Basketball predictions and free betting tips

The Atlanta Dream will host the New York Liberty in a WNBA regular season matchup today. Atlanta Dream The Atlanta Dream hold a 4-3 record. In home games, they stand at an average 2-2. In their last game, the Dream struggled offensively, scoring just 50 points against the Connecticut Sun and losing 50:69. Centre Tina Charles scored 12 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and had 1 assist. On average, the Dream score 77.1 points while allowing 78.4 points per game. Offensively, they rank 11th in the league, while on defence, they stand 5th. Atlanta scores an average of 77.1 points with a shooting percentage of 40.8%, while allowing 78.4 points with opponents shooting at 40.9%. Rhyne Howard leads the team with 16.4 points and 5 rebounds per game, while Allisha Gray adds 16.3 points. The Dream shoot 35% from three-point range and 79.2% from the free-throw line. Tina Charles scores 10.5 points, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus excels in rebounds with 5.4. The Dream convert 35% of their three-point attempts and 79.2% of their free throws, while allowing opponents to make 30.9% of their three-point shots and averaging 34.6 rebounds per game. New York Liberty The New York Liberty aim to extend their winning streak to four games. This season, New York has a 3-1 record in away games. In their last match, the Liberty looked impressive, securing an 88:75 victory over the Chicago Sky, showcasing an impressive performance from the start and leading 31:15 after the first quarter. Breanna Stewart shone, scoring 33 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. On average, the Liberty score 86.3 points while allowing 76.3 points per game. Offensively, they rank 3rd in the league, while on defence, they are 2nd. Breanna Stewart leads the team with 19.4 points and an impressive 45.7% three-point shooting percentage. Team leader Breanna Stewart averages 19.4 points and 3.4 assists per game, while one of the most renowned players in the women's league, Sabrina Ionescu, adds 17.9 points and 4.3 rebounds. Jonquel Jones scores 12.4 points per game. The Liberty convert 31.9% of their three-point attempts and 83.8% of their free throws while allowing opponents to make 33.3% of their three-point shots and averaging 36.3 rebounds per game. Match Prediction: Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty The Atlanta Dream showed weak offensive performance in their last game, scoring just 50 points. The New York Liberty demonstrate strong play, and their recent successes suggest a continuation of their winning streak, especially considering Atlanta's current offensive struggles. Given the statistics and current form of both teams, the New York Liberty have a strong chance not only to win but also to cover the -6.5 point spread. The New York Liberty show high scoring efficiency, averaging 86.3 points per game.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Handicap2 (-6.5)

Odds: 1.88Stake: 5/10

win

+4.4

06.06.2024

404

On the morning of June 7, the first match of the NBA finals series will take place: the Boston Celtics will host the Dallas Mavericks. Let's make a prediction for the Boston-Dallas match. Team Rosters Boston Celtics: Jrue Holiday - Derrick White - Jaylen Brown - Jayson Tatum - Kristaps Porzingis Dallas Mavericks: Kyrie Irving - P.J. Washington - Luka Dončić - Derrick Jones Jr. - Daniel Gafford Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics, as the best team in the Eastern Conference with a 64-28 record, confidently passed through all three stages of the playoffs almost without injuries. In the first round, the Celtics easily dealt with the Miami Heat with a 4-1 series victory, as Miami played without their leader Jimmy Butler. There were many big wins: on April 20, Boston won 114:94, on April 7 - 104-84, on April 29 - 102:88, and on May 1, Boston routed Miami 118-84. In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics easily beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were also without their leader Donovan Mitchell and centre Jarrett Allen in the final matches. There was one loss in the second game and three big victories, just like in the series with the Heat: on May 7, Boston won 120:95, on May 11 - 106:93, on May 13 - 109:102, and on May 15, they won 113:98 and advanced to the finals against the Pacers. In the conference finals, Brown, Tatum, and company, despite the absence of the injured Kristaps Porzingis, handled the Indiana Pacers. Each match was incredibly tight, and Boston triumphed thrice in the clutch. Only the third game ended in a rout, with a 126:110 score, where Brown scored 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Tatum added 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. In the last two matches, the results were decided in the final minutes: on May 26, the Boston Celtics won 114-111, and on May 28, they won 105-102. Jaylen Brown scored 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Jayson Tatum in the final game added 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. Dallas Mavericks Luka Dončić's team reached the NBA finals for the first time since 2011, when Dirk Nowitzki's team and current coach Jason Kidd, then a veteran point guard, sensationally defeated LeBron James and Dwyane Wade's Miami Heat 4-2 in the series. This time Dallas reached the final no less sensationally. In the first round, they faced the Los Angeles Clippers, losing the first match 97-109 but convincingly closing the last two matches. On May 2, the Dallas Mavericks routed the Los Angeles Clippers 123-93, and on May 3 they won 114:101. In the final match, the leaders were on top: Kyrie Irving scored 30 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and made 4 assists, while Luka Dončić added 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. In the Western Conference semifinals, Dallas surprisingly defeated the regular season NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 4-2 in the series, winning the series in a thrilling finish. On May 18, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 117:116 thanks to two free throws by P.J. Washington after a foul by the Thunder's leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dallas won two matches convincingly: on May 10 with a 119:110 score and on May 16 with a 104-92 score. In the conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, few believed in Dallas, but the Mavericks' defence played perfectly, shutting down the Wolves' leaders Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, winning the series 4-1. Dallas won the first three matches in the clutch due to Luka Dončić's three-point heroics and buzzer-beaters, and the last match ended in a rout. Luka Dončić scored 36 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made 5 assists, while Kyrie Irving added 36 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Head-to-Head In this regular season, the Boston Celtics confidently defeated the Dallas Mavericks twice. In the first match on January 23, Boston was stronger with a 119:110 score. In this game, Jayson Tatum was once again at his best, scoring 39 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and making 5 assists. Jaylen Brown added 34 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jrue Holiday contributed 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. For the Mavericks, Luka Dončić was the main force with 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway added 23 and 20 points respectively. In the second match on March 2, Boston won with a 138:110 score. In this encounter, the Mavericks' leader was Luka Dončić, who scored 37 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and made 11 assists. Kyrie Irving added 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, while P.J. Washington contributed 17 points and 7 rebounds. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum scored 32 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 3 assists, Jaylen Brown added 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Kristaps Porzingis added 24 points and 6 rebounds. Match Prediction: Boston vs. Dallas Boston is stronger in every aspect except the number of three-pointers made. Individually, the Tatum-Brown duo is stronger than the Dončić-Irving pair in offence, with personal defence led by Holiday and White being superior. The bench is much better than Dallas', where the Mavericks have only 1-2 options. The return of former Dallas player Porzingis will greatly aid Boston, and I expect a confident victory for the Celtics in the first match.

