Dave's Saturday Free Play:

1* on Hawks/Knicks OVER 216.5

The Key: The Hawks and Knicks are both fully healthy and this should be a much higher scoring Game 1 than this line suggests.  The Hawks rank 5th in pace and 14th in offensive rating this season and have been an even better offensive team in the 2H of the season.  The Knicks rank 4th in offensive rating and we have seen them become much more offensive-minded under first-year head coach Mike Brown this season.  Take the OVER.

**4X Top 10 NBA Handicapper!** Dave is a former #1 NBA Capper and he is riding a 1741-1496 NBA Run over the long haul that has his $1,000/game investors up $111,220! He is also in the midst of a 77-59 NBA Run over the last couple months! Give your book the beating it deserves today and hop on board for Dave's Saturday All Sports 7-Pack for $49.95! By doing so you'll earn access to his 7* Raptors/Cavs Game 1 *HEAVY HITTER* which is among 2 NBA & 5 MLB picks for you to crush your book with today ladies and gents! Dave guarantees you'll cash in a profit or you get Sunday's picks for FREE!

1* FREE INFO PLAY Cruz Azul -250

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Atlanta Braves +119

The Atlanta Braves are 7-2 in their last nine games and have scored 6 runs or more in all seven victories.  The Philadelphia Phillies are 2-7 in their last nine games overall and have scored 4 runs or fewer in eight of those nine games.  Chris Sale is 3-1 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in four starts for the Braves this season and is one of the best starters in the league.  Sale has given up just one earned run in 12 innings in his last two starts against the Phillies with 17 strikeouts.  Christopher Sanchez has never beaten the Braves going 0-3 with a 3.78 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in six previous starts against them.  Give me the Braves.

*Top 10 Overall Capper 4 of L9 Years!*

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*5515-4961 Basketball Run! ($1,000/game bettors up $116,520)*

*3549-3187 NBA Run! ($1,000/game bettors up $97,710)*

I am a 7-Time Top 10 NBA Capper! I finished as the #2 Ranked NBA Capper in 2023-24 and backed it up by finishing as the #4 NBA Capper in 2024-25! I have cashed in a 869-739 NBA Run since 2023 and a 46-32 NBA Run over my last 78 releases! I am riding a HOT 23-10 Run L7 Days which includes an 18-7 MLB Run! I keep the money coming your way today with 3 NBA & 6 MLB winners inside my Saturday All-Inclusive 9-Pack for $49.99! This card features SIX 5 Unit BEST BETS for you to feast on! You pay *ONLY $5.56/Play* for all 9 winners, and you are GUARANTEED-to-PROFIT or I'll send you Sunday's plays for FREE!

1* Best Bet on Rockets/Lakers over 207½ -105

No analysis provided.

Saturday Card has 2 Big NBA PLAYOFF Moves one is a TOP TIER 1 the Other a BIG 100% Totals System. We also have MLB  and Game 1 NHL Playoffs. MLB Comp play below

The MLB Comp play for Saturday is on Detroit on the run line  -1.5 run at 4:10 eastern. Detroit fits a nice April Specific Power system that plays on road favorites at -115 or more off a road dog loss where they scored less than 2 runs in the second game of a non divisional series vs an opponent that scored less than 5 runs. These road teams are 7-1 since 2007 with 6 of them winning by multiple runs. Detroit has Skubal making his 5th start and he has allowed 1 or less in 3 of the first four. Bello for Boston is 0-3 vs Detroit. Look for Detroit to get the multiple run win. GL Rob V-

SU: 7-1-0

2026/04/18  16:10 Sat 2026 away Tigers Tarik Skubal -L Red Sox Brayan Bello -R-170 70

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. MLS Take LAFC/San Jose UNDER (7 p.m. EST, Sunday April 19) This is a major Western Conference clash between two title contenders and these have been the best two defensive sides in MLS this season (along with Seattle). They have allowed a combined four goals through 14 combined matches! Not only is this a big match for Western Conference status, but this is a great test for the Earthquake to show how solid they really are this season. Two seasons ago this was one of the worst sides in MLS but they rebuilt quickly and have a great squad this season. LAFC probably has the best chance to represent the west in the MLS Cup, so San Jose will want to play well here and we think they lean into their defense. These sides are behind the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference standings, and that team has an easy matchup Friday, so both sides here will want to keep pace. These matchups have generally been high scoring, but the Earthquake are a more focused defensive side this season and we think they will treat this like a playoff matchup and dig deep defensively.

