Basketball predictions and free betting tips

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Basketball

Olympic Qualification

Odds: 1.85Stake: 5/10

The national teams of Finland and The Bahamas are set to face off in the Olympic qualification tournament. Finland The Finns have won 2 consecutive preparation matches for the qualification, against strong opponents like Latvia, where Finland was an underdog with odds of 3.7, and average New Zealand. These matches were played without their leader Lauri Markkanen, and the team managed well, though these are not the result-driven games awaiting the national team. Overall, the Finnish squad consists mainly of players from the domestic Finnish league, with no standout leaders. However, two key players to look out for are Mikael Jantunen, the centre from Paris who is capable of recording a double-double per game and defending the paint, and Edon Maxhuni, playing in the French league for Le Portel, averaging 10 points and nearly 4 assists. These players will be crucial figures for the team. Finland often starts quite cautiously and often loses the first quarters and halves, but they are strong in the second half. In the last 6 matches, only Serbia managed to beat the team in the second half. Furthermore, the Finns have not conceded more than 85 points for 7 consecutive matches. Despite Finland being a slight underdog in the qualification, scoring 90 points is not usually allowed to them. A prediction of a high total overall would be more suitable since they average 165 points in the last 10 matches. Knowing the attacking potential of The Bahamas and how the Finns adjust their gameplay, one can expect a spectacular and fast-paced match. The Bahamas The Bahamian team performed much worse in friendly matches, losing two consecutive games, heavily against Greece (102-75) and Montenegro (93-80). However, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon were absent in these matches and are ready to enter the fray in the upcoming match. Buddy Hield took most of the load in these games, performing well despite the results. With the addition of two more leaders, the team becomes formidable, at least in the starting five, featuring essentially 5 NBA players. It would be incorrect to base predictions on recent matches when betting on a winner. Lets not forget the first qualification where they steamrolled over everyone, including Argentina twice. All team stars were present, and they did not suffer a single defeat in the first half in 4 games due to their strong starting lineup. This is where I would focus, knowing Finlands lacklustre first half. Head-to-head These teams have not faced each other before, and this will be their first encounter in history. Match Prediction: Finland vs. The Bahamas My final prediction goes in favour of The Bahamas winning the first half. It will be very challenging to play against such a powerhouse, and the stats show that the Finns are more active in the second half, whereas The Bahamas start strong and then maintain their lead. Overall, The Bahamas should clinch the victory considering their star players are ready, and their motivation to go to the Olympics is high. Regarding the total, I would focus on the second half. In the first half, you might see tight defences and teams valuing possession more. In the second half, both sides will likely play their usual basketball, and knowing The Bahamas' offensive approach, one can expect an entertaining match. In the last 2 matches, Finland averaged 87 points in the second half, while The Bahamas averaged 86.

01.07.2024

Expert

Basketball

Olympic Qualification

Odds: 1.87Stake: 5/10

In the first match of the Olympic qualifying group stage in the "Latvian" group, Brazil will face Montenegro. The winner of this match guarantees their place in the next stage of qualification. Brazil Many specialists, ahead of last year's World Championship, named Brazil as one of the teams that could surprisingly go far in the tournament. Bruno Caboclo, the ageless Marcelinho Huertas, Yago Dos Santos, and Raul Neto are quite well-known names in European basketball. The Latin American team played to their strengths in the group stage, defeating Iran and Ivory Coast but losing to Spain. However, even a sensational victory over Canada (65:69) did not allow the team to reach the quarterfinals. At this year's Pan American Games, the Brazilians took third place, defeating Mexico in the bronze match (61:73). In three friendly matches before this event, Brazil beat Poland (75:91) but lost to Croatia (91:81) and Slovenia (86:80). Brazil has quite an ageing core, and for many leaders, the upcoming Olympics (if they qualify) could be their last. However, the young point guard Yago Dos Santos could become one of the revelations of this qualification and an X-factor in the battle for a ticket to Paris. Montenegro In the first round of last year's World Cup, the Balkan team confidently defeated Mexico (71:91). In the second game against Egypt, Montenegro had a 10-point lead in the first quarter and confidently maintained the difference until the end of the match (89:74). In the decisive match for first place, Montenegro suffered a crushing defeat to Lithuania (71:91) and advanced to the second group stage from the second position. A loss to the USA (85:73) dashed Montenegro's chances of reaching the quarterfinals, and even a win over Greece (69:73) did not allow Nikola Vucevic's team to qualify for the playoffs. For the Olympic qualifiers, Montenegro will be represented by their star centre alongside Kendrick Perry, familiar to Russian fans from his time with Nizhny Novgorod, and Marko Simonovic, who has NBA experience. While the front court of the Balkan team looks solid, the backcourt does not inspire much confidence. This disparity in skill levels between the lines could be the team's main problem in this qualifier. In friendly matches before the qualifiers, Montenegro defeated Sweden (95:70) and the Bahamas (93:80) but lost to Greece (86:57). Head-to-Head The last and only time the teams met in an official match was at the 2019 World Cup. Brazil emerged victorious (84:73). Prediction for Brazil vs Montenegro Bookmakers consider Brazil the favourite in this game, but in my opinion, the Montenegrin team may, at the very least, push this match to a close finish. Brazil will find it very difficult to compete with Vucevic and Simonovic under the rim. If Montenegro can find their rhythm on the offensive end while avoiding early fouls on defence, the Balkan team might even snag a win.

