Expert NBA Picks
The 2025-2026 NBA Season is set to begin on October 21 and will conclude with the NBA Finals in June of 2025. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending champions, and they look every bit a potential dynasty. However, there are no shortage of challengers, and this should be one of the most exciting and balanced NBA seasons in recent memory.
If you would rather sign up over the phone call us toll free at (866) 238-6696. If you would like more information about each of the handicappers, results and who we recommend for NBA send an email to service@docsports.com with "NBA Expert Picks Info" in the subject line.
One Day NBA Basketball Subscription - $30.00 With this package, you get all of the NBA picks for a one-day period from your chosen handicapper. This also includes any of today's major picks that are released that day. If the package results in a loss your account will have a $30 credit put back into your account the following morning around 11 a.m. eastern (no extend mode is offered on daily package, please do not request one). If you have any questions, call 1-866-238-6696 or email service@docsports.com.
NBA Playoff Package All-Access - $199.00 With this package you get the remainder of the season of expert NBA picks (2025-2026), including all of your chosen handicapper's major playoff plays. This is a great deal and will provide access to NBA Playoffs Picks through June for your chosen handicapper. If you are interested in signing up with multiple handicappers, please give us a call direct @ (866) 238-6696.
|
Yesterday's Expert NBA Picks from our handicappers.
Just so the public knows we are always transparent and honest with our reporting, in this spot we will list all of the previous days picks and analysis. This will be updated daily at around 5AM Eastern Time.
Get free NBA Picks including expert parlay picks for betting tonight's NBA games against the spread.
Results for Sunday 17th of May 2026
| Handicapper | Units | Dollars |
| Doc's Sports | -4 | $-440.00 |
| Robert Ferringo | 2 | $150.00 |
| Craig Trapp | -1 | $-110.00 |
| Scott Rickenbach | -5 | $-550.00 |
| Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy) | 4 | $400.00 |
| Raphael Esparza (VSI) | 3 | $300.00 |
| Tony George | 3 | $300.00 |
| Vernon Croy | 0 | $0.00 |
| Scott Spreitzer | -3 | $-330.00 |
| August Young | 0 | $0.00 |
| Strike Point Sports | 0 | $0.00 |
| Jason Sharpe | 0 | $0.00 |
| Griffin Murphy | 0 | $0.00 |
| Nick Menken | 0 | $0.00 |
Sunday 17th of May 2026
Doc's Sports
4-Unit Play Take Detroit -4.5 over Cleveland (8 p.m. EST, Sunday May 17)
We always stated that we thought this series would go the distance, and here we are at Game 7 on Sunday night. Detroit has not had an easy road so far in the postseason but they have raised their level of play when it mattered most and we saw that against Orlando then again here in Game 6 of this series with a blowout win at Cleveland. Now it’s time to get the job done at home. The spread hasn’t really been a factor at all in this series and we think that will continue in Game 7 as Detroit earns a comfortable win to advance.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
7-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 205.0 Cleveland at Detroit (8 p.m., Sunday, May 17)
5-Unit Play. Take #530 Detroit (-4.5) over Cleveland (8 p.m., Sunday, May 17)
This total is down nearly 12 points from the Game 1 total. If you look at the last 10 games these two teams have played, they have topped this number nine times, with Game 2 of this series the only one that didn’t clear the bar (204 points). I don’t expect a tight, low-scoring game played between these two teams. I think that both are going to get after it and that the pace will played almost like a regular season game. The winning team has scored 110+ in five of the six games in this series and I think that’s what it is going to take here. Cleveland had its chance to end this series at home – and they got wrecked by 21 points. Further, the Cavaliers were down 9 points with 2:30 to play in Game 5. They probably should be eliminated already. Detroit’s three wins have all been by 10+ points and I think they are going to feed off the home crowd against a Cavaliers team that is not good on the road.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Craig Trapp
1-Unit Play. Take #530 Detroit (-2, First Half) Over Cleveland (8 pm, Sunday May 17)
I know everyone wants a play for tonight, would highly suggest playing small or prop plays for game 7. Small play on Pistons first half they have covered this last two games and think they do again tonight. Take Detroit to cover spread in the first half.
