Cappers Sports Picks

Rating: 2 Units

Duke's defensive identity has been elite down the stretch, and with UNC shorthanded and likely to struggle creating consistent offense against this Blue Devil defense, expect a final score that lands comfortably under the number.

NCAAB Play of the Day

Rating: 3 Units

I’m on Tennessee here. I get the case to be made for the Commodores, but I think that Tennessee’s in a better position right now as the Vols for the most part have come on strong in the last month and a half. Vanderbilt was rolling coming into conference play but have looked mortal against the rest of the SEC and while it’s a revenge spot for the ‘Dores, I think Tennessee’s home court rules out here and gets the Vols the win and cover here.

Rating: 3 Units

The Rangers look to step up and pull off the upset but the Devils, who have won three in a row, look to take this one on their home ice. The Devils should constantly find the back of the net against the Rangers, who allow 3.15 goals per game, with Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes, and the rest of the forward unit controlling the puck in the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Devils should limit the Rangers offense with Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who has allowed only five goals in his last three starts, to make plenty of big saves. The Devils should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.

Rating: 4 Units

I’m on Winnipeg here. I just think that the Jets are the far better team here and the Vancouver Canucks are clearly mailing it in right now as they’re just playing out the string and worrying about where they’re going to draft in a couple of months. The Jets need to pick up wins in spots like these, and I think they get another key one here. Give me the Jets.

Rating: 4 Units

The Magic have ruled out Franz Wagner again, with Jonathan Isaac upgraded to a game-time decision for this one, while the Timberwolves are keeping an eye on Kyle Anderson, who is a game-time decision. The Magic are coming into this contest with plenty of momentum, but they were somewhat lucky to escape with a win over the shorthanded Mavericks in their last game and I think they will struggle to score against the Timberwolves’ elite defense. The Magic could get some reinforcements in this one if Isaac is able to return, but I still prefer a play on the more consistent Timberwolves, who are on a roll right now.

Rating: 4 Units

Both teams are on the outside looking in for the postseason and the odds of either squad qualifying for the playoffs are slim. Utah has had a slew of injury issues that have impacted their roster and is clearly banking on trying to return to relevance in 2026-27. Missing Markkanen is a big blow for the Jazz, as is the loss of Jackson Jr. from the frontcourt. Milwaukee has been a disappointment this season, even with hanging onto Antetokounmpo. With that said, the Bucks have the best player on the floor in this contest, and the Jazz are just 8-23 as the road team this year. Give Milwaukee the upper hand in this contest as a result.

Rating: 4 Units

Thick number for a Pistons team that could be without Thompson and Cunningham. However, the Nets are in tank mode and they’re not covering enough numbers to be worth a look. When these teams met a month ago, the Pistons won 130-77. The Pistons are likely sitting players due to this game being absolute cake. The Nets aren’t a threat to any decent team the rest of the way. I don’t love huge numbers when key rotation players are out, but the Nets suck. It’s Pistons or pass for me.

Rating: 2 Units

North Dakota State enters this semifinal as the more complete team with advantages in scoring efficiency, defense, and depth. While Omaha played well in the quarterfinal win over South Dakota, the Bison have been the most consistent team in the Summit League this season and have shown they can control games with balanced offense and disciplined defense. Their ability to force turnovers while limiting mistakes themselves should allow them to control the tempo against an Omaha team that can struggle defensively.

Rating: 2 Units

Austin Peay enters this semifinal as the more balanced team with a stronger defensive profile. While Queens has one of the most productive offenses in the conference, the Royals also allow more than 82 points per game, which could be problematic against a disciplined Austin Peay squad. The Governors have shown they can control the tempo, generate turnovers, and dominate the boards, particularly with players like Rashaud Marshall impacting the game inside. With their defensive edge and rebounding advantage, Austin Peay appears to have the tools to advance to the championship.

Rating; 2 Units

La Salle has had no road success and has been free-falling for much of the last month. St. Joseph’s already beat La Salle on the road and has been even better at home. St. Joseph’s is 8-2 SU and ATS in its last 10 games. La Salle has issues scoring the ball and those issues usually don’t get corrected on the road. This should be a routine game for St. Joseph’s, a team looking more and more like it could come out of the A10 in a week or so.

Rating: 2 Units

I’ll lean toward DePaul. The Blue Demons need a good bounce-back effort here after falling in blowout fashion versus a good Villanova team this week, though. In that one DePaul shot 43.1 percent from the field and just 12.5 percent (2-of-16) from outside along with a 33-23 rebounding deficit and 15 turnovers for 22 Wildcats points. The Demons are still a pretty solid 4-2 in their last six games, but they’ve only scored a combined 119 points in their last pair. Back on January 20 when these teams last met up, DePaul took an 87-80 loss on the road. In that one the Demons shot just 41.3 percent from the field while giving up 56.9 percent shooting on defense. DePaul did have a mild rebounding advantage (26-25) and got eight steals on 12 Bulldogs turnovers but weren’t very good in the paint with a 34-26 deficit. I like the Blue Demons to play better in the home rematch though.