Free Sports Picks of the Day

1* Bet on Jacksonville State -3

1* Free Play on Wizards +10½ -115

[1%] Free Play on Avalanche under 6½ -125

3* on under

Recommended Bet: Parma +197

1* Free Pick on Panthers/Packers under 48

1* Free Pick on Wizards +10½ -115

1* FREE INFO PLAY Toronto FC -101

1* Free Sharp Play on Middle Tennessee State -2½ -110

Free Play from Doc’s Sports: Take #135 Illinois Fighting Illini over Maryland Terrapins (12 p.m., Saturday, October 31 FS1). I don’t expect Maryland to get much of a spark after firing Mike Locksley. With the remaining staff facing uncertain futures in College Park, keeping this team focused could be a challenge. Illinois still has a bowl berth within reach, and this matchup represents one of its best remaining opportunities to pick up a win. The Illini have won the last two meetings with Maryland, taking last year’s matchup 24-6 after a 27-24 road victory in 2023. Bret Bielema brings the experience to keep Illinois moving forward, and his team has won two straight against opponents stronger than the Maryland squad it faces today. Take the Fighting Illini. Don’t miss Doc’s Sports Weekend Card, featuring top plays in the NHL, NBA, UFC, and Breeders’ Cup. Sign up now and put 55 years of handicapping experience to work for you!

The case for the over starts with two offenses that can score in bunches against defenses that are giving up points early. Atlanta is 2-2 and was averaging 130 points per game early in the season, second in the league in true shooting percentage with a top-six assist-to-turnover ratio, so this is a team moving the ball and finishing possessions. Miami is 0-4 and desperate, but the Heat are not playing slow - they lead the NBA in transition frequency at 28.3% of possessions, well ahead of second place, even if they rank last in points per possession in transition, which means more possessions and more chances for the score to climb.

The defensive numbers point the same way. Miami has a defensive rating of 118.8, ranking 24th, and has already surrendered 131 points to Minnesota and 128 to Detroit, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, including a 29-point triple-double against Dallas, with Bam Adebayo anchoring the supporting cast. Last season's trends support the shootout angle as well: 41 Hawks games went over and 48 of 82 Heat games went over, and recent meetings between these Southeast rivals have produced 127-115 and 143-117 finals. With Atlanta at home, Miami pushing pace to break its losing streak, and both teams capable of getting into the 120s, 239.5 is a number this matchup can clear without either team needing a perfect shooting night.

Jim's Play: 541. HEAT /HAWKS OVER 

My selection is on the 'under' between Philadelphia and Indiana at 7:10 pm et on Wednesday.

I think 'over' bettors are taking quite a leap of faith with these two teams considering the total sits in the high-230's (at the time of writing). The 76ers got off to a red hot start but were cooled by the Pistons last time out, dropping a 106-93 decision at home. Of note, they've been limited to 42 or fewer made field goals in all four games this season. On the flip side, they've yielded more than 39 made field goals just once. Even in Sunday's loss they limited the Pistons to 38-of-87 from the field. The Pacers have been a mixed bag in the early going. I have seen positives from them defensively, however, as they've held three of four opponents to 41 or fewer made field goals. Unlike previous editions of this team, they've also had some success limiting their opponents' pace, allowing fewer than 90 field goal attempts in three of four contests to date while getting off more than 90 themselves only once. Take the under (8*).

Sean has a loaded five-game card of premium selections on Wednesday including his 10* NBA Non-Conference Total of the Month and a 10* NHL Division Total of the Month! Pick up a subscription package today and go long-term with Murph!

izards vs Cavaliers NBA Free Pick

**7-1 FREE PICK RUN**

The Angle(s): This is a tough scheduling spot for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are on the second night of a back-to-back after needing overtime to beat Minnesota on Tuesday. Cleveland has also shown a habit of letting games slip, blowing a 24-point halftime lead in Philadelphia last week, and they covered just seven of 27 games (24%) as a favorite of nine points or more last season. 

The Washington Wizards are a completely different team than the one that finished at the bottom of the league last season. Trae Young and Anthony Davis have given them a legitimate one-two punch, with wins over Milwaukee and Chicago behind 128 and 124 points. With fresher legs and the offense to keep pace, I like Washington to stay within the number.

The Bet: Wizards ATS (3%). 

Bad start to the week (1-5), but a 4% Thunder/Mavs NBA TOP PLAY of the Day tests a 40-23 (63%) with top-rated NBA sides! Three picks in total (2 NBA, 1 MLB). Grab an all-sports subscription and join the inevitable bounce back!

Ricky's 1* play on MIL.

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 Brewers are 8-2 in their last 10 games.

- The Rays are 1-3 in their last 4 games.

- The Brewers are 5-1 in the last 6 head to head meetings.

Verdict: The value is on the road favorite.

1% GOLD RUSH on Wizards +10½

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 5-3 in Middle Tennessee State last 8 games. The Under is 8-2 in Kennesaw State last 10 games.