Craig
Scott Rickenbach
5-Unit Play. Take #530 Detroit -4.5 vs Cleveland (8:10 p.m., Sun, May 17)
As I said in Game 6 when I had the Pistons plus the points and expected the outright win per the write-up, I expected that Detroit's Cunningham would again come up big plus Duren is fully capable of being strong like he was in the first two games of this series and he had a big regular season too. Remember the Pistons were the #1 seed in the East heading into the post-season and they only had one losing streak more than 2 games (a 4-game one) this entire season. That said, after a 3rd straight loss, I expected the Pistons to come up huge on the road and they did just that. Now they are back at home where they won more than 75% of their regular season games plus they have all the momentum on their side. Remember they won each of the first two games here but then a big Cavaliers comeback in Game 5 of this series led to an OT win for Cleveland. That gave the Cavs their chance as they had won 3 straight plus were heading back home for Game 6. Now the Cavaliers let that slip away and that will ultimately cost them. I don't see Detroit losing back to back home games. In fact, the Pistons are a perfect 10-0 SU this season when they are at home and coming off a loss in their most recent home game. Also, 8 of those 10 wins were by at least 8 points and this one will be too. Lay it! 5* DETROIT -4.5
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. #529. Take Cleveland Cavaliers +4.5 over Detroit Pistons (Sunday @ 8pm est)
Huerter and Levert are both listed as questionable, I think you will get Cleveland’s best effort today, under a 100 points last game, Detroit is still a little too young to handle this kind of success, Mitchell’s likely one and only chance to make it to the eastern conference finals and note that Detroit scored 115 which is also the most amount of points given up in 8 games for this team and Detroit hasn’t scored 115 in 6 games either and it makes sense that they have a let down and the Cavs likely stay within the number here.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NBA BASKETBALL
3 Unit Play. Take #529 Over 205 Cleveland at Detroit (7:05p.m., Sunday May 17 ESPN)
Tony George
NBA
5/17/26
3 Units
Play #529 / #530 Cleveland / Detroit (OVER 205)
*8 EST
Opened at 207 and dropped 2 full points. I understand 60% of Game 7's go under the number. I am not buying it. This is a dangerous game in many respects. In MY opinion this is a coin flip game on the side play and ATS-wise, and the Cavs could not play any worse than they did at home and have nothing to lose here. That makes them dangerous. I call this a kitchen sink type game, both teams will be gunning for a win here and there are scorers everywhere, and although it has been hit and miss with these teams from outside, I think the cream rises to the top in Game 7's.
For the Cavs Mitchell is a stud , Detroit has Cunningham who is a stud and many players for the Cavs have stepped up scoring like Harden and Strus. Harris for the Pistons can go off at any moment, and we had a Duren sighting the last game with a double-double. I will play the Over and perhaps an OT game may be in store here.
Vernon Croy
Passing for today.
Scott Spreitzer
3-Unit Play: Take Under 206.5 Cavaliers v. Pistons (8 p.m., Sunday, May 17)
Defenses tend to pick up by the time teams have seen each other seven times in quick fashion and it’s led to a 38-23 Under run in Game-7’s. The matchup itself leads to a deliberate pace and tighter rotations from the Cavaliers, while the Pistons are second in the NBA in defensive efficiency. We’ll play the Under on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
Passing for today.
Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.
Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.
Griffin Murphy
Passing for today.
Nick Menken
Passing for today.
Expert NBA Picks History:
Doc's Sports
4-Unit Play Take Detroit -4.5 over Cleveland (8 p.m. EST, Sunday May 17)We always stated that we thought this series would go the distance, and here we are at Game 7 on Sunday night. Detroit has not had an easy road so far in the postseason but they have raised their level of play when it mattered most and we saw that against Orlando then again here in Game 6 of this series with a blowout win at Cleveland. Now it’s time to get the job done at home. The spread hasn’t really been a factor at all in this series and we think that will continue in Game 7 as Detroit earns a comfortable win to advance.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports
Robert Ferringo
7-Unit Play. Take ‘Over’ 205.0 Cleveland at Detroit (8 p.m., Sunday, May 17)5-Unit Play. Take #530 Detroit (-4.5) over Cleveland (8 p.m., Sunday, May 17)
This total is down nearly 12 points from the Game 1 total. If you look at the last 10 games these two teams have played, they have topped this number nine times, with Game 2 of this series the only one that didn’t clear the bar (204 points). I don’t expect a tight, low-scoring game played between these two teams. I think that both are going to get after it and that the pace will played almost like a regular season game. The winning team has scored 110+ in five of the six games in this series and I think that’s what it is going to take here. Cleveland had its chance to end this series at home – and they got wrecked by 21 points. Further, the Cavaliers were down 9 points with 2:30 to play in Game 5. They probably should be eliminated already. Detroit’s three wins have all been by 10+ points and I think they are going to feed off the home crowd against a Cavaliers team that is not good on the road.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Craig Trapp
1-Unit Play. Take #530 Detroit (-2, First Half) Over Cleveland (8 pm, Sunday May 17)I know everyone wants a play for tonight, would highly suggest playing small or prop plays for game 7. Small play on Pistons first half they have covered this last two games and think they do again tonight. Take Detroit to cover spread in the first half.