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Handicap1 (-5)

Odds: 1.73Stake: 5/10

win

+3.7

05.06.2024

391

Today, in the 5th match of the VTB United League finals in Kazan, UNICS will face CSKA with the series standing at 3-1 in favour of the Army Men. UNICS In the fourth match of the VTB United League finals, UNICS secured a crucial away win, denying CSKA the opportunity to complete a sweep. UNICS used a limited rotation; the trio from the bench consisting of Kulagin, Zaitsev, and Laberi shone, scoring 34 points, while the starting five with Vorontsevich and Belenitsky remained unchanged. A reduced rotation allowed the team to play more cohesively, resulting in a 96-80 victory for the Kazan side. This first win for UNICS in the finals was made possible thanks to their effectiveness in three-pointers, hitting 13 out of 22 attempts. After overcoming the initial shock of losing three consecutive matches, UNICS was able to get their offence back on track, making 8 more assists than CSKA in the winning game. The superiority of the Kazan team became evident after their impressive journey to the finals, which included a tough series against Lokomotiv-Kuban. A significant contribution to the victory was made by leader Nenad Dimitrijevic, who scored 27 points with 9 assists, being a crucial factor in this encounter. The representative of North Macedonia started the game with a few turnovers but then took control. The best performer off the bench was Zaitsev with 13 points. CSKA CSKA Moscow finished the regular season of the VTB United League in third place, and in the playoffs, they successfully defeated Enisey Krasnoyarsk and Zenit St Petersburg. However, in the finals series, after three confident wins, Andreas Pistiolis' team suffered a predictable defeat in the fourth match, losing at home by 16 points. CSKA had dominated the first three finals matches, but the last game exposed vulnerabilities in the teams play. In the fourth game of the finals, CSKA couldn't maintain their superiority, losing all quarters except the second. In this match, the team's leaders, including Melo Trimble who scored 16 points, failed to perform at the necessary level, which particularly impacted the number of assists and the fight for rebounds. Head coach Pistiolis expressed his dissatisfaction with his players' lack of aggression and numerous mistakes, highlighting the need for a mental reset for the team. Head-to-Head In the first match on 26 May, CSKA narrowly defeated UNICS 96-95. The second game on 28 May also ended with a victory for the Moscow team with a score of 94-83. In the third match on 31 May, CSKA clinched the game 80-72. UNICS' victory has kept the series alive, but CSKA holds a considerable advantage. Match Prediction: UNICS vs CSKA All the finals series encounters have been fast-paced, such an exhilarating basketball style is clearly enjoyed by everyone. Ball possession rarely exceeded the 20-second limit, with many three-pointers evident. Despite their defeat in the last game, CSKA remains the favourite in the series. In the 5th match, the Army Men will rely on quick counter-attacks led by explosive players like Jean-Charles and MBaye. Picking a favourite is challenging; I expect UNICS to continue their active attacking play and predict a total score over 167.5 points in the match.

Expert

Basketball

Europe - VTB United League

Over (167.5)

Odds: 1.77Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

05.06.2024

396

Expert

Basketball

NBA

In the 5th game of the playoff series, the Dallas Mavericks will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow morning. Dallas leads 3-1 and needs just one more win to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since their championship season in 2011. Minnesota Timberwolves The Minnesota Timberwolves showed resilience by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 105-100 in the fourth game, thereby keeping their hopes alive in the Western Conference Finals series. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were key figures in this encounter, scoring 29 and 25 points respectively. The team demonstrated excellent play in both defence and offence, making 52% of their field goal attempts and 11 out of 24 three-pointers. A particularly crucial moment was the 8-0 run in the third quarter, which allowed the Timberwolves to pull away. Coach Chris Finch emphasised the need to continue winning despite one successful game. The improved play of Karl-Anthony Towns, who overcame his streak of poor performances, was key to their success: he made 9 out of 13 field goal attempts. The return to form of Mike Conley, despite injuries, added confidence to the team. Finch expressed pride in Towns' efforts, noting his ability to stay in the game even when faced with difficulties. Roster issues due to injuries and fouls continue to trouble the team, especially on the bench. However, the improved performances of key players and focus on the next game maintain the Timberwolves' morale. Effective use of the front line in the fourth game gave the team the necessary momentum, and now they aim to leverage this to continue their journey in the series. Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for the fifth game of the Western Conference Finals series after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-105. Luka Dončić, despite a triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, critically assessed his performance: he made only 7 of 21 field goal attempts. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving, contributing 16 points, also acknowledged that he underperformed throughout the match. Both players expressed determination to rectify the situation in the next game, emphasising the importance of full commitment. Kyrie Irving added 16 points, Jaden Hardy scored 13 in just 12 minutes of play, and Daniel Gafford contributed 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 3 blocks. The Mavericks made only 42% of their field goal attempts and 14 out of 40 from the three-point line. The team faced injury issues: Dereck Lively II missed the fourth game due to the effects of a blow to the head, and his participation in the next match remains uncertain. In his absence, Daniel Gafford assumed a larger role, scoring 12 points and making eight rebounds. Maxi Kleber, returning from injury, added only two points, highlighting the team's depth issues. Dončić stressed that the team must focus on the next game: "We need to win four games, so we need to win one more. That's all." This approach demonstrates the Mavericks' confidence and intent to seize every opportunity to advance further in the tournament despite current challenges. Match Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks I expect a home victory for the Timberwolves after two losses at the start of the series and three out of three most recent close games. Finchs team should draw conclusions. The teams are equal in ability, and the Irving-Dončić pair cannot always carry the team, as shown in the last game. I anticipate a Minnesota win with a handicap of (-4.5).

