The last days of preparation for the KBO season start on Friday. There isn't much information about the choice because games are held every day, with a lot of rotations, poor pitchers get to appear, etc... The Eagles played 10 friendly games, in which they either exceeded or tied the total score 6 times, and the Dinos also played 10 friendly games, in which they exceeded or tied the total score 7 times.
The last preparation day for KBO before the season start on Friday. There isn't much information about the choices as the competitions take place every day, there is a lot of rotation, poor pitchers have to perform, etc. Doosan played 10 friendlies, of which 7 exceeded this total. KT Wiz also played 10, of which 6 exceeded the total, both teams are going under for this match.
England under-21 league is one of the most productive, with Ipswich being one of the best teams in terms of overs, averaging 4.4 goals per game (only Leicester's games have an average of 4.5 goals). Burnley's young team has an average of 3.4 goals, but away from home that average rises to over 4.4 goals, which balances out the goal situation in their games. These teams rarely play against each other, but all 3 previous meetings in 2022 and twice in 2024 ended with 7, 5, and 6 goals respectively, and all 3 matches had 2+ goals in the first half (2, 3, and 4 goals).
The England u21 league is one of the most productive, and Ipswich is one of the top teams in terms of overs, with an average of 4.4 goals per match (only Leicester's matches have an average of 4.5 goals over). Burnley's youth team has an average of 3.4 goals, but away matches increase this average to 4.4 goals, creating a well-balanced playing field. These teams rarely play against each other, but all three of their previous matches in 2022 and twice in 2024 ended with 7, 5, and 6 goals respectively, with all three matches having at least 2+ goals in the first period (2, 3, and 4 goals).
Two teams meet, whose home performances differ drastically, and the fighters return home after a long series of away games. I had to watch their game against one of the league leaders, Guangsha, and it looked quite good. Returning home, it is possible to expect better results, and the home court advantage should help as usual.
Liaoning, who are in good form, are currently playing after losing at home against Beijing, which was a painful loss. They are now hosting Nanjing, who are a complete home team. They have won 2 out of 13 games, both against teams that have not achieved a victory this season. Overall, Nanjing has only lost one game on their away games, and that was by a margin of less than 10 points.
Although Karen Khachanov has more experience, Landaluce has enough talent and energy to hang in there for the match, and if he catches a wave, he definitely has a chance to even win.
A clash between two sides of different tournament table positions. The home team proved their superiority by winning 3-1 away and I hope for the same outcome in Castellon. Although the home team currently looks weak, it is a great opportunity to resist, as the margin between the teams is huge, as shown by Leonese's lack of wins this year and 8 losses out of 12.
Romania's strong middle-of-the-table team, Otelul, is playing against one of the underdogs. In this season, Otelul has not lost a single out of their 3 head-to-head matches and both teams have something to fight for. Unirea realistically has not been celebrating victories this season and has only won once in 10 league matches this year. Otelul appears to be stronger and more capable, although the current form of both teams is not good.
The last few meetings show that 160 points in Peru is not a big problem, I don't think this will be an exception here. In the last few games, they earned a solid 90+ points.
The Cluj season in the Europa Cup has ended, so now there is a great opportunity to successfully finish the ABA league regular season. The opponent is weak and even has 1 day under rest, although the situation is similar in terms of strength. Cluj plays a point-scoring based basketball, while Bosnia team is not a suitable opponent.
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) @6.000 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.