Craig
Scott Rickenbach
5-Unit Play. Take #530 Detroit -4.5 vs Cleveland (8:10 p.m., Sun, May 17)As I said in Game 6 when I had the Pistons plus the points and expected the outright win per the write-up, I expected that Detroit's Cunningham would again come up big plus Duren is fully capable of being strong like he was in the first two games of this series and he had a big regular season too. Remember the Pistons were the #1 seed in the East heading into the post-season and they only had one losing streak more than 2 games (a 4-game one) this entire season. That said, after a 3rd straight loss, I expected the Pistons to come up huge on the road and they did just that. Now they are back at home where they won more than 75% of their regular season games plus they have all the momentum on their side. Remember they won each of the first two games here but then a big Cavaliers comeback in Game 5 of this series led to an OT win for Cleveland. That gave the Cavs their chance as they had won 3 straight plus were heading back home for Game 6. Now the Cavaliers let that slip away and that will ultimately cost them. I don't see Detroit losing back to back home games. In fact, the Pistons are a perfect 10-0 SU this season when they are at home and coming off a loss in their most recent home game. Also, 8 of those 10 wins were by at least 8 points and this one will be too. Lay it! 5* DETROIT -4.5
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
4-Unit Play. #529. Take Cleveland Cavaliers +4.5 over Detroit Pistons (Sunday @ 8pm est)Huerter and Levert are both listed as questionable, I think you will get Cleveland’s best effort today, under a 100 points last game, Detroit is still a little too young to handle this kind of success, Mitchell’s likely one and only chance to make it to the eastern conference finals and note that Detroit scored 115 which is also the most amount of points given up in 8 games for this team and Detroit hasn’t scored 115 in 6 games either and it makes sense that they have a let down and the Cavs likely stay within the number here.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NBA BASKETBALL3 Unit Play. Take #529 Over 205 Cleveland at Detroit (7:05p.m., Sunday May 17 ESPN)
Tony George
NBA5/17/26
3 Units
Play #529 / #530 Cleveland / Detroit (OVER 205)
*8 EST
Opened at 207 and dropped 2 full points. I understand 60% of Game 7's go under the number. I am not buying it. This is a dangerous game in many respects. In MY opinion this is a coin flip game on the side play and ATS-wise, and the Cavs could not play any worse than they did at home and have nothing to lose here. That makes them dangerous. I call this a kitchen sink type game, both teams will be gunning for a win here and there are scorers everywhere, and although it has been hit and miss with these teams from outside, I think the cream rises to the top in Game 7's.
For the Cavs Mitchell is a stud , Detroit has Cunningham who is a stud and many players for the Cavs have stepped up scoring like Harden and Strus. Harris for the Pistons can go off at any moment, and we had a Duren sighting the last game with a double-double. I will play the Over and perhaps an OT game may be in store here.
Vernon Croy
Passing for today.Scott Spreitzer
3-Unit Play: Take Under 206.5 Cavaliers v. Pistons (8 p.m., Sunday, May 17)Defenses tend to pick up by the time teams have seen each other seven times in quick fashion and it’s led to a 38-23 Under run in Game-7’s. The matchup itself leads to a deliberate pace and tighter rotations from the Cavaliers, while the Pistons are second in the NBA in defensive efficiency. We’ll play the Under on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
Passing for today.Strike Point Sports
Passing for today.Jason Sharpe
Passing for today.Griffin Murphy
Passing for today.Nick Menken
Passing for today.Expert NBA Picks History:
Doc's Sports is excited about the 2025-26 season and they have done extra research this season and plan to be one of the best NBA handicappers in the nation, like they were in the Bubble season where they earned nearly +13,000 profit in one year! They have nearly 20 years of experience handicapping the NBA, and they plan on a strong start and to make their clients lots of money this season. They are also on a 12-3 run for 8-Unit NBA predictions, so you are going to want to follow then when they release a big play.
Robert Ferringo has burned the sportsbooks for three of four winning NBA years, including +16,670 between 2021-2024. Robert was the No. 1 NBA profit producer between 2014-2024, posting a ridiculous 9 of 10 winning NBA years and banking an astounding +40,500 in winnings. Robert has tallied an amazing 12 of 15 winning NBA years, averaging +3,420 per season during that stretch, and he is going to continue utilizing his unique Ferringo Method, which has helped him become one of the most profitable all-sports handicappers in the nation since 2010. Take advantage today!
