Sports Handicapper Michael Alexander's Picks & Predictions

Rating: 2 Units

The Heat are still missing Nikola Jovic with Dru Smith and Norman Powell are both questionable, while the Raptors have ruled out Chucky Hepburn once again. These teams have already clashed three times this season, with the Raptors winning each meeting by double digits and the win on Tuesday was particularly dominant, with the Heat offering little resistance after falling into an early deficit. It’s always tough to beat the same team twice in a row, especially a proud team like the Heat, but with the line so short, I have to stick with the more consistent Raptors to take advantage of a stumbling Heat squad.

Rating: 2 Units

In my view, this matchup leans toward New York’s ability to control the game behind Nolan McLean’s quality pitching (good career numbers at Citi Field) and a Mets offense that has been far more efficient offensively relative to the Diamondbacks in 2026. Arizona starting pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez opened the season well, but the Diamondbacks limited offensive ceiling and road struggles tilt this matchup in the Mets direction. Having stated that, I am backing the New York Mets on the moneyline in this game.

Rating: 2 Units

In this Reds vs Marlins Prediction, the Marlins are coming as -130 home favorites. The Reds saw their five-game winning streak getting snapped but they now have Rhett Lowder on the mound who has just two earned runs in two starts this season. The Reds also have the league’s 5th-best bullen to come after him and allow just 3.3 runs per game off their opponents this season, so I like them as road dogs in this spot. Take the Reds on the moneyline for plus money.

Rating: 2 Units

The Hurricanes continue to pile up the wins and their offense is on a heater right now. The Blackhawks have issues finishing games and their defense can struggle at times against good teams. The Canes have won 8 of the last 9 games against the Blackhawks and most of those games weren’t competitive. Home ice only does so much. There’s a massive gap between these teams. Give me the Hurricanes and the PL for max betting value.

Rating: 2 Units

These two teams come into this matchup second and third in the Central standings and only two points separates them, so this is a big game for each side. The Stars are 24-11-4 at home this year, while the Wild are 23-11-4 on the road. Minnesota has won four games in a row and they have scored 4+ in all four of those victories. Dallas has won two of their last three games, but they have scored just seven goals in those three contests. These teams are very evenly matched, but I think Minnesota is playing the better hockey right now. Take the Wild here.

Rating: 2 Units

Big game as both teams are fighting for seeding. The difference is the Rockets are playing some of their best ball of the season and finally starting to look like a west contender they were supposed to be from the start. The 76ers have split their last 8 games and continue to come up small in big games. We’re not being asked to lay much and the Rockets are starting to piece things together with the playoffs right around the corner.