01.07.2024

In the second match of the Women's NBA regular season game day, the Phoenix Mercury will face off against the Indiana Fever. Youth clashes with experience as Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi go head-to-head with Caitlin Clark. Phoenix Mercury After their main star Brittney Griner's injury last season, Phoenix's playoff prospects were significantly weakened. The team from Arizona lost the last 11 matches, dropping to the bottom of the table. Phoenix Mercury began this season with a mix of victories against the reigning champions from the Las Vegas Aces and wins over the Atlanta Dream (88:85) and the Washington Mystics (83:80). A series of four consecutive losses followed but was broken by a victory over the Los Angeles Sparks (87:68). The next stretch saw the team going 3-2 in five matches. The second half of June has been more successful for the Arizona squad, with three wins in four matches, including victories over leaders like the New York Liberty (99:93) and the Seattle Storm (92:78). At present, the team has a balanced record of wins and losses (9-8). Indiana Fever In recent years, Indiana has had one of the weakest rosters in the league, with their last playoff appearance dating back to 2016. Last year, the team had another disappointing season, winning 13 matches and falling short of five victories to make it to the playoffs. The draft lottery granted Indiana the first pick again, and the clubs management selected the main star of college basketball in recent years, Caitlin Clark, who set numerous scoring records in college. However, despite Caitlin's bright debut (20 points) in the opening match, Indiana stood no chance against the Connecticut Sun (92:71). The same happened in subsequent matches against the New York Liberty (66:102; 91:80), Connecticut Sun (84:88), and Seattle Storm (85:83). It wasn't until their sixth game of the season that they claimed their first victory, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks (73:78). Indiana then experienced another disappointing stretch, losing to the same Sparks (82:88), Las Vegas Aces (99:80), and Seattle Storm (88:103). In their last five matches, the club secured four victories against the Washington Mystics (88:81), Chicago Sky (91:83), and Atlanta Dream (91:84; 79:91). However, their winning streak was interrupted in the last two matches by Chicago Sky (88:87) and Seattle Storm (89:77). Head-to-head matches In the two head-to-head matches last season, Indiana Fever emerged victorious (73:83; 72:71). Match Prediction: Phoenix Mercury - Indiana Fever Indiana Fever has looked very solid in offence in recent matches, consistently scoring over 80 points. Phoenix has also been playing very effectively this season. This match suggests a TO (173).

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Basketball

WNBA

Over (173)

Odds: 1.82Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

30.06.2024

In the regular season match of the Women's National Basketball Association, the Chicago Sky will host the Minnesota Lynx on their court. Can the guests clinch victory and secure their top-three spot? Chicago Sky Last season, the team from Illinois played in streaks: after 3-4 consecutive wins, they often followed up with 5-6 defeats. Only the weak results from the bottom half teams allowed Chicago to make it to the playoffs. In the first round of the post-season, the Chicago players lost to the Las Vegas Aces in two matches (87:59; 92:70). This season, the team started quite well: two wins in the first three matches against the New York Liberty (81:90) and the Dallas Wings (74:83). In their other May matches, the Sky defeated the Los Angeles Sparks but lost to the New York Liberty (75:88) and the Indiana Fever (71:70). The June stretch can be considered absolutely disastrous so far. One win in seven matches is not a sign of a team contending for the playoffs. The victory over the weakest team in the regular season at the moment, the Washington Mystics (71:79), slightly improved the club's situation. In the last two matches out of seven, the team secured wins, beating the Indiana Fever (88:87) and the Dallas Wings (83:72). Minnesota Lynx At the end of the regular season, the northernmost team in the WNBA finished 7th in the standings and lost to the Connecticut Sun in a three-match series (90:60; 75:82; 75:90). This season, the team from Minneapolis won two consecutive matches at the start against the Seattle Storm (70:83; 102:93) and lost in overtime to the Connecticut Sun (83:82). After that, the team once again fell to the Connecticut Sun in overtime (83:82). In June, Minnesota had a powerful run of 9 wins out of 10 matches, exchanging victories with the Phoenix Mercury (95:71), twice defeating the Dallas Wings (87:76; 90:78) and the Los Angeles Sparks (62:86; 81:76), as well as thrashing the Seattle Storm (83:64), the Atlanta Dream (68:55), the Phoenix Mercury (73:60), and last year's champion, the Las Vegas Aces (86:100). Moreover, this week, the Minneapolis club clinched the Commissioner's Cup by defeating the New York Liberty (89:94). The winning streak ended the very next night in the game against the Dallas Wings. At present, the Lynx are in third place in the overall regular season table, boasting 13 wins and 4 losses. Head-to-Head In two head-to-head matches last season, the teams exchanged victories (92:87; 79:88). Match Prediction: Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx The Lynx are the undisputed favourites in today's match, and the team's stumble in Dallas after their cup triumph is unlikely to affect the balance of power for today's game. A victory for the guests with a handicap is an excellent betting option for this match.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Handicap2 (-6.5)