Pure Lock's FREE UFC play Saturday 4-18-26

Melissa Croden -130 over Daria Zhelezniakova

Pure Lock has a TOP MLB play available on Saturday on the Dodgers/Rockies. Pure Lock is mainly known for his selectivity in handicapping all sports and normally releases one pick per sport per day or passes! QUALITY over Quantity here. Currently on an impressive 36-23 (61%) run over his last 59 MLB picks! $1,000 per game players have CASHED $7,120 since April 03, 2025!

Pure Lock has a TOP NBA play available on Saturday on the Rockets/Lakers. Pure Lock is mainly known for his selectivity in handicapping all sports and normally releases one pick per sport per day or passes! QUALITY over Quantity here. Currently on an impressive 143-124 (54%) run over his last 268 basketball picks! $1,000 per game players have CASHED $5,900 since February 13, 2025!

Pure Lock has a TOP UFC play available on Saturday. Pure Lock is mainly known for his selectivity in handicapping all sports and normally releases one pick per sport per day or passes! QUALITY over Quantity here. Currently on an impressive 39-17 (70%) run over his last 60 Fighting picks! $1,000 per game players have CASHED $15,670 since June 01, 2024!

R&R Totals FREE NBA Over-Under Saturday 4-18-26

UNDER 218 Atlanta/New York

R&R Totals has a TOP MLB Over-Under for Saturday! Now an impressive 45-23 (66%) over his last 74 OVERALL picks! Join us and make money like the $1,000 per game clients who are up $18,630 since March 19, 2026!

R&R Totals has a TOP NBA Over-Under for Saturday! Now an impressive 44-21 (68%) over his last 71 OVERALL picks! Join us and make money like the $1,000 per game clients who are up $19,830 since March 19, 2026!

R&R Totals has a TOP NHL Over-Under for Saturday! Now an impressive 45-21 (68%) over his last 72 OVERALL picks! Join us and make money like the $1,000 per game clients who are up $20,830 since March 19, 2026!

CWS vs A’s 
4:05 EST 
7-Unit bet UNDER the total currently priced at 9.5 runs.

MLB Situational Betting Algorithm: Under Strategy

Algorithm Performance and Results

This MLB situational betting algorithm has achieved notable success over the past seven seasons, compiling a record of 54 wins, 31 losses, and yielding 64% winning bets. The approach has produced a 21% return on investment (ROI) and generated a $26,150 profit for the Dime Bettor. Focusing on the most recent five seasons, the algorithm has delivered a 30-16-3 record, translating to 65% winners, a 27% ROI, and $15,250 in profit for the Dime Bettor.

Criteria for Betting Opportunity

Bet the Under when the underdog scored 9 or more runs in their previous game.

The opponent must have a winning record.

The opponent is starting a pitcher with a WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) of 1.5 or greater.

Divisional Matchup Performance

When these criteria occur in a divisional matchup, the algorithm's effectiveness increases. In such cases, the Under has gone 38-19-5, representing a 67% win rate. This results in a 29% ROI and a total profit of $21,050 for the Dime Bettor.

Rockets vs Lakers 
8:30 ESZT 
7-Unit bet on the Rockets priced as a 5.5-point favorite.

NBA Playoff Betting Algorithm: First Round ATS Strategy

Algorithm Performance Overview

This NBA betting algorithm has demonstrated reliable success since 2006, achieving a 22-9 record against the spread (ATS) for a 71% win rate. The strategy is specifically designed for Round 1 of the NBA playoffs, focusing on key statistical and situational criteria to identify profitable opportunities.

Criteria for Active Betting Opportunity

The bet applies exclusively to Round 1 of the NBA playoffs.

The team targeted in the algorithm played their previous game at home.

In the previous game, the team secured 11 or more offensive rebounds.

By adhering to these requirements, the algorithm isolates situations where teams display strong rebounding performance and home advantage, contributing to a high probability of covering the spread in the first round of the postseason.

The Houston Rockets open their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a clear advantage, as injuries have dramatically reshaped what was expected to be one of the West’s most competitive matchups. Despite starting the series on the road, Houston enters Game 1 as a -5.5 favorite, reflecting the growing consensus that this is the Rockets’ series to control early.

Why the Rockets Are Favored

The single biggest factor is availability. Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are both out indefinitely, leaving the Lakers without their top two shot creators and primary offensive engines to start the series. Without them, Los Angeles is forced to rely almost entirely on a 41-year-old LeBron James to generate offense, a workload that becomes increasingly difficult against a deep, athletic, and physical Houston defense.

Houston, meanwhile, closed the regular season winning nine of its last ten games and finished sixth in the NBA in net rating, supported by a top-five defense for the second straight season. Even with Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams out, the Rockets’ core remains intact, and Kevin Durant is expected to play despite being listed as questionable with a knee contusion.

