Today’s Best Cappers Free Picks – Handicapping Experts Picks & Predictions

We really like the underdog in this matchup. The number looks a off when you consider that the Spartans have won five of the last seven meetings outright. The Wolverines have failed to cover in eight of their last nine overall. This game has the potential to be close, decided by the last shot. We will take the points.

This is a 1* play on MSU.

[1%] Free Play on Michigan State

Often a team suffers a letdown in their second game after losing a superstar following winning initially. I believe that's going to be the case with the Spurs in their game tonight against the Pistons.

San Antonio gave an inspired, gutty performance in upsetting the Suns on Thursday after learning Victor Wembanyama would be out for the rest of the season because of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. All Wembanyama was doing was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists while leading the league in blocked shots with 3.8 per game. Keep in mind, too, that Charles Bassey, who is Wembanyama's backup, has missed the last six games with a knee injury.

Also please note that the Spurs defeated Phoenix in Austin not San Antonio. The game tonight also will be in Austin.

It takes two, though, to make the right handicap. The key question is have the Pistons improved enough this season to justify laying mid-range points with them on the road?

I'm going to say yes. The Pistons enter this matchup with a season-best four-game win streak. Their 29-26 record at this point of the season is their best mark in seven years. Only six teams have had a better record than the Pistons since Dec. 21. Detroit is 18-9 during its past 27 games, registering the fifth-best defensive rating and nine-best offensive ranking during this time span.

San Antonio, by comparison, is 24-29 and has lost 13 of its last 19 games.

The wild-card is Detroit last played nine days ago. The Pistons went into All-Star break riding a lot of confidence and optimism. I have to trust that J.B. Bickerstaff will have the Pistons ready to play to keep their momentum going.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is 21-10-1 on his last 32 premium plays. Stephen is 13-3 on his college basketball premium plays this month. All of Stephen's plays come with his signature deep dive analysis.)

PSP Data Driven 1* Raptors.

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 Underdog. Toronto are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Miami. Miami are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games.

1* Free Sharp Play on Oakland vs IUPU Ft Wayne under

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Cornell

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

Ricky's 1* play on M-OH.

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.

- Miami-Ohio are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games.

- Miami-Ohio are 12-0 SU in their last 12 games at home.

- Miami-Ohio are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games.

Verdict: The value is on the Home favorite.

The Memphis Grizzlies (36-19) are set to face the Orlando Magic (28-29) on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST at the Kia Center in Orlando. The Grizzlies have been strong this season, boasting a 36-19 record and leading the league in pace with 103.5 possessions per game. They rank 5th in field goal percentage at 48.6% and 6th in defensive rating at 111.8. However, they've faced challenges recently, dropping four of their last five games. They played last night and lost at Indiana, 113-127. The Magic, with a 28-29 record, have shown resilience, winning four of their past five games, inlcuding a game last night at Atlanta in a 114-108 win. Despite ranking 29th in offensive rating at 108.8 and 30th in three-point shooting at 30.6%, they've managed to find ways to win. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant continues to be a pivotal player, leading the team's high-paced offense. His playmaking and scoring abilities are crucial for the Grizzlies' success. Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero has been impressive, recently recording 36 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists against the Hawks. Both teams played last night, but the Grizzlies had to travel and that always makes this spot more difficult. Plus Orland has been playing very well compared to the Grizzlies. I'll take the points at home with the Magic tonight.

Recommended Bet: Sampdoria

Friday's NBA Free Pick

PLAY ON: Knicks +7.5