Odds: 1.78Stake: 5/10

win

+3.9

30.06.2024

In the early Sunday matchup of the 2024 regular season of the Women's National Basketball Association, the New York Liberty will host the Atlanta Dream on their home court. New York Liberty By names alone, the New York Liberty is the most star-studded team in the WNBA. However, the club has yet to clinch its first championship title. The team started last season's summer with a 16-5 record, securing second place in the league, trailing only the defending champions from Las Vegas. In the five games that followed the All-Star Game, the New York Liberty lost to the Dallas Wings and defeated the Washington Mystics (87:96), Indiana Fever (101:83), and Minnesota Lynx (66:76). Overall, the New York Liberty had an exceptional August, securing 14 wins with only two losses. Despite facing some challenges in the playoffs, New York's star lineup made it to the finals but managed only one win against the Las Vegas Aces, who clinched their second consecutive championship. In the first game of the new season, the team defeated the Washington Mystics (80:85). New York then claimed victories over the Indiana Fever twice (66:102; 91:80) and the Seattle Storm (74:63). However, their winning streak was halted by the Chicago Sky (81:90) and the Minnesota Lynx (84:67). Following this, the Liberty secured eight consecutive wins, climbing to second place in the overall regular season standings. A shootout with the Phoenix Mercury (99:93) temporarily halted New York's winning run, but the team bounced back with three double-digit victories. The winning streak was interrupted in the Commissioner's Cup final against the Minnesota Lynx (89:94). Atlanta Dream In last year's regular season, Atlanta secured sixth place but was knocked out in the first round by the Dallas Wings over two games. This season, the team started with two victories against the Los Angeles Sparks (81:92) and Dallas Wings (83:78), followed by two losses to the Phoenix Mercury (88:85) and Minnesota Lynx (79:92). The club's most stable period included two wins in late May and early June, but the team then lost five consecutive games to the Connecticut Sun (50:69), New York Liberty (61:78), Washington Mystics (68:87), and Indiana Fever (91:84). Their only win in the first half of June was against the Chicago Sky (80:89). In the last two games before this matchup, Atlanta was defeated by the Minnesota Lynx (68:55) but surprisingly beat the Connecticut Sun (74:78). Head-to-Head In all head-to-head matchups this season, the New York Liberty secured significant victories (61:78; 75:96). Match Prediction: New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream The New York Liberty has displayed monstrous scoring in recent games, consistently reaching over 91 points. I believe achieving their norm against Atlanta in a back-to-back will be an achievable task.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Team 1 Over (90.5)

Odds: 1.94Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

30.06.2024

In the second game of the day in the Women's National Basketball Association regular season, the Seattle Storm will host the Dallas Wings. Can Caitlin Clark's team secure their fourth consecutive victory? Seattle Storm Following the departure of Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, the club entered a deep rebuild that was expected to drag on indefinitely, judging by last season. However, the 2024 season's start turned out to be extraordinarily successful for the Storm, despite not-so-optimistic forecasts before the regular season's beginning. The players signed by the club, Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, have shown that they were written off prematurely. After losing three of their first four matches to the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty, starting from 23 May, the Seattle Storm produced an impressive run of 8 wins in 10 matches. The team defeated the Indiana Fever (85:83; 88:103), Washington Mystics (101:69), Chicago Sky (68:77), Phoenix Mercury (80:62), Los Angeles Sparks (95:79) and the Dallas Wings (84:92). Two losses during this stretch, to the Minnesota Lynx (83:64) and Phoenix Mercury (83:64), were a bit of a setback but did not overshadow the unexpectedly strong start. In their last two games before this encounter, Seattle defeated one of the season's leaders, Connecticut Sun (72:61), and Indiana Fever (89:77). Dallas Wings Last season, Dallas defeated the Atlanta Dream in two games in the first round of the playoffs (94:82; 101:74). However, in the semi-finals, the Texas club was without a chance against the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces (97:83; 91:84; 61:64). This season, the team from Texas started by trading victories with the Chicago Sky (87:79; 74:83). In the remaining May matches, the Dallas Wings lost to the Atlanta Dream (83:78) and defeated Phoenix Mercury (92:107) and Los Angeles Sparks (83:84) away. In June, Latricia Trammell's squad lost all 8 matches. While the two defeats to Connecticut Sun (74:72; 67:85), the reigning champions Las Vegas Aces (81:95), and the in-form Seattle Storm (84:92) are understandable, the losses to the Minnesota Lynx (87:76; 90:78) and Phoenix Mercury (90:97) were unexpected setbacks. Due to this poor run, the team dropped to the 11th place in the overall regular season standings. Considering the remaining matches in June, it will be very challenging to get back into the playoff zone. Nevertheless, in the most recent match against one of the regular season leaders, the Minnesota Lynx (94:88), the Texas team managed to break their losing streak. Head-to-Head Encounters In the only head-to-head encounter this season, Seattle Storm came out on top (84:92). Prediction for the match Seattle Storm vs Dallas Wings Seattle has encountered defensive issues in their recent matches, conceding an unusual 80+ points for this season. However, Dallas is still in a state of crisis, and it will be very challenging for them to score around 80 points against one of the leaders. Thus, today it would be wise to consider the option of the visitors' individual total under 77.5 points.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Team 2 Under (77.5)

Odds: 1.93Stake: 5/10

win

+4.7

29.06.2024

In an early Saturday match of the regular season, the Washington Mystics will face off against the Connecticut Sun. Can the reigning champions secure their fourth consecutive win? Washington Mystics At the end of last season's regular championship, the team from the U.S. capital managed to stay in the playoff zone. However, in the first round, they lost both games to their today's opponents, the New York Liberty (90:75; 90:85). This season, the Mystics started with 12 (!) consecutive defeats. Naturally, given such a start, Washington was at the bottom of the table. However, in their last five games, the capital club defeated the Dallas Wings twice (92:84; 97:69) and managed to secure a victory over the Chicago Sky (83:81). An overtime defeat from the regular-season leader Connecticut Sun (91:94) was expected, but the capital team again managed to stay close to the end against the favourites. Currently, the Mystics share the last place in the table with the Los Angeles Sparks. Las Vegas Aces Last season, the Las Vegas Aces, under the lead of Becky Hammon, had to defend the championship title won in 2022. The team had a very consistent first part of the regular season. However, the end of August was less successful, with three wins in six matches far from a championship pace. Nevertheless, they caught up in September with four consecutive victories. To reach the main finals, the Aces expended the minimum number of matches. In the first round, they obliterated the Chicago Sky (87:59; 92:70). In the semifinals, the Dallas Wings provided more resistance but still lost all matches (97:83; 91:84; 61:64). In the final series against the New York Liberty, the champions took one extra match to defend the title, making a golden double. This season, Becky Hammon's wards started off in a champion's fashion, securing four wins in the first five matches. However, the June stretch can already be called a failure for Vegas. The team lost five matches to the Atlanta Dream (78:74), Seattle Storm (65:78), Los Angeles Sparks (96:92), Minnesota Lynx (86:100), and New York Liberty (82:90). Only in the last five games have the Aces managed to pull their win-loss balance to a positive side (9:6). In the last game before today's match, the Aces defeated the Chicago Sky (83:95). Head-to-Head In the last head-to-head match last season, the Aces emerged victorious (84:75). Prediction for the Match: Chicago Sky vs Las Vegas Aces The Aces are starting to pull out of the steep dive they found themselves in during the first half of June. I think Becky Hammon's wards should easily deal with the struggling Washington in this match. However, producing two consecutive performances with 90+ points over two days will not be easy, so today I suggest considering the option of the visitors' individual total under 92.5 points.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Team 2 Under (92.5)