Handicap1 (-4.5)

Odds: 1.93Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

30.05.2024

410

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will clash tomorrow morning in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks are nearing the final stage of their quest to reach the NBA Finals, being just one victory away from their coveted goal. In Game 3 of the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team showcased a high level of play, triumphing with a score of 116-107. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving made significant contributions, each scoring 33 points, which became the key to their success. P.J. Washington added 16 points, as the team displayed excellent shooting accuracy, converting 55% of their field goals and 50% of their three-pointers. Dallas continued to demonstrate their skillful play in the final minutes, scoring 14 of the last 17 points of the match and tightening their defence in the fourth quarter, allowing them to pull away from their opponents. The victory was not only due to the starting five but also the bench players, including Daniel Gafford and Derrick Jones Jr. Gafford, who received more playing time due to Dereck Lively IIs injury, blocked a crucial attempt by Mike Conley in the end, strengthening the teams position in the series. However, the Mavericks lineup is weakened due to injuries. Maxi Kleber is still questionable after a shoulder injury, and his participation in Game 4 is not guaranteed. The situation with Dereck Lively II also remains uncertain after he left the court in Game 3. Despite these physical challenges, the team remains focused on their goal and plans to seize the opportunity to close out the series in the next game, aiming to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. Minnesota Timberwolves Minnesota Timberwolves continue to fight for survival in the playoffs, despite the series against the Mavericks proving almost disastrous. In the last game, despite the efforts of Anthony Edwards, who scored 26 points, and notched 9 rebounds and 6 assists, the team fell short with a score of 107-116. The Timberwolves displayed decent play, hitting 50% of their field goals and 30% of their three-pointers. However, a lacklustre performance in the fourth quarter, where they scored just 20 points, allowed their opponents to pull away. Despite solid board work, Karl-Anthony Towns continued to struggle offensively, converting only 5 out of 18 shots and missing all 8 attempts from beyond the arc. Minnesota showcased the ability to come back into the game, erasing a 12-point deficit in the third quarter thanks to the effective play of Naz Reid and Kyle Anderson off the bench. However, even with these efforts, the stellar defence that had been their trump in the season failed, allowing Dallas to execute challenging one-on-one attacks. The Timberwolves need to seriously work on their strategy before the next game due to these defensive issues. The team's condition remains worrying due to injuries, although the list is not extensive. Key players like the struggling Mike Conley remain available, providing hope for their ability to improve results in the next game. In Game 4, the team needs to decide how to maximise their backcourt and contain Dallass stars to extend the series and avoid elimination. Match Prediction: Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves The prediction for the Dallas vs. Minnesota match is straightforwardthe Timberwolves will win. Its hard to imagine a team with the best defence in the league and one of the best scoring guards of recent years losing the series 0-4. Usually, a team on the brink of elimination shows their maximum. Dallas has managed to pull through all three close finishes due to experience, which is a stroke of great fortune.

Odds: 2.07Stake: 5/10

win

+5.4

28.05.2024

406

Today, the second match of the VTB United League final series will take place between Kazan's UNICS and Moscow's CSKA. UNICS The Kazan club made it to the finals after sweeping Samara 3-0 in the first round and overcoming Lokomotiv-Kuban 4-3 in a thrilling series. In the first match of the VTB United League final series, UNICS Kazan was unable to hold the lead in the closing minutes, losing to CSKA with a score of 95:96. Just minutes before the end of the game, UNICS was leading 95:90, but allowed the Moscow club to make a decisive surge. Loss of concentration and a series of questionable moments in defense cost the Kazan team dearly. It was particularly painful as until that moment, UNICS had shown solid gameplay, breaking their unfortunate streak of first quarter losses thanks to a successful long-range shot by team leader Nenad Dimitrijevic at the end of the first 10 minutes. For most of the game, UNICS was chasing the army men, constantly facing fouls, which led to the breakdown. Many players finished the match on the verge of being expelled due to infractions. Team leader Dimitrijevic scored 22 points and 6 rebounds. However, his fifth unsportsmanlike foul towards the end became critical as it left UNICS without a key attacker at the worst possible moment. This moment turned the game, allowing CSKA to make important free throws and snatch the victory. Despite good gameplay and an excellent performance by Dimitrijevic, who led in points and assists, the Kazan club needs to improve concentration in the final minutes. The loss in the first game obliges UNICS to review their tactics and prepare for the upcoming games in the series, to avoid repeating mistakes and aim for a comeback. CSKA Under the leadership of Andreas Pistiolis, CSKA Moscow demonstrated high skill levels in the first match of the VTB United League final series. The Moscow team, which had previously easily passed through Krasnoyarsk's Yenisey and a series with St. Petersburg's Zenit, continues to find their game, and the first match against UNICS confirmed their readiness to fight for the championship. The meeting started with an efficient performance by Amath M'Baye, who quickly scored 10 points, allowing CSKA to start the game confidently. The game became particularly tense in the final minutes, when UNICS almost leveled the score, reaching 95:90. However, CSKA managed to regain control of the game thanks to the outstanding play of Melo Trimble, who not only narrowed the gap in the score in the last minutes but also took advantage of the technical foul by the opponent to ultimately put his team ahead. Trimble finished the game with 28 points, becoming his team's top scorer. CSKA demonstrated not only excellent offensive play but also solid defense, particularly through the actions of Nikita Kurbanov, who effectively blocked key UNICS players. Such versatility allowed the Moscow team to recover after mid-game difficulties and ultimately secure a win with a minimal margin, giving them a leading position in the series. Head-to-Head During the regular season of the VTB United League, UNICS twice defeated CSKA with scores of 88:78 and 84:78. Match Prediction: UNICS vs CSKA UNICS cannot afford to lose the second home match if they want to live up to their status as series favorites. I expect a victory for the Kazan team, whose loss of concentration hindered them in taking match number 1.

