Such a total Zion Manyciau Zemokas, however the season average is 21.3 although there is a bit of instability lately, it feels like every other game is on the 20 point line, but as stars, I think these games will give extra motivation because they are playing against the Knicks and their MSG arena. The Knicks have good defense, but after the break it is definitely possible to punish this team. Towns is a fan of creating chaos and overall there is no better defensive center, while the Knicks are more known for their deep perimeter defense, so I think this will be a game where Zion will lead the Pelicans forward.
In 2025, the Nuggets won all 4 games played among themselves, 2 of which were in this season and both were won with solid 18 and 22 point differences. The Suns also have a heavy load, and although they play at home, this team plays 3 games in 4 days. The Nuggets will only be missing one player, Peyton Watson, while the Suns' list of injured players is significantly larger with 4 players, including Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, choosing double-digit points in the team. Additionally, the two important players, Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen, are questionable. With such a load on the Suns team and a tough opponent in Peru, they should confidently win against the Nuggets once again.
In the Eurocup, Cedevita managed to win both of their mutual games. Although Cedevita currently has a 3-game losing streak, the club lost to Partizan and Bourg teams and dropped out of the Eurocup, but after dropping out of the European tournament, the first games are often not successful, but then the team regroups and starts playing well again. Currently, the Cluj team also looks weak, and their points-based basketball philosophy suits Olimpija's team very well, which I believe should win for the third time and celebrate Peru, as they are the stronger team.
This year, Xinjiang is playing well only at home and has recently beat Shandong, who are much higher ranked, at home. Both teams are in poor form, but Xinjiang has lost all three of their recent away games. Meanwhile, Shandong has won two in a row, but against weaker teams in the league. At home, Xinjiang can definitely come out on top and during all home games, they have only lost once by a margin of 9 or more points.
Fenerbahce's 'closet' defender - Tucker, the team's leader who executes overseas passes, has an average of 12.4 points, against a team like Monaco his maximum was 22 shots, which shows the high potential he has when necessary in this event. This 25-point line can only be reached if Maccabi is able to maintain the intensity of the game. If not, it is very likely that he will not reach his average of 18 points per game.
This year, Xinjiang has been playing well only at home, and they recently defeated the Shandong basketball players, who are currently ranked much higher. Both teams are in poor form, but Xinjiang has lost all three of their recent away games. Meanwhile, Shandong has won two in a row, but against the weakest teams in the league. At home, Xinjiang can certainly rise up and in all league games at home, they have only lost once by 9 or more points.
I am going with the idea that Maccabi is trying to catch a good wave and make a push for the playoffs as the season nears its end, especially since Fenerbahce is showing signs of relaxation at the moment. The game will be played in the noisy Nikolic arena, in Serbia, where neither team will have home court advantage today. Maccabi's motivation to win the game will be greater.
For Žalgiris, as well as all the remaining games, are important, while Bayern doesn't have anything to lose. They have a pretty athletic team, with really good snipers at the 3PT line who can definitely shoot. I believe they can easily score 160 points, knowing that Žalgiris is in good form. I think it should be an over and nothing else.
Dubai no longer has the advantage of home and finally has to show a worse game. Pao started to look better, pulling off a tough game in the fourth period against Zvezda, and with Lessort returning, he brings positivity to the team. It is necessary for both teams, as they are in a difficult position in the standings, but Pao is a significantly better team and must show it at this stage and produce results.
A little drop was observed in Fenerbahce's stock after their defeat to Olympiacos, but to me it doesn't seem like a tragedy, rather an opportunity. Such losses are very likely and should only strengthen Fenerbahce as the season comes to an end. The team is trained by possibly the best coach in Europe, so I can't imagine the final four without Fenerbahce. Of course, the finals will take place in Greece and it won't be easy, but in the end, everything depends on my assumption that Fenerbahce has over 20% chance of winning the Euroleague.
Bucks leaving the East is a serious possibility, especially with such high odds. Giannis is having another incredible season and it doesn't seem like his form will decline. Ryan Rollins is becoming a great player. Kevin Porter Jr is not yet there, but he will be, and if we don't count his non-basketball related issues, he is a great player. AJ Green is a complete sniper who can make shots in every game. Myles Turner is struggling right now, but he will start making shots soon. The recipe for the Bucks is clear - Giannis is the main man and the shooters are placed around him, and with this team, it's possible to win championships.
The main contenders will most likely be Cleveland, 76ers, and Knicks, maybe even Orlando, but it's disappointing and unclear which of them will rise this season.
Outrights (NBA 2025/26 - To Reach the Playoffs - Golden State Warriors : NO) @500 4/10
The West is very competitive. In the past years, it was not clear who would rank in the top 4 - 11.
The Spurs will still be in the mix, and the Rockets look strong. It's too early to count out the Kings.
Curry is 37 years old, Butler is 36, and Draymond is 35, so the core players are getting older and could potentially face the same injuries.
First long-term bet for the new full season. Chelsea's coefficient is still over 2, which means they will finish in the Top 4, and I have no doubts about that. Last season, they finished fourth and strengthened their team impressively at the end of the season. It was clear that this young team is a force to be reckoned with, winning two trophies and beating PSG gave them a lot of confidence going forward. So yes, Chelsea will play Champions League football, but in terms of the main competition for the fourth place, I see Newcastle as the main rival and I don't think they have strengthened enough to challenge for it. As for the other teams, United and Tottenham? United have made too much progress in just one season and Tottenham have a lower level than Chelsea, plus they are also in the Champions League. Aston Villa seems destined for relegation and I don't see any other contenders. Overall, I believe Chelsea is closer to joining the top three of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, rather than fighting for the Top 4 spot, which I don't see them achieving in the upcoming Premier League season.