Odds: 1.92Stake: 5/10

win

+4.6

29.06.2024

Teams are gearing up for their final match in the preparatory cycle for the Olympic qualification. Slovenia The Slovenians are actively preparing for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Despite the absence of Luka Dončić in friendly matches, the team has showcased its strength and teamwork. Klemen Prepelič has taken on the leadership role, averaging 21 points and 5.5 assists per game. In recent friendlies, Slovenia has displayed quality basketball, even defeating Lithuania in one of two encounters (70-68) while narrowly losing the second (92-86). It's evident that they miss their star player Dončić, but their fast-paced basketball and scoring prowess remain intact. Slovenia usually struggles in the first quarters, having lost 4 out of 5. Therefore, there is a possibility that the Slovenians might start slow. Another consideration is a high-scoring game, as their last 10 matches have shown an average total of 170 points. Brazil The Brazilians are also in contention for a spot at the Olympics, showcasing decent form in their friendly matches. The team's leader is Bruno Caboclo, who scored 21 points in their last game against Poland. Alexander Petrovics squad knows how to challenge any opponent, making them a dangerous contender. Brazil showed strong performance against a sizeable Croatian team, even though they lost by 10 points. Caboclo makes a significant difference in the paint, and Slovenia lacks a player who can personally handle him, making this mismatch potentially decisive. The Brazilians also exhibit high scoring. Their last two friendlies saw them score 81 against Croatia and 91 against Poland. Given Slovenia's tendency to allow easy buckets, it is likely that well see a high-scoring and entertaining basketball game. Head-to-Head Slovenia and Brazil have faced each other twice: in a 2014 friendly, the Brazilians won (88-84), while Slovenia was victorious in the 2010 World Championship (80-77). However, the current rosters have changed significantly, making these past results less relevant for the upcoming game. Prediction for Slovenia vs Brazil Based on the statistics, both teams tend to play high-scoring games. Considering its the last friendly before crucial qualifiers, defence will likely take a back seat, focusing instead on offensive displays. Hence, I foresee a total over for the entire match. Additionally, Brazil has won the first quarter in all four matches in 2024 and the first half in their last five consecutive encounters. Meanwhile, Slovenia has lost the first quarter in 6 out of their last 7 games. This is another aspect to consider for this match.

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Over (169.5)

Odds: 1.83Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

28.06.2024

Teams are gearing up for the final match in the preparatory cycle for the Olympic qualification. Spain The Spaniards haven't seen a victory since 2023 and are on a streak of five losses, a concern for head coach Sergio Scariolo. Yet, we shouldn't discount the esteemed team that continues to astonish us in major tournaments. Recent matches can be seen as seeking new players and solutions. Key players such as Sergio Llull, the Hernangmez brothers, and Rudy Fernndez, who will retire after this tournament, have not had much playtime. I believe the losses don't trouble the team; they are merely training. When the crucial moment comes, they will perform as needed and qualify for the Olympics. We've noticed Spain struggling in attack and lacking high scores. In their last five matches, they have surpassed the 80-point total only twice. The same goes for their upcoming opponents. We see two less productive teams meeting, suggesting that the overall total might go under. Dominican Republic Unlike Spain, the Dominican Republic has had an undefeated preparation cycle, winning three out of three matches against weaker teams like Portugal, Cte d'Ivoire, and Norway, albeit with two narrow victories. They approach the last match on a high note. Considering a positive handicap for the visitors is plausible: they haven't lost by more than 12 points in their last nine games, and Spain isn't gearing up for a blowout. Their last encounter in 2023, also a friendly, saw the Dominican Republic fall by nine points (86:77). The team's leader is Andrs Fliz, who plays in the Spanish league for Joventut and averages 15 points and 4 assists per game. The game revolves around him. Another player to note is NBA's Golden State player Quinones. Although he doesn't play much, having a high-calibre player lifts the team's status. With players from elite leagues, they won't be easy to defeat. Head-to-head Encounters The teams met twice, as mentioned above, in 2023 in a friendly where Spain won (86:77), and in 2019, also a friendly, where Spain triumphed (102:70). Back then, Marc Gasol was playing, showing the progress of the Dominican Republic since. Prediction for Spain vs Dominican Republic I'd consider a positive handicap for the Dominicans since Spain isn't heavily utilising their key players and is likely focusing on establishing connections and offensive play. Meanwhile, the visitors continue with their tried and tested gameplay, seldom losing by a wide margin recently.