Expert

Basketball

Europe - VTB United League

Odds: 1.79Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

28.05.2024

391

Today, Real Madrid and Panathinaikos clash in the gold medal match of the EuroLeague Final Four. Real Madrid Real Madrid has exhibited impressive form in the current EuroLeague campaign, successfully securing a spot in the final. Under the guidance of coach Matteo Huse, the Madrid club finished the regular season in first place and then easily overcame Baskonia in the playoff series. In the semi-final, they triumphed over Greek side Olympiacos with an 87-76 victory, where Dzanan Musa made a significant contribution, scoring 20 points. Mario Hezonja also provided additional support, adding 12 points. In this semi-final clash, Real Madrid displayed their superiority, especially in defence, limiting the impact of Olympiacos' key players in the paint. The opponents managed only 2 field goals from centres Fall and Milutinov, underscoring the dominance of the Spanish team in defensive actions. The overall number of two-point shots for Olympiacos was a mere 12 compared to Real's 19, further illustrating the Madrid team's defensive effectiveness. Heading into the final, Real Madrid is in excellent shape and confident in their abilities. The club's consistent performance throughout the season, along with the high skill level of their players, positions them as favourites in the upcoming match. Real legends Sergio Rodriguez and Llull are in the hunt for the top scorer title in the history of the Final Four. Llull currently has 207 points, while Rodriguez has 198. Panathinaikos Under the leadership of Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos secured a place in the EuroLeague Final Four, finishing the regular season in second place behind Real Madrid. On their way to the semi-finals, the Greek team faced a significant challenge, extending their series to 5 games against Maccabi Tel Aviv, who proved to be worthy opponents. Thanks to their home-court advantage and fan support, Panathinaikos emerged victorious. In the semi-final against Fenerbahce, the team displayed a powerful performance, especially in the first quarter, which was key to their convincing 73-57 win. In this matchup, Mathias Lessort played an outstanding role, scoring 17 points with 9 rebounds. The team also showed high efficiency in defence, limiting Fenerbahce to 33% shooting accuracy. This was a noticeable contrast compared to the series against Maccabi, where Panathinaikos fought for every quarter. Relying on their strong defensive play and offensive efficiency, Panathinaikos approaches the final game with optimism. The upcoming match against Real Madrid promises to be intense, given the historical difficulty in their relationship with the Madrid side. Despite only having 2 wins in the last 18 games against the Spanish giant, the current form and strategic preparation may give the Greeks the edge they need for success on the international stage. Head-to-Head In the last 5 meetings, Panathinaikos has secured 2 victories. The most recent game on 29 February 2024 ended in a 97-86 win for Panathinaikos. On 7 December 2023, Real Madrid suffered a loss in Greece, 78-90. However, in previous encounters, Real Madrid more often emerged as the stronger side: on 1 February 2023, the Madrid team won 83-68, on 6 October 2022 in Madrid - 71-68, and on 31 March 2022, Panathinaikos lost at home 86-87. Forecast for the Real Madrid vs Panathinaikos match The final is set to be incredibly tense, with the nominal guests from Greece backed by the crowd and capable of putting up a fight against the favourites. Bet on Panathinaikos with a positive handicap as they chase a historic victory in the Final Four.

Expert

Basketball

Europe - Euroleague

Handicap2 (+5.5)

Odds: 1.81Stake: 5/10

win

+4.1

26.05.2024

385

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Handicap1 (+7.5)

Odds: 1.74Stake: 5/10

win

+3.7

25.05.2024

455

Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers will face each other tomorrow morning, 24 May, in the second match of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Let's try to provide a prediction for the Boston vs Indiana matchup, considering the current state of the teams. Boston Celtics Boston Celtics confirmed their status as favourites by winning the first game of the series in overtime, despite the challenging course of the match. The team showcased incredible fighting spirit, as Jayson Tatum's three-pointer with 5 seconds left pushed the game into overtime, where the Celtics outperformed the less experienced opponent. Jayson Tatum led the team with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and 7 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday had 28 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, marking his best performance of the season. Overall, the Celtics shot 47% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, enabling them to maintain their home-court advantage and win the game in overtime, 133:128. The Celtics demonstrated their strength on their home court despite early match difficulties. The team also showed solid defensive results, forcing the Pacers into several turnovers, particularly in overtime. Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence in the imminent return of Latvian centre Kristaps Porziņģis, which should bolster the team in forthcoming series games. Indiana Pacers Indiana Pacers encountered significant issues at the beginning of the Eastern Conference Finals, especially regarding ball control, which impacted the result. In the first game against the Boston Celtics, the team committed 22 turnovers that led to 32 points for the opponent. Despite Tyrese Haliburton's effectiveness in attack, he made several critical mistakes in the closing moments of the game, costing the team the victory. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam were pivotal in the offence, scoring 25 and 24 points respectively, with Siakam adding 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Myles Turner also made a substantial contribution with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The team showcased a high shooting percentage53% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. Despite their potential and solid offensive play, the Pacers must reduce the number of turnovers to increase their chances of success in the upcoming series games. The Pacers also demonstrate a high shooting percentage, which gives them a fighting chance for the NBA Finals. Coach Rick Carlisle emphasises the need to reduce turnovers and play more carefully in the next series meetings. Prediction for Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers Brown's clutch three-pointer allowed Boston to avoid a collapse. I believe that in the second game of the series at home, the Celtics will play more reliably and not allow the Pacers' offence to run wild. My prediction for tomorrow's Boston vs Indiana match is a Boston win with a handicap of -7.5.

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Handicap1 (-7.5)

Odds: 1.7Stake: 5/10

win

+3.5

23.05.2024

456

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks are set to clash on the morning of 23rd May in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. Minnesota Timberwolves The Minnesota Timberwolves have been displaying formidable performances this playoffs, sensationally overcoming last year's champions, the Denver Nuggets, to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years. Anthony Edwards is performing at a potential MVP level, averaging 28.9 points per game, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributes 18.8 points and 9.3 rebounds. Rudy Gobert also plays an instrumental role, particularly in defence. The Timberwolves have shown resilience under pressure, most notably in Game 7 against Denver when they managed to claw back from a 20-point deficit. Their efficiency is underscored by their average of 108.4 points per playoff game with a 47.2% field goal percentage. Defensively, they are equally impressive, limiting opponents to just 99.6 points per game. The Timberwolves' main point guard, Mike Conley, is on the injured list ahead of the series commencement.The team has also faced challenges due to injuries, including Conley's status being questionable at the series start, which could impact their gameplay. Nevertheless, the Timberwolves continue to exhibit a high level of play and readiness for significant playoffs challenges. Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks have proven their mettle in this playoffs, successfully advancing through the initial rounds to reach the Western Conference Finals. The Mavericks have shown strength both at home and on the road, as evidenced by their victories over the Los Angeles Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dallas's defensive prowess has been critical to their success, especially against the youthful Oklahoma team. Luka Dončić leads the team, averaging 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, while Kyrie Irving adds 21.1 points. Additionally, newcomer P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. contribute around 10 points each in the playoffs. Maxi Kleber is out, reducing the Mavericks options among their big men. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in both defence and attack under the basket.Dallas coach Jason Kidd emphasises that Minnesota is a formidable opponent due to their defensive strength and counter-attacking capability. For the Mavericks, maintaining defensive discipline and leveraging Dončić's versatile skills on the court will be crucial. Match Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Luka Dončić approaches his second conference final in a compromised state. Experts have noted that with the injuries Dončić is carrying, he would not have played in the regular season. Minnesota is young and healthy; they made a significant leap by defeating the champion Denver with the incredible Nikola Jokić and should secure the first game at home against Dallas. The Mavericks' offence relies heavily on three-pointers and Dončić's individual play, but the Timberwolves' defence is the best in the league.