Matchup Problems for the Lakers

Without Dončić and Reaves, the Lakers lose:

The majority of their perimeter shot creation

A significant amount of playmaking to relieve pressure from LeBron

Lineup flexibility and bench scoring depth

Houston is built to exploit those specific weaknesses. The Rockets can defend LeBron with multiple long, physical wings, and if they force the ball out of his hands, the Lakers are left leaning on role players who struggled to carry increased usage during the regular season. At the same time, the Lakers’ interior defense faces major challenges dealing with Alperen Şengün’s passing and physicality, especially with L.A. prioritizing help on Durant.

Why a Double-Digit Win Is Likely

The betting market reflects not just a Rockets win, but growing confidence in a comfortable margin. Houston is the only road favorite on Saturday’s playoff slate, a strong indicator of mismatch rather than location-driven odds. With Los Angeles missing elite creators, scoring droughts are likely—particularly against a Rockets defense that thrives in the half court and limits easy paint looks.

If Houston builds an early lead, the pressure on LeBron to play extended minutes and create every possession increases sharply. Over the course of 48 minutes, that imbalance favors the Rockets pulling away late, especially with their superior depth and defensive consistency.

Chip’s Triple-Play SWEEP (3-0) NBA Best Bets

Chip Chirimbes, the Big Game Player, Las Vegas Hilton Champion, and seven-time basketball handicapping champion, has been called a “Postseason Wizard” by the nation’s media and SWEPT (3-0) the NBA board Friday and is 10-2 ATS in NBA ‘sides’ the past eight days. Chip is now a documented 31-18-1 63% with his highest-rated NBA Megabucks and 112-81 58% overall. Saturday, receive his Triple-Play of NBA Playoff best bet between Atlanta and New York, his Power Play winner between Toronto and Cleveland and his Money Game winner between the Minnesota and Denver..Get it all for just $69!

Chip’s FREE NBA Winner

Houston at L.A. Lakers 8:30 ET

Lakers (+) over Rockets - Only one game separated these two with Los Angeles winning 53 and Houston 52. In the three meetings this year the Roakets won on Christmas day and the Lakers won the last two games played three days apart in Houston on March 16-18. Kevin Durant and LeBron James will show their Hall of Fame talents and with LA in a world of hurt they have become an underdog at home. Take the LAKERS!

Nuggets -6

Denver and Minnesota meet and we’re in Denver. The Nuggets are one of the hottest teams in the league right now and they are playing at such a high level thanks to Jokic. He continues to produce big numbers and they have a healthy Jamal Murray to complement him. Denver’s offense is going to be too much for Minnesota, who has had some defensive issues down the stretch of this season. Ray’s daily FREE plays are meant to be cheap bankroll plays. Money management is everything in this game, and these freebies are designed to keep you moving in the right direction. Tonight’s FREE selection is a strong lean on the NUGGETS ATS. The number makes sense, the spot is right, and it’s a play worth taking. You know what to do. Good luck — Razor Ray.

Saturday FREE NBA ATS Play

0-3 Friday, always honest here! EN FUEGO! 220-182 55% +2059 since Mid-Dec! The board is live and today’s card is posted. A BIG 3× Play Card is up for today, and Ray’s DISCOUNTED Day Pass gets you full access. Razor is a Top-ranked handicapper across every network where his plays are sold, and he's locked in right now. Clients are cashing, the consistency is showing, and he's climbing the leaderboards. As always… “Pad that bankroll one day at a time.

Saturday's MLB Free Pick

PLAY ON: Astros -135 

Oh boy, Saturday night in Winnipeg is shaping up to be one of those fun, loud Canadian cards where the crowd gets rowdy early and the main event could actually deliver some drama. Headlining it is Mike Malott, the hometown hero on a three-fight win streak, taking on Gilbert “Durinho” Burns in a five-round welterweight scrap. On paper, Malott’s the big favorite, younger, coming off solid wins, fighting in front of his people. But if you’ve followed the division long enough, you know these exact setups have a habit of biting favorites in the ass when a crafty veteran like Burns smells blood at plus money.

Here’s the thing that keeps jumping out at me: over the last few years in welterweight main events and high-profile five-rounders, we’ve seen this quiet trend where battle-tested guys with legit grappling pedigrees hang around, survive the early storm, and start dictating things once the pace slows. Burns is basically the poster child for that. At 39 he’s on a tough four-fight skid, sure, and he’s taken some real shots lately, but the numbers still show a guy who averages over two takedowns per 15 minutes and has nine career submissions on his record. That’s not just fluff—that’s chain-wrestling and mat control that can wear even explosive fighters down when the rounds pile up.