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Handicap2 (+13.5)

Odds: 1.77Stake: 5/10

win

+3.9

28.06.2024

Today, the national teams of Finland and Latvia will play their final match as part of their preparations for the Olympic qualification. Finland Finland's squad is currently missing their leader Lauri Markkanen due to injury. However, even without him, the team has managed to hold their own, recently beating New Zealand in a tightly contested match (73-70). It's worth noting that their victory was largely due to their size advantage, as they dominated the rebounds (47-31), including offensive rebounds (16-7 in Finland's favour). Despite this significant edge, the team hasn't gained a large point advantage. Without their leader, they have had to significantly adjust their game plan, and Lassi Tuovi's squad has faced some difficulties. Finland scores quite a bit but also concedes a lot. They play at a fast pace but focus more on attacking inside the paint, struggling with three-pointers. They typically fall short in both three-point percentage and attempts compared to their opponents, indicating a lack of focus on this area. When facing substantial resistance in the paint, the team can run into serious problems and must rely solely on fast breaks. On average, over the last five matches, Finland's games have a total of 159 points. Considering their defensive lapse without Markkanen and their emphasis on offence, we can expect a high-scoring game, especially since this is a friendly match. Latvia Like their opponents, Latvia will not have their main star Kristaps Porzingis on the court. Nonetheless, the team hasn't faced any issues and is riding a five-game winning streak. These were all confident victories, and their main star doesn't frequently play for the national team. Given his injury history, the team wasn't counting on him and thus, doesn't need to reorganise their playstyle. In their last five matches, the Latvians have started strong, winning the first half and the first quarter five times in a row. Another similarity with their opponents is their scoring capability. On average, over the last ten matches, the total points have reached 159. In the context of this friendly match, expecting an over is a likely scenario. Head-to-Head Matchups The teams have met several times before. In 2017-2018, there were serious battles with Finland having the upper hand, winning twice (86-84) and (80-73) while losing once (81-85). However, in their most recent friendly match in 2023, Latvia crushed Finland (94-57). With rosters not having changed much, it is reasonable to expect Latvia to dominate once again. Prediction for the Finland vs Latvia Match I would consider two options: Latvia to lead in the first half, as they are likely to take control early and build a cushion before the second half, and ITO. Both teams play high-scoring games, and since this is a friendly match, I don't expect tight defence.

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Over (157)

Odds: 1.65Stake: 5/10

win

+3.3

28.06.2024

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Odds: 1.76Stake: 5/10

The national teams of Poland and New Zealand will hold a friendly match as part of their preparation for the Olympic qualification. Poland The Poles approach this match with five consecutive defeats. In 2024, the national team has yet to secure a victory, and perhaps the primary factor is the absence of Jeremy Sochan, who is still recovering from an injury. This significantly impacts their play, particularly in rim protection. The Poles demonstrate weak play inside the paint, regularly losing in this aspect to their opponents. The main issue in their last two matches has been the inability to guard strong big men inside the paint, and this has become a serious problem. However, there are all chances to change the situation in the match against New Zealand, as they face similar issues, and it's about time to end this losing streak. Poland is terrible in attack, with no support for Ponitka, which affects the entire offence. Moreover, there are defensive issues: on average, they concede 86 points over the last five matches, and it seems the situation will not improve in the upcoming match. New Zealand The New Zealand national team is also preparing for the Olympic qualifying tournament. They last participated in the Olympic Games in 2004. The match on 28 June will be the first encounter between Poland and New Zealand. The teams have never faced each other on the basketball court before. It's worth noting how confidently they passed the Asian qualifiers and the recent match against Finland, where they lost only in the final moments (70-73). The team managed to score actively in previous matches, even against strong opponents, scoring more than 80 points in 4 consecutive matches. Knowing Poland's defensive issues, a high total from the New Zealanders can also be expected. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the team won the first half in 5 of their last 7 matches, whereas Poland lost the first half in 4 of their last 5 matches. Head-to-head Record The teams will be playing against each other for the first time in history. Match Prediction: Poland vs New Zealand New Zealand is considered the underdog by the bookmakers, but I wouldn't be so sure, seeing what's happening with Poland and their defensive collapses. I would take advantage of this failing defence. The New Zealanders have nothing to lose, unlike the Poles, who are on the brink of a sixth consecutive loss. Therefore, I will bet on a high-scoring game from New Zealand.

27.06.2024

Individual Total Over 2 (78,5)