Odds: 1.52Stake: 5/10

Bet

22.05.2024

465

In the decisive Game 7 of the VTB United League semifinal series, Kazan's UNICS and Krasnodar's Lokomotiv-Kuban will face off. Lokomotiv-Kuban The "Railroaders" began the season poorly with just one win in their first five matches. However, after this setback, they unleashed a series of four consecutive victories: against Moscow's CSKA (88:91), Saratov's Avtodor (85:63), and Moscow's Runa (96:76). Additionally, in the Russian Cup, Krasnodar demolished Irkut (101:60). December started quite positively for the "Railroaders" with an essential victory over Kazan's UNICS (82:75). Nevertheless, their performance was overshadowed by a weak showing in Perm (73:67). In their next game, Loko secured a key win against MBA (66:80) and returned to the hunt for the top three. At the end of the calendar year, the Kuban team performed remarkably, snagging four more victories and catching up with St. Petersburg's Zenit in wins. In the early matches of this year, Lokomotiv-Kuban defeated Astana (93:83), Avtodor (88:98), and CSKA (89:85). However, in the penultimate match, the "Railroaders" unexpectedly lost to Nizhny Novgorod (76:74). They managed to redeem themselves against Samara (91:76). During the top-6 stage, the Kuban team secured only four victories over Enisey (87:101), twice against Parma (89:85; 75:80), and once more against UNICS (90:82), losing the rest of the matches. By the end of the regular season, the "Railroaders" entered the playoffs in 4th place. In the quarterfinal series, Krasnodar crushed Parma, winning three matches with a cumulative point difference of -92. In the semifinal series, which was a rematch of last year's final, the "Railroaders" won once on the road (71:84) and twice at home (89:83; 98:86), while losing once both away and at home (78:75; 68:85). UNICS UNICS started the regular season with a confident win over last seasons finalist Lokomotiv-Kuban (91:73). They also easily defeated Minsk (49:97) and Yekaterinburg's Uralmash. However, their winning streak was halted by todays opponents, the Kazan team (104:93). They quickly got back on track with away wins against Avtodor (72:82) and Zenit (83:93). Yet, their streak was briefly cut short by tournament newcomers, Moscow's Runa. They partially redeemed themselves with wins against Parma on the road (77:87) and Enisey at home (91:80). In subsequent matches, UNICS secured two victories over Nizhny Novgorod's PARI-NN (91:61; 61:70), as well as wins against Astana (75:97), Uralmash (80:89), Minsk (101:81), and Samara (81:61), propelling themselves back into the top three. In the first match of this calendar year, Kazan narrowly defeated Moscow's Runa (78:84), then lost away to Enisey (94:80) and Parma (70:72). However, a win against Zenit (64:61) sparked a run of nine wins in 12 matches, including five during the top-6 stage. Despite a disappointing finish to the top-6 stage with three consecutive losses, Kazan retained first place in the table, entering the playoffs with the highest seed. In the quarterfinal series, UNICS defeated Samara in three matches (83:73; 77:64; 67:90). After winning the first semifinal game (78:75), Kazan then suffered two losses. However, in the fourth match, Velimir Perasovic's team managed to regain their home-court advantage. The teams then exchanged home victories, leading to one final decisive game for their fans. Head-to-Head In the recent head-to-head matchups during the top-6 stage, the teams split victories (80:76; 90:82). In the quarterfinals, each team secured three wins. Match Prediction Lokomotiv-Kuban boasts one of the best attacking systems in the league. Despite the "rollercoaster" performances by both teams in this series, the visitors should confidently surpass their individual total over.

Expert

Basketball

Europe - VTB United League

Over (157.5)

Odds: 1.69Stake: 5/10

win

+3.5

22.05.2024

396

In the main game of the day of the WNBA regular season, the Las Vegas Aces will face the Phoenix Mercury. Las Vegas Aces Last season, the Las Vegas Aces, under the guidance of Becky Hammon, had the task of defending their championship title, which they won in the 2022 season. In the first game of the season, the hosts defeated the Los Angeles Sparks on the road (85:94). The reigning champions then secured six consecutive victories, remaining undefeated longer than any other team this season. The team had a consistent performance in the first part of the regular season. However, the end of August was not so successful for the Aces with three wins in six matches, far from a champion's pace. Nevertheless, they managed to regain their form in September with four straight victories. To reach the main final, the Aces required the minimum number of matches. In the first round, they blew out the Chicago Sky (87:59; 92:70). In the semifinals, the Dallas Wings put up more resistance but still lost all matches (97:83; 91:84; 61:64). In the final series against the New York Liberty, the champions needed one additional game to defend their title, achieving a golden double. This season, Becky Hammon's team started like true champions, defeating today's opponents, the Phoenix Mercury (89:80), and the Los Angeles Sparks (89:82). Phoenix Mercury Last season, the team from Arizona secured their first victory only in the third game, against the Minnesota Lynx. In the next five matches, the team from Arizona recorded three wins, with Brittney Griner showing top-level performance despite a hiatus in playing and training, but there was no one to support her. The team needed reinforcements through trades. After an injury to their main star sidelined her for the rest of the season, the Phoenix's position in the playoff race weakened significantly. In early August, the key player of the Phoenix Mercury returned to the court, bringing her team victories against the Washington Mystics (91:72) and the Connecticut Sun. However, the team from Arizona lost the last 11 matches and fell to the bottom of the table. This season, the Phoenix Mercury started with a defeat from the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, but managed a victory over the Atlanta Dream (88:85). Head-to-Head In the last head-to-head meeting last week, the Las Vegas Aces emerged victorious (89:80). Match Prediction It's unlikely that the Phoenix Mercury will be able to count on a victory or even a close finish today, but this game is expected to be a high-scoring affair. The Aces playing tempo allows not only themselves to score around 90 points but also lets their opponents easily surpass the 80-point mark. I believe the optimal bet for this match is on the total over 170.5 points.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Over (170.5)