Malott’s no joke. He’s put together wins with both power and decisions, and his finishing rate is impressive. But look closer at how some of these hometown prospects have fared when the spotlight gets bright and the fight goes long. His average fight time sits noticeably shorter than Burns’, and we’ve watched similar Canadian or rising local favorites get dragged into deep waters where experience and late-round IQ start to matter way more than the first-round pop. Burns has been in there with killers,former champs, top contenders, and he’s shown time and again he can mix striking pressure with grappling chains that force opponents to burn energy scrambling.

Another angle that’s paid off more than people remember: when veterans with elite BJJ step up as dogs in welterweight spots, especially against guys still building their resume at the highest level, the plus money has cashed enough times to notice. It’s not about age alone; it’s about that extra octagon time teaching you exactly when to slow things down, when to clinch, and when to turn a scramble into control. Malott brings a reach advantage and solid volume, but if Burns can force the kind of extended grappling exchanges he thrives in, we could see the kind of fatigue that’s shown up in other prospects’ longer fights.

Don’t get me wrong, the Winnipeg crowd is going to be electric, and Malott could come out firing and make this a short night. That’s always the risk with these spots. But if you zoom out on recent welterweight trends, the veteran dog with the grappling edge has been a live play way more often than the odds suggest, particularly when the favorite is still proving he can handle 25 minutes against someone who’s seen every look.

Bottom line, this is the kind of underdog I actually get excited about,not some random longshot, but a spot where the plus money feels earned because of the matchup dynamics and the way these fights tend to play out historically. Burns might not be the flashiest pick on the card, but for my money, he’s the most interesting one when the cage door shuts.

Like always, fights are chaos and anything can happen once they touch gloves. Should be a good one.

My selection is on Houston minus the points over Los Angeles at 8:30 pm et on Saturday.

The Rockets went on a tear down the stretch, playing some of their best basketball of the season  winning nine of their last 10 games SU (6-4 ATS). They draw a favorable opening round matchup against the injury-depleted Lakers. Los Angeles did reel off three straight wins both SU and ATS to close out the regular season but the absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the start of the postseason certainly dampens its hopes. The Rockets will undoubtedly have their guard up after they were swept in a two-game home set against the Lakers in mid-March. That came after Houston rolled to a 119-96 win here in Los Angeles on Christmas Day. I do think Houston is a team that's well-positioned to achieve playoff success as it has mastered the lost art of defense in today's NBA. The Rockets have held eight opponents to fewer than 40 made field goals going back to March 13th. The Lakers check in having accomplished that feat just once in their last 10 games. Take Houston (8*).

AAA Sports' Selection: San Diego Padres (ML).

San Diego will start German Marquez -- hasn't pitched great, but still has been winning so far as a Padre.

Even though he lost the start last season, he pitched really well against LAA, going seven innings and allowing just two runs.

The Padres are a much better team that Colorado too, so he gets a lot more help.

Los Angeles will start Yusei Kikuchi -- has been much worse than Marquez, with a 0-2 record + 7.50 earned run average so far.

The Angels have hit the ball really well. But, it's not sustainable considering how similar the squad is from last year.

We're on SDP.

Orioles vs Guardians MLB Free Pick 

The Angle(s): The Cleveland Guardians are 2-9 coming off a win, 1-7 facing the same opponent they just defeated. Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer (0-0, 3.60 ERA) held Cleveland to one run in 5 1/3 innings of a 9-1 Orioles win last season while Guardians' righty Gavin Williams gave up five runs in 6 2/3 innings of the very same game.

The Bet: ORIOLES (3%). 

For today's premium pick action, Mike's putting a 19-9 (68%) HEATER with top-rated (4-5%) NBA sides to the test with his 4% Hawks/Knicks NBA TOP PLAY of the Day, and he also has MLB on the menu.

Free Pick on Nuggets -6 -115

FREE PLAY on Pirates -147

PSP Data Driven 1* Under.

At Professionalsportspicks we see a future where those handicapping sports without advanced analytics and data-driven strategies will be left behind. Our data-driven picks use data integration, search and discovery, and knowledge management along with collaboration with our in-house handicappers. By isolating relevant trends, removing human bias, and targeting only lines with a positive expected value above a certain threshold, our data-driven picks promise to outperform any and all human competitors.

Our models suggest that the value is on the Under.The Under is 9-4 in Ottawa's last 13 games against an opponent in the Metropolitan Division. The Under is 8-4 in Ottawa's last 12 games played in April.