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Odds: 1.9Stake: 5/10

In the last match of the regular season in the Women's National Basketball Association, the Seattle Storm will host the Indiana Fever. Will Caitlin Clark's team secure their fourth consecutive victory? Seattle Storm After the departure of Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, the club went into a deep rebuild, which, judging by last season, was expected to be indefinite. In the middle of the last championship, the Seattle Storm were on a losing streak of ten consecutive games. The team had a decent stretch; however, they stumbled again at the end of August, losing three of their last four games. Thanks to a mid-summer surge, the team managed to surpass the Phoenix Mercury, but that was the only positive aspect of the previous season. Nonetheless, the beginning of the 2024 season was exceptionally successful for the Storm, despite the gloomy forecasts before the regular season. The players Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, signed by the club, proved their worth. Despite losing three of their first four matches against the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty, from 23 May, the Seattle Storm went on an impressive run of 8 wins in 10 matches. The team defeated the Indiana Fever (85:83; 88:103), Washington Mystics (101:69), Chicago Sky (68:77), Phoenix Mercury (80:62), Los Angeles Sparks (95:79) and Dallas Wings (84:92). The two losses during this stretch to the Minnesota Lynx (83:64) and Phoenix Mercury (83:64) were a minor setback, but the unexpectedly strong start of the team is noteworthy. In the last match before this encounter, Seattle defeated one of this season's leaders, Connecticut (72:61). Indiana Fever In recent years, Indiana has had one of the weakest rosters in the league, with the last playoff appearance dating back to 2016. Last year, the team had another disappointing season, winning just 13 games and falling short by 5 wins to make the playoffs. The draft lottery once again bestowed the first pick upon Indiana, and the management didn't hesitate to select the college basketball star of recent years, who set numerous scoring records, Caitlin Clark. Despite Clark's dazzling debut (20 points) in the opening match, Indiana was handily defeated by the Connecticut Sun (92:71). The same happened in the following matches against the New York Liberty (66:102; 91:80), Connecticut Sun (84:88), and Seattle Storm (85:83). It wasn't until their sixth game of the season that they secured their first victory, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks (73:78). Then Indiana slipped again, losing to the Sparks (82:88), Las Vegas Aces (99:80), and Seattle Storm (88:103). In the last five matches, the club claimed four victories over the Washington Mystics (88:81), Chicago Sky (91:83), and Atlanta Dream (91:84; 79:91). Their winning streak was only recently snapped by the Chicago Sky (88:87). The regular season is long, so it is premature to assert that Indiana has found its stride and will make the playoffs for the first time in years, but the progress in the Fever's game can't be ignored. Head-to-head Matches In two head-to-head matches this season, the Seattle Storm claimed victories (85:83; 88:103). Prediction for the Match: Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever The Indiana Fever have looked solid in attack in their recent games, consistently scoring over 80 points. Seattle, in the second half of June, no longer looks as robust in defence as at the start of the season. I believe that an individual total over (ITO) of 78.5 points for the Fever in the match is a well-justified bet.

27.06.2024

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Odds: 1.76Stake: 5/10

In the third match of the WNBA regular season game day, the Washington Mystics will face off against the Connecticut Sun. Can the home team secure their fifth victory in the last six matches? Washington Mystics Towards the end of last seasons regular championship, the team from the US capital managed to remain in the playoff zone but they lost in the first round to the New York Liberty in two matches (90:75; 90:85). This season, the Mystics started with an astonishing 12 consecutive losses. Naturally, given such a start, Washington was at the bottom of the table. However, in their last five matches, the capital club defeated the Dallas Wings twice (92:84; 97:69) and also secured victories over the Atlanta Dream (68:87) and Chicago Sky (83:81). Connecticut Sun Connecticut remains the most stable club in the WNBA. For the past seven years, the team has consistently passed the first round of the playoffs, reaching the final twice. However, the first championship has yet to come to the club from the small town of Uncasville. In the first round of last year's playoffs, the Sun defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a three-game series. In the semi-finals, the "sunny" club won the first match against the New York Liberty (63:78) but lost in the remaining three (84:77; 81:92; 84:87). This year, the Connecticut Sun drafted Leila Lacan from France, who has not yet played a game for the club. This season, the team started phenomenally, winning nine matches in a row. The star-studded New York Liberty ended this streak (75:82). Nonetheless, after this game, the "sunny" team secured four consecutive victories over the Indiana Fever (89:72), Chicago Sky (75:83), Dallas Wings (75:83), and Los Angeles Sparks (79:70). However, in their last two matches, the Sun lost away to their chasers, the Las Vegas Aces (85:74) and Seattle Storm (72:61). Currently, the Connecticut Sun are in second place in the WNBA regular season standings with a 13-3 win-loss record. Head-to-Head In the last head-to-head match on June 5, the Connecticut Sun emerged victorious (76:59). Prediction for the Match Washington Mystics vs Connecticut Sun The Washington Mystics are on a two-match winning streak. Connecticut, after a strong start, has recently stumbled and needs a victory against the underdog by any score to climb out of this minor slump. I believe Washington will be able to hold on until the end, so I propose taking the plus in this game.

27.06.2024

In the Women's National Basketball Association regular-season match, the Chicago Sky will host the Las Vegas Aces. Whose two-game winning streak will end tomorrow? Chicago Sky Last season, the Illinois team played in streaks: 3-4 consecutive wins were followed by 5-6 defeats, and only the weak results of teams in the lower part of the standings allowed Chicago to make it to the playoffs. In the first round of the postseason, the Chicago basketball players lost to the Las Vegas Aces in two games (87:59; 92:70). This season, the team started quite well, with two wins in their first three games against the New York Liberty (81:90) and the Dallas Wings (74:83). In the rest of their May matches, the Sky defeated the Los Angeles Sparks but also lost to the New York Liberty (75:88) and the Indiana Fever (71:70). The June segment can be described as absolutely disastrous. One victory in seven matches is certainly not indicative of a team fighting for the playoffs. A win over the weakest team of the regular season at the moment, the Washington Mystics (71:79), slightly improved the clubs affairs. In their last two matches, the team defeated the Indiana Fever (88:87) and the Dallas Wings (83:72). Las Vegas Aces Last season, the Las Vegas Aces, under the guidance of Becky Hammon, had to defend the championship title won in the 2022 season. The team went through the first part of the regular season very smoothly, however, the end of August was not very successful for the Aces. Three wins in six games are far from a champion's pace. Nevertheless, they managed to catch up in September with 4 consecutive victories. To advance to the grand final, the Aces spent the minimum number of matches. In the first round, they trounced the Chicago Sky (87:59; 92:70). In the semi-finals, the Dallas Wings offered more resistance but still lost in all games (97:83; 91:84; 61:64). In the final series against the New York Liberty, the champions needed one more game to defend their title and make a golden double. This season, Becky Hammon's team started in a championship manner, winning 4 out of their first 5 games. However, the June segment can already be called disastrous for Vegas. The team lost five matches to the Atlanta Dream (78:74), Seattle Storm (65:78), Los Angeles Sparks (96:92), Minnesota Lynx (86:100), and New York Liberty (82:90). Only in their last 4 games did the Aces manage to swing the balance of wins and losses to the positive side. Match Prediction for Chicago Sky vs Las Vegas Aces The Aces are starting to pull out of the steep dive they experienced in the first half of June. In this match, Becky Hammon's team should have no trouble dealing with the inconsistent Chicago. A win with a handicap is an excellent betting option for this game.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Handicap2 (-10.5)