Scott Spreitzer has dominated the NBA hardwood and he plans on continuing his book-busting ways in 2025-26. Spreitzer is up +17,595 since the start of the 2021 season and looks to add to that today. Spreitzer has gone 99-64 with all his NBA plays rated 5.0+, producing +17,570 in winnings, and he has topped the sportsbooks for three of four winning NBA years after a dynamite showing (+5,460) last season. Sign up and don’t miss a single winner!
Strike Point Sports scored nearly +4,000 in NBA winnings last season to post another year on the hardwood. SPS generally releases just one play per day and are the perfect option for bettors who like only the best of the best picks. In 2014-15 they annihilated the books for over +16,000, one of the best seasons in any sport in Doc’s history, and they plan on having another sensational season. Sign up and put them to work now!
Arun Shiva has had great success in the NBA and has proven himself as one of the top basketball handicappers in the country. Between 2013-2017 Shiva went 506-393 (56%) for an incredible +30,110 profit, and he posted a winning season in 2024-25 thanks to a thrilling 7-0, +3,400 run to close the season. He has one of the sharpest eyes for NBA value, and he is looking forward to another season with incredible potential for profit.
Nick Menken is one of the newest handicappers at Doc's Sports and absolutely loves the NBA. Menken went on an absolute tear in the playoffs last spring, banking nearly +4,000 over the last two months of the season. Menken scored a winning overall NBA season and is looking to do it again. He has over 10 years of sports betting experience and you can sign up now!
August Young rattled off back-to-back winning NBA seasons (+7,505) in 2022 and 2023 and is expecting to make it three of four winning years in 2025-2026. Young has been one of the best when it comes to his big plays, and his team have hired some added researchers for the upcoming season to take advantage of the forever changing dynamics of pro basketball in terms of injury reports and starter minute expectations. This season should be one like no other!
Jason Sharpe dominated the books for +13,000 in profit between the 2022 All-Star Game and the start of the 2024 season. Sharpe was the top NBA handicapper in 2020-21, posting more than +10,000 in overall profit and doubling his clients’ bankrolls. He has now posted five of eight winning NBA seasons and is 52-38 (57%) on his last 90 plays rated 6.0+. Sharpe is a true Las Vegas professional and a consistent and reliable earner across a variety of sports. You can put him to work today.
Griffin Murphy has battered the books with his top NBA plays over the last two seasons, banking +3,630 on plays rated 7.0+ and going 3-1 with his 8-Unit GOTY Plays. Murphy has 10 years of betting experience, with eight years of experience as a professional handicapper. He began his career in the Foreign Exchange market and this experience has made him an expert on probabilities, which is an essential part of an NBA handicapper's repertoire. Sign up now!
Tony George has done some of his best work on the pro hoops circuit. George has 30 years of sports betting experience to draw on with his NBA service, and he is looking to put it to good use again this winter. George is a proven veteran, and he is going to make it another winning season on the pro hardwood. Don't miss out!
Vernon Croy releases one top NBA play daily throughout the NBA season. Choosing quality over quantity is Croy's method across all sports and it has paid off big time. Croy had one of his best NBA seasons ever in 2023-24, taking home over +5,000 on the year, and he wants to do it again. Put this 25-year veteran betting expert on your side this NBA season and your bankroll will thank you. Sign-up today!
Raphael Esparza is going to add to his NBA resume this winter. He closed out 2018-2020 with a run of over +9,400 and tallied more than +16,000 in winnings from 2011-2013. He is looking for some serious ROI this winter. Esparza is a former Las Vegas sportsbook manager, and he knows all the tricks of the trade from both sides of the window. Put him to work for you today!
Craig Trapp joined Doc’s Sports last December and posted a winning season on the hardwood, including a +5,400 burst over his first four months. Trapp was rock solid with his top plays, going 32-24 (57%), +3,620 with his plays rated 6.0+ last season. He is looking to pick up where he left off. Sign up and put his experience to work for you today!
Scott Rickenbach is the newest addition to the Doc’s Sports team. With over two decades of experience, Rickenbach has a well-earned reputation and ranks among the most popular and sought after handicappers in the industry. Rickenbach has been a top earner in plenty of his 22 years as an NBA handicapper and there will be no better time to catch him than the 2025-26 pro hoops season!
The 2025-26 NBA season starts on Oct. 21. Be sure to check out Doc's football, hockey and college basketball picks as well.
Please note all of our NBA picks are against the spread (NBA picks ATS) or totals plays.