Odds: 1.85Stake: 5/10

win

+4.3

21.05.2024

424

In the second game of the regular season of the Women's National Basketball Association, the Los Angeles Sparks will host the Washington Mystics. Los Angeles Sparks In their first game of last season, the Los Angeles Sparks crushed the Phoenix Mercury (94:71). This was followed by two defeats from the Las Vegas Aces (85:94; 93:65). However, in the next five games, the team secured three wins and, at that moment, took fourth place in the Western Conference and sixth among all teams in the league. The California team failed to consolidate the early-season success, experiencing a total downfall in July with eight consecutive losses. Two victories over the Indiana Fever (79:78; 81:68) marginally improved the Sparks' standings, but the team subsequently lost twice to the New York Liberty. An August surge of six consecutive victories was not enough for the City of Angels team to reach the playoffs, and their season ended in the regular phase. This season, the Sparks began with two consecutive defeats to the Atlanta Dream (81:92) and the Las Vegas Aces (89:82). Washington Mystics In their first game of last season, the Washington Mystics demolished the formidable New York Liberty (80:64). This was followed by two losses to the Connecticut Sun (80:74; 81:88). However, in the next ten games, the team secured seven victories, rising to third place in the Eastern Conference and fourth among all teams in the league. The end of July was not favourable for the capital club, losing five out of six matches. Towards the end of the regular season, the team managed to stay within the playoff zone, but in the first round, they lost both games to their today's opponents from the New York Liberty (90:75; 90:85). This season, the Mystics started with three consecutive losses. The team succumbed to the New York Liberty (80:85), the Connecticut Sun (84:77), and the Seattle Storm (75:84). Head-to-Head In the last head-to-head encounters last season, victories were secured by the Los Angeles Sparks (83:91; 72:64). Match Prediction The Los Angeles Sparks have been playing rather unreliably in defence at the start of this season, generally struggling in the early regular games. At the same time, the poor start of the Washington Mystics is even more surprising. A team that made it to the playoffs last year cannot afford to lose three games in a row at the season's beginning. I think in this game, it is worth trying to take the individual total over (ITO) 77.5 points for the visitors. Another option to consider is a positive handicap.

Expert

Basketball

WNBA

Handicap2 (+4.5)

Odds: 1.74Stake: 5/10

win

+3.7

21.05.2024

436

Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder will face off tomorrow morning in Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference. Dallas Mavericks Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of making it to the conference finals after a crucial victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka Dončić once again showcased his leadership skills, achieving a triple-double with 31 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. His performance helped the team take control in Game 5 of the series, where the Mavericks displayed a high shooting percentage. Kyrie Irving highlighted that the series against the Thunder has been one of the toughest of his career, noting the need to maintain a high level of concentration. Irving also mentioned that the team's success is possible only if every player feels at their best, stressing the importance of teamwork and mutual support. The Mavericks exhibit confidence and unity, bolstered by excellent performances not just from stars but also from bench players. Dereck Lively and Derrick Jones Jr. made significant contributions to the team's success, helping to maintain the lead and control the game in the second half. Derrick Jones contributed 19 points, while Dereck Lively added 11 points along with 10 rebounds off the bench. Overall, the Dallas Mavericks showed high efficiency, shooting 52% from the field and sinking 14 out of 35 three-pointers. They managed to take the initiative confidently, scoring 30 points in the second quarter and taking a double-digit lead. In the second half, the team demonstrated excellent defence, maintaining the lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kyrie Irving had a less conspicuous game, scoring only 12 points and recording 4 assists, hitting 5 out of 11 shots in 39 minutes on the court. This approach gives the Mavericks a good chance to close out the series in their favour in the next game. Oklahoma City Thunder The Oklahoma City Thunder are facing the task of saving their season after losing to the Dallas Mavericks 92-104 in Game 5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the team, scoring 30 points. The team performed well despite the loss, keeping the score close until the end of the first half. However, poor three-point shooting (10 out of 40) played against them. In response to the loss, the Thunder coaching staff made changes to the lineup, benching Josh Giddey. Despite the adjustments, the team couldn't improve their offensive results as Isaiah Joe managed only 6 points. Chet Holmgren added 13 points, while Jalen Williams and Lu Dort each scored 12 points. Overall, Oklahoma City Thunder shot just 42% from the field and 10 out of 40 from three-point range. Despite being 10 points behind at halftime, the team managed to keep the game competitive. Josh Giddey scored 11 points in 12 minutes off the bench, while Isaiah Joe managed just six points, hitting two out of nine shots. The Thunder understand the difficulty of winning the next game on the road but are determined to fight until the end. Jalen Williams emphasized the importance of commitment and team play. He stated that the team can succeed if they stick to their game plan and ignore external pressure. This shows that the Thunder are not giving up and are ready to fight for every opportunity to turn the series around. Match Prediction: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder I anticipate a seventh game in the series, as both teams are evenly matched, although the Mavericks have more experience. The Thunder's bench has been performing excellently all season, which could play a crucial role in tomorrow's endurance battle. Im placing my bet on the visitors with high odds.

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder

Odds: 2.47Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

18.05.2024

401

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals tomorrow morning. Minnesota Timberwolves The Minnesota Timberwolves, having suffered a defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in Game 5, are fighting to stay alive in the series. Karl-Anthony Towns put up 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rudy Gobert added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks, shooting a perfect 7 out of 7. Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in with 14 points and 5 assists. Overall, the Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field but only 8 of 26 from the three-point line, struggling to find their rhythm offensively. Anthony Edwards managed just 18 points after a slow start. How does Minnesota feel after the latest performance by Jokic? Anthony Edwards noted that Jokic showcased why he is the MVP and the best player in the NBA. The Timberwolves must find a way to contain Jokic to force a Game 7 on Sunday in Denver. Minnesota's starting centre, Rudy Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, mentioned that the team needs to maintain a positive attitude. Their psychological approach will be as crucial as the coaches' tactics. The team was too demoralised in the second half of Tuesday's game, which cannot happen again. Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets, having lost the first two games of the series, bounced back with three consecutive wins to seize a 3-2 series lead. On Tuesday evening, the Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-97. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets' resurgence with 40 points on an efficient 15-of-22 shooting and has tallied 99 points across the last three games. Coach Michael Malone presented the team with ESPN analysts comments declaring the series almost over after the first two games. In response, the Nuggets outplayed the Timberwolves by an average of 16.7 points per game. Malone emphasised the significant effort required to come back in the series and that the team was prepared for it. The Nuggets registered 30 assists, indicating excellent ball movement. They played exceptional defence, scoring 18 points in the second quarter and 38 points in the third, widening the gap to 18 points. Michael Porter Jr. struggled, scoring just 6 points on 2-of-10 shooting, but the Nuggets received a boost from Gordon and Christian Braun, who scored 10 points off the bench. Jokic received his third MVP trophy before the game and validated it with his ensuing performance, amassing 40 points and fully controlling the offensive flow. In games where he faced difficulties, like Game 1 where he had 7 turnovers, his impact was diminished. Match Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets It was anticipated that Denver would demonstrate their championship character and close out the Wolves in a home game. Given that Denver secured the initial games on the road, expect them to finish the series in 6 games. Edwards, despite his talent, lacks the experience required for such crucial matches, and even if he scores 30, support from the rest of the somewhat inconsistent Minnesota stars might not be adequate.

