In order to secure a spot in the World Championship, Brazil needs to win against China, which has already secured its place. Although the Chinese team is very strong, I believe that given the circumstances and the importance of the match, it is possible to overcome such a handicap.
Australia no longer has anything to fight for, but in order for Canada to secure a spot in the playoffs, they need to win. Canada has been playing in this selection round with ups and downs, but after weaker matches, they would come back with a positive response. The question is what motivation Australia will have, but even against a highly competitive team like Australia, Canada should have a chance.
Kačinas and the cup winners Trefl continue to reap victories against Peru's national team, while Gdynia's team continues their poor streak. The series of losses and poor form from Gdynia do not inspire confidence, but Sopot's team looks very strong and their odds seem to be taken.
Finland Mestis league, semi-finals up to four wins. In the series, the team from Helsinki, the regular season champions, lead 1-0. The home team, who have rightfully earned their place in this stage, is a mix of young and veteran players with character. It is understandable that they want to dominate, playing at home in this decisive stage, but the Jokers have shifted into the highest gear and will give their all in the games, both offensively and defensively, both at home and away. The Jokers' lineup includes Latvian national team player Mika Tumanovs, who is also a member of the Finnish junior national team.
Not a single win this year and already 11 consecutive losses - Jarry's statistics in tournaments continues to decline. The experienced Chilean has never shone on hard courts, and his current solid opponent is a clear favorite who I believe will prove it. The good tennis shown by the Italian suggests that there is no better choice than to bet on him.
Local and experienced McDonald played quite well in the previous Indian Wells tournament and now starts again from qualifications. Defeating the Spaniard Mackenzie five days ago, he seems to be a clear favorite in the upcoming match, with a high chance of winning. Experience and greater skill, just like the home turf, I believe will bring victory for the American from Peru.
Well, I don't know, it's a weak tournament, both team's players are mediocre and both teams tend to make mistakes. The only downside is that it's the playoffs, but in such tournaments even at this stage the number of kills decreases minimally. So, I just go with the idea that this limit is a bit small.
The interesting thing about this Derby is that according to the table, they still have a chance to fight for 6th place and a spot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Portsmouth team is battling to avoid relegation, currently showing poor form with only 1 point in their last 4 matches. They also don't have a strong home record, having only collected 22 points in 18 matches. Derby is not showing the most stable form, but they definitely look better than the hosts, with 4 wins and 4 losses in their last 8 matches. There's no real difference between these teams when playing at home or away, but Derby is one of the better away teams in the league with 5 away wins. So, it's safe to say that they could take the points in this match. I'm going for the safer bet of 0-0 in case the game ends in a draw.
The essential thing is that these teams are fighting for survival and only 1 point separates them and the relegation zone. Fiorentina may not be doing well in the league, but they are a good team that is superior to both of these teams. A successful game in the conference league and a strong determination to compete against their opponents lead me to believe that Fiorentina will come out on top.
The Wolves game and results have turned upside down and although the team is still in 20th place, their ability can now be attributed to solid mid-table teams. The Brentford team will clearly play as the top number at home, but we have not seen domination from this team lately and since mid-January, this team has not been able to celebrate even with a 2 goal handicap. The fluctuating home team results and the good form of the Wolves show that the fight should be serious.
It is necessary for Zalgiris to take the win here, because the situation in the tournament table is becoming difficult, Real is in good form, while the form of Zalgiris' leaders is a bit lacking, but Real has had many matches at home, and they are not as strong in away matches. This is the main argument for the home court advantage. Live or die, the game is crucial for Zalgiris in maintaining at least the 7-8th spot in the tournament table.
In the first game, it was fairly evenly matched, but Peru celebrated over the Hungarians. Braga is playing well this year and the team is capable of defeating the Hungarian club at home. The question is, will they be able to advance to the next stage? However, it is very likely that they will reach Peru.
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.