Odds: 1.87Stake: 5/10

win

+4.4

27.06.2024

Today, the national teams will commence their preparatory matches. Turkey, who did not qualify, will assist the Philippines in this endeavour. Turkey Unfortunately, we will not see the Turkish team at the Olympics. Losing to Croatia was quite a surprise, given that all the key players were present. Now, they must prepare for the EuroBasket qualifiers, where their performance has been inconsistent so far, losing to Italy by 7 points and narrowly defeating an unimpressive Iceland 76-77. Recent results indicate that the teams gameplay is lacking, and adjustments are needed. This match for Turkey will likely be a relaxed affair, giving new faces a chance to shine. Only players from the Turkish Championship have been called up, and I believe the coach will not burden the veteran players since the championship has just concluded, prioritising the youth instead. Over the last 5 matches, Turkeys games consistently surpass a total of 163 points. Considering the less serious approach to this match, it will be an open game conducted at a fast pace. Philippines The Philippine team is gearing up for the final stage of Olympic qualifiers soon. Admittedly, the team lacks strength and does not have Jordan Clarkson. The only notable player is Brownlee, who consistently scores over 20 points, yet even with a full roster, the team displayed weak performances during the World Cup held on home soil. However, in the Asian qualifiers, the team dominated all opponents, but this still does not compare to European teams, and serious expectations should be tempered despite their current 9-1 win-loss record. The Philippines are a very productive team, consistently scoring 80+ points per match and allowing opponents to do the same. For example, considering matches against strong European teams like Montenegro and Italy in 2023, with totals of 173 and 189, respectively, its evident how the team can set the tempo even with teams playing a different style. This will be apparent in the upcoming match. Head-to-Head These teams met twice in 2016, with Turkey decisively winning both times (103-68) and (84-76). While we do not rely on these outcomes, it shows that the scoring was high even back then. Match Prediction for Turkey vs Philippines I believe focusing on the overall match total is prudent, as both teams are high-scoring, and Turkey is unlikely to prioritise defence, instead experimenting with their gameplay. The Philippines consistently maintain a high tempo, so I recommend betting on the match total to go over.

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Over (157)

Odds: 1.74Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

27.06.2024

Tomorrow in the Womens National Basketball Association regular season, the Dallas Wings will host the Minnesota Lynx. Will the home team secure their first victory in June? Dallas Wings Last season, Dallas triumphed over the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the playoffs in two matches (94:82; 101:74). However, in the semi-finals, the Texas club fell without a chance to the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces (97:83; 91:84; 61:64). This season, the Texas team started with an exchange of victories with the Chicago Sky (87:79; 74:83). In the remaining May games, the Dallas Wings were defeated by the Atlanta Dream (83:78) but scored away victories over the Phoenix Mercury (92:107) and the Los Angeles Sparks (83:84). In June, Latricia Trammell's team lost all 8 matches. While the two losses to the Connecticut Sun (74:72; 67:85), the reigning champions from the Las Vegas Aces (81:95), and the cruising Seattle Storm (84:92) are somewhat understandable, the defeats by the Washington Mystics (87:76; 90:78) and the Phoenix Mercury (90:97) came as a surprise. Because of this disastrous stretch and, in particular, the recent losses to Washington, the Texas team has dropped to the bottom of the overall standings. Considering the fixture list, it will be very challenging for them to return to the playoff zone by the end of June. Minnesota Lynx Following the regular season, the most northern team in the WNBA finished 7th in the standings and lost to the Connecticut Sun in a three-match series (90:60; 75:82; 75:90). This season, the Minneapolis team secured two consecutive victories at the start against the Seattle Storm (70:83; 102:93) and lost to the Connecticut Sun in overtime (83:82). In June, Minnesota went on a powerful streak, winning 9 of their 10 games, exchanging victories with the Phoenix Mercury (95:71), defeating the Dallas Wings twice (87:76; 90:78), and the Los Angeles Sparks (62:86; 81:76). They also crushed the Seattle Storm (83:64), Atlanta Dream (68:55), Phoenix Mercury (73:60), and last year's champion, the Las Vegas Aces (86:100). Moreover, last night, the Minneapolis club claimed the Commissioner's Cup, beating the New York Liberty (89:94). Currently, the Lynx hold second place in the overall standings of the regular season, having 13 victories and 3 losses. Head-to-Head Matches In the two head-to-head matches this season, the Minnesota Lynx emerged victorious (87:76; 90:78). Prediction for the Match: Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx The Lynx are undoubted favourites for todays match, but the euphoria from winning the Commissioner's Cup and the short break between games could play a nasty trick on the team. I believe this game will not be a blowout, and the home team will not lose by a double-digit margin.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