Odds: 2.17Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

16.05.2024

448

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks are set to face off in the semifinals of the NBA Western Conference tomorrow morning. Oklahoma City Thunder The Oklahoma City Thunder have shown their prowess, breezing into the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2015/2016 season, a significant feat given they surpassed the Pelicans without star performances from their leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Thunder concluded the first round on a home record of 35-8 and hope to improve their performance in the upcoming home games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 27.3 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in the first round, although his regular-season performances were higher. The young leader of the Thunder welcomed a son during the series, expressing his readiness for new challenges in the second round, emphasising the importance of teamwork and added support from one of the best perimeter defenders, Luguentz Dort. In the regular season, the Thunder ranked high in almost every offensive and defensive category, maintaining an impressive balance. They placed in the top 5 in several categories and ended the season with average scores of 105.3 points per game with a 48.2% success rate and conceded an average of 89.5 points per game with opponents scoring at 39.6%. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have contributed significantly, averaging 21.3 and 7.3 rebounds respectively. The Thunder displayed their strength in the first round of the playoffs, defeating New Orleans by a confident score of 4-1 in which Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort were key figures. Their next challenge is Dallass defence, against which they have won three out of four encounters this season, including both home games. The Thunder also boasts high accuracy in field goals and free throws, demonstrating 38.7% and 74.3%. The absence of players on the injury list is a crucial indicator. Dallas Mavericks The Dallas Mavericks have entered the second round of the playoffs following a hard series against the Los Angeles Clippers, culminating in a 4-2 victory. In the first-round series, Luka Dončić, despite straining his right knee, averaged 29.8 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.8 rebounds, demonstrating leadership qualities, although his shooting accuracy was lower than usual - 40.5% from the field and 23.9% from behind the three-point line. Now, the Mavs face the task of overcoming the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, who have dominated their home games. Dončić, along with Tim Hardaway Jr., who returned after an ankle sprain, and Kyrie Irving, who averages 26.5 points, will be key figures in the Mavs' offense. Dallas averages 107 points per game at a 46.5% success rate, ranking second since the 2011 championship. It's worth noting that Jason Kidd has signed a multi-year contract with the team, highlighting his importance to the club. The Mavericks show strong results at home, but their away matches, including games against the Thunder where they have suffered 4 defeats in the last 5 encounters, require special attention. Injuries have impacted the team's line-up; the absence of Maxi Kleber, who is out for several weeks, is particularly notable. It creates problems for the Mavericks frontline depth. PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. will assist in play-making, while Dončić will strive to endure his injury difficulties and continue to be the focus as one of the team's leaders. Prediction for the game Oklahoma City Thunder - Dallas Mavericks Oklahoma considerably holds strong, plus Dallas, apart from the Irving-Dončić pair, by bench strength and game efficiency, have no trumps against the youthful and balanced team of Mike Daigne. I expect a victory for the home team with a spread (-2.5).

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder

Handicap1 (-2.5)

Odds: 1.75Stake: 5/10

win

+3.8

07.05.2024

489

The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers will square off today in the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals today. The Boston Celtics The Celtics are set to start the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a well-rested team, following their 4-1 series win against Miami. Kristaps Porziņģis is expected to miss the entire second round due to a right calf injury obtained in the series against Miami. Despite this significant absence, Porziņģis is actively working on his return to the court. The Boston Celtics have shown high offensive efficiency in the first round, placing fifth in the playoffs with an average of 108 points per game. Defensively, they're notable too, claiming second place by allowing just over 92 points per game. They lead in three-pointers in the playoffs, making an average of 15 successful shots per game. Players Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jason Tatum are each scoring more than 21 points per game on average.During the regular season, the Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers twice and lost one game when Mitchell was out for the Cavs. The Celtics are aiming for their third consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, banking on their ability to overcome a weary Cavaliers side. The team employs a successful offense with 47.4% field goal percentage and a 38.5% three point percentage. Jaylen Brown (averaging 22.8ppg, 7.0rpg, and 2.2apg), Jason Tatum (21.8ppg and 10.4rpg) and Derrick White (22.4ppg and 3.2apg) display high performance, making the team a tough competitor for the championship. Kristaps Porziņģis contributes 12.3ppg and 1.5 blocks per game. The Cleveland Cavaliers The Cleveland Cavaliers showed resilience by defeating the Orlando Magic in a nail-biting 4-3 series, gaining the opportunity to face Boston in the second round. Cavs' leader Donovan Mitchell made a notable impact, scoring 39 points in Game 7, having already raked in 50 points in the prior two games. Over the last three games, he has scored 119 points, exhibiting his leadership in crucial moments. Caris LeVert has also made a significant contribution, scoring 15 points in the last game and helping the team orchestrate one of the most notable comebacks in NBA Playoff history.The Cavs rank 12th in the playoff series for points scored, averaging just under 95 per game, and have the lowest three-point percentage. They rank fifth in points allowed, conceding 101 points per game, and third in field goal defense. In terms of three-point shooting defense, they allow opponents to score only 10 three-pointers per game. Furthermore, the team is last in rebounds and steals in the playoffs.Key centre Jarrett Allen missed the last three games due to a rib injury, but his contribution during the regular season was notable, averaging 17.0ppg and 13.8rpg. Mitchell continues to be a key player for the Cavs, averaging nearly 29ppg in the playoffs. Cleveland now faces the challenge of not just dominating at home, but claiming a victory in Boston to contend for the Eastern Conference Finals. A decision regarding Allen's participation will be made shortly before the game. Boston Celtics - Cleveland Cavaliers match prediction Considering how much effort the Cavs exerted to just edge out the Orlando newcomers, it appears they're left without a fighting chance against the well-rested and powerful Celtics. I predict that the Boston Celtics' ITO (Individual Total Over) will exceed 111,5 points. After a low-scoring series, and without Allen, the Cavaliers' defense will struggle to contain Boston's fantastic offensive performance.

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Team 1 Over (111.5)

Odds: 1.89Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

07.05.2024

479

In the fifth game of the Men's EuroLeague quarterfinals, 'Panathinaikos' will clash against 'Maccabi'. 'Panathinaikos' Panathinaikos opened its EuroLeague journey with an intensely fought derby against rival 'Olympiacos', losing in overtime (77:87). The team managed some redemption by notching a victory against 'Bayern' (78:71), but subsequently suffered successive defeats at the hands of 'Fenerbahce' (83:69) and 'Maccabi' (81:86). The Greeks turned things around by triumphing in their home encounter against 'Baskonia'(95:81), albeit losing again to 'Barcelona' (80:72).Thereafter, the Athenian club strung together a quartet of consecutive victories, propelling it back among the EuroLeague's elite eight. Notwithstanding a trough of three straight losses, the Greeks ended the calendar year on a high note, enjoying the spoils of three victories. This year, 'Pao' started on the wrong foot, suffering 2 losses but quickly making up for it with 5 wins. During February and March, the team put together an impressive run of 8 wins out of 10 matches, thus securing their playoff spot from the second position. The Greeks caught many off guard with their loss in their opening home playoff game, thus relinquishing home court advantage (87:91). In the second encounter, 'Pao' had their revenge (95:79). Further, the opposing teams traded victories in Belgrade (85:83; 88:95). Now, the critical decision for one of the last two berths in the Final Four rests upon the outcome in Athens. 'Maccabi Tel Aviv' The Israelis initiated their run with a comfortable home win against 'Partizan' (96:81). However, in the second leg, 'Maccabi' surprisingly capitulated against 'Valencia'. In their following away game, the Tel Aviv side secured a hard-fought win against 'Panathinaikos' (81:86) in overtime. Victories against 'Olimpia' (90:98) and 'Bayern' (93:90) helped the Israelis ascend to 7th place in the overall ranking. This ascent occurred in spite of suffering defeats against 'Olympiakos' (74:79), 'Barcelona' (90:92) and 'Real Madrid' (70:99). In subsequent matches, 'Maccabi' vanquished the EuroLeague's weakest side, 'Alba' (102:81), and 'Villeurbanne' (91:94), as well as Turkish side 'Anadolu Efes'. However, they unexpectedly stumbled against 'Virtus' (100:90). Post international break, 'Maccabi' defeated 'Zalgiris' (83:76) and 'Red Star' (80:84). The team subsequently marched to victories in four out of five matches, thus entering the play-in zone. In the mini-tournament for entry to the playoffs, the Israelis overcame 'Baskonia' (113:85) and 'Milan' (92:86). What's striking is that 'Maccabi' spent almost the entire season playing home matches on neutral turf, a feat that commands respect. In the quarterfinals' opener, 'Maccabi' remarkably outdid 'Pao' (87:91). However, they lost the second match (95:79). In a neutral court in Belgrade, both teams once again traded victories. Head-to-Head In regular-season EuroLeague matches, 'Maccabi' came out on top (81:86; 90:75). In this series, both teams have recorded two victories apiece. Match Forecast Maccabi's reaching a fifth match is testament to the team's resilience. Given the uncertainty surrounding Juancho Hernangomez's participation, coupled with the Greeks' possible lack of advantage under the shield, I surmise that the Israeli team might just fight its way into the closing stages.

Expert

Basketball

Europe - Euroleague

Odds: 3.21Stake: 5/10

Bet

07.05.2024

416

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are set to square off tomorrow morning in the NBA Eastern Conference semi-finals. New York Knicks The New York Knicks move into the second round of the Eastern Conference with belief after overcoming the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2 in the series. Jalen Branson, who's heading the NBA playoff scoring charts, has been instrumental averaging 35.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. In the last four games of the series, he scored 39, 47, 40, and 41 points, becoming the star attraction of New York. Other players also put in eye-catching performances. Josh Hart added 16.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while OG Anunoby chipped in with 15.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The team showed a strong defence which was their signature throughout the season, conceding an average of just 108.2 points per game.The Knicks, who finished second in the NBA regular season, put up a strong display in defence and attack, especially in the first round. They've successfully limited their opposition in paint defence, placing 6th best in this area. However, they've also faced challenges defending beyond the arc, which could be an issue against the Pacers. The New York roster is hampered by the loss of key players due to injury. Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanovic are out, limiting the team's rotation essentially to 7 players. Such a line-up might struggle to keep up the pace against speedier teams like Pacers, who have the best offensive rebounding percentage in the league. Despite injuries, the New York Knicks keep fighting and gear up for the upcoming postseason games, relying on their defence and Branson's ability to lead the attack. Indiana Pacers Indiana Pacers approach their next fixtures with plenty of confidence after a successful series against the Bucks, winning 4-2 against a Giannis-less outfit. Pascal Siakam leads the team averaging 22.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while Myles Turner adds 19.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton also plays a significant role with 16.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. The Pacers have been sharp on attack, scoring an average of 113.0 points per game in the playoff and converting 47.9% of their field goals. In the regular season, the team posted an even higher average of 123.3 points per game, which helped them overcome New York Knicks 2-1 in the season series.The Pacers' strength lies in their offence, reflected in their top-ranking for points scored and second-ranking offensive rating in the regular season. They also excel in shooting efficiency, placing third in the league for shooting percentage and sixth for the least turnovers. However, their defensive record poses questions, as they rank 27th in the league for points conceded in the regular season, casting doubt on their ability to sustain a lead in high-stakes matches. Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell made significant contributions off the bench in their last game against Milwaukee, scoring 21 and 20 points respectively, underscoring the depth of the team roster and their ability to step up in critical moments. The Pacers face the challenge of the subsequent playoff series, where they will face formidable opponents and will attempt to assert their offensive superiority while overcoming defensive shortcomings. Prediction for the New York Knicks - Indiana Pacers match Indiana lacks experience, much like many of the Knicks players, but in terms of structure and team defense in the playoffs, New York are two heads higher and should easily bag the first victory.

Expert

Basketball

NBA

Handicap1 (-4.5)

Odds: 1.84Stake: 5/10

lose

-5.0

06.05.2024

529