26.06.2024

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Odds: 1.67Stake: 5/10

Today at 16:30 Croatia will host Brazil as part of their preparations for the Olympic qualification. Croatia Croatia is determined to make it to the Olympics, having been absent from major world championships for quite some time. The squad features all their star playersarić, Hezonja, and Zubacwho will significantly add size and skill to the team. In their recent match against Poland, the team struggled in the first half, but the difference in class was evident and Croatia comfortably won by 14 points. The Croatian big three scored more than half of the team's points. Additionally, their 12-match winning streak was only ended in the EuroBasket qualifiers, where they lost to France. Nevertheless, with a 13-1 record in their last 14 matches, the team is on the rise and well-prepared for the Olympics. They need to approach the games in optimal condition. It's important to highlight their scoring over the last 10 matches86 points on average. For European basketball, this is quite powerful, and they allow only 69 points on average. This indicates robust and systematic defence. With all players available and averaging 3.2 blocks per game, it's safe to say the paint is well-guarded. Brazil The Latin American team also started their Olympic qualifiers preparation against Poland with a confident win91:75. It's worth mentioning Partizan's centre Bruno Caboclo, who scored 21 points, and Memphis Grizzlies' young power forward Pereira, with 18 points and 12 rebounds in the last game. These two big men will be crucial for the team's future results. The Brazilians feel quite confident on their home continent and against North American teams, but they struggle against systematic European sides. In their last 5 matches against European teams, they managed just one win against Poland. Head-to-head In the Olympic Games Qualification 2021, Brazil defeated Croatia 94:67. In the Group Stage of the 2016 Olympic Games, Croatia narrowly won against Brazil 80:76. During the 2010 World Championship Group Stage, Brazil emerged victorious over Croatia 92:74. Match Prediction: Croatia vs Brazil All things considered, Croatia should be favoured. They have a more powerful and deeper roster with strong leaders, especially on home turf. Given Brazil's performances against European teams and their weak perimeter defence, Croatia has the advantage.

26.06.2024

Expert

Basketball

International Friendlies

Odds: 1.87Stake: 5/10

Today at 16:00 the 6th and 40th places in the FIBA rankings will meet in preparation for the Olympic qualification. Latvia The sensation team begins their preparation for the Olympic qualifiers, and there's no doubt about their success as they are in great form. Their recent matches in the Eurobasket qualifiers prove this: they defeated Spain by 4 points and Slovakia by 12, even without Kristaps Porzingis. Also, let's not forget about their 5th place at the World Championship, where only Germany in the quarter-finals stopped them from reaching the semi-finals, beating Latvia by 2 points.Regarding statistics, the Latvians are exceptionally good in offence, with their average total of 83.5 points over 7 matches in major tournaments speaking for itself. They have a versatile offence and top-class shooters like Bertans, and plenty of big players under the basket. Egypt Egypt qualified for the last 2023 World Championship, but they didn't achieve significant success, failing to advance from the group stage. However, the mere fact of qualifying is already a considerable achievement.On their continent, the team handles their opponents quite well: in the recent Africa Championship qualifiers, they thrashed Madagascar by 31 points and the Central African Republic by 15, but narrowly lost to Cte d'Ivoire by 3 points. However, these are still quite weak opponents, and they consistently lose to European teams, so not much should be expected from the Egyptians.The Egyptian team generally plays high-scoring basketball: they allow many points and also score themselves. However, when it comes to matches against strong European teams, the situation does not favour Egypt, and conceding 90 points becomes the norm. Consider their recent matches, where they allowed 89 points against Montenegro and 93 against Lithuania. Match Prediction: Latvia - Egypt I expect a high-scoring match and a fast pace from both teams. Latvia is on the rise and preparing for the qualifiers, so we can anticipate a strong rotation in the second half. As for Egypt, don't expect anything serious: they will concede and at the same time try to find their advantage in offence.

26.06.2024

In the final game of the Commissioners Cup in the 2024 WNBA season, the New York Liberty will face the Minnesota Lynx on their home court. New York Liberty In terms of star power, the New York Liberty is the most stellar team in the WNBA. However, the club has yet to claim its first championship. The team started last summer with a record of 16-5, sitting in second place overall in the league, trailing only the reigning champions from Las Vegas. In the next five games after the All-Star break, the New York Liberty fell to the Dallas Wings but defeated the Washington Mystics (87:96), Indiana Fever (101:83), and Minnesota Lynx (66:76). Overall, the New York Liberty had a fantastic August, securing 14 wins with only two losses. After that, the Liberty achieved eight consecutive victories, rising to second place in the overall regular season standings. A high-scoring game against the Phoenix Mercury (99:93) briefly slowed New York's winning momentum, but the team bounced back with three straight wins by double-digit margins. Minnesota Lynx At the end of the regular season, the northernmost team in the WNBA finished 7th in the standings and lost to the Connecticut Sun in a best-of-three series (90:60; 75:82; 75:90). This season, the team from Minneapolis started with two consecutive victories over the Seattle Storm (70:83; 102:93) but fell to the Connecticut Sun in overtime (83:82). In June, Minnesota had a powerful string of 9 wins in 10 games, trading wins with the Phoenix Mercury (95:71), beating the Dallas Wings twice (87:76; 90:78), and the Los Angeles Sparks (62:86; 81:76), as well as routing the Seattle Storm (83:64), the Atlanta Dream (68:55), the Phoenix Mercury (73:60), and last year's champions, the Las Vegas Aces (86:100). As of now, the Lynx holds the second position in the overall regular season standings, with 13 wins and only 3 losses. Head-to-Head In the only head-to-head game this season, the Minnesota Lynx claimed a significant victory with a score of 84:67. Match Forecast: New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx Both teams are on winning streaks, and while New York's current form is expected, Minnesota's strong start is one of the season's biggest surprises. However, the Lynx's performance is no fluke. The team boasts the strongest defence in the league at the moment, allowing an average of 73.8 points per game. I believe the best betting option for this match is the New York Liberty's individual total under 84.5 points.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Team 1 Under (83.5)

Odds: 1.92Stake: 5/10

win

+4.6

25.06.2024