Toronto-New Jersey 205 over
The Raptors are good offensive team and averaged 104 ppg. At home are more efficient and tonight expect starter point guard Jose Calderon to be back after he missed the last games. Chris Bosh leading the double-doubles category at points and rebounds and his matchup with Brook Lopez is very exciting. Turkoglu is in good shape and Bargnani also plays good. Back up point guard Jarret Jack became one of the most important players recently, while scores and contributes in both ends.

The Nets start to falling again and tehy count 5 consecutive losses. Devin Harris needs games and time to reach his top of his form and guys like Lee, Hassel, Najera, all came back from long time after injuries. Brook Lopez is reliable scorer and rebounder and his consistensy is remarkable this year.
The Nets are more offensive after Kiki Vanteweghe run the team as head Coach.

The total of 205 is good for a shot. If the teams have a regular percentage at the field goal, the total will be over.

New Orleans-New York+6,5 home
CP3 is back and the Hornets won three straight.
New York also run three games winning streak while hitting over 45% on 3-points shots 30/66.

Indiana-New Jersey+3,5 away
No Granger and many questions for avalability of Foster, Dunleavy and Hansbrought.
New Jersey play better and better.

Philly-Houston-2,5 home
I persist on Philly and A.I. to stop their 11 game skid.

Toronto-Atlanta-4 away
Atlanta is better team and Toronto has injured players.

Miami-Dallas+1 away
Big game and big players involve. O'Neil is very questionable.

Chicago-Golden State+5 away
Chicago stinks and the Warriors can score over 100 points easilly.

Cleveland-Portland+9,5 away
Portland is good defending team and the spread is huge.

Memphis-Oklahoma+2 away
Durant and his Thunder is very ambitius.
Memphis is getting better and improving team.

San Antonio-Charlotte 186,5 under
Larry Brown and Greg Popovic rule.

L.A.Lakers-Minnesota+15 home
very huge spread, but the Lakers deserve it.

Phoenix-Orlando 215 over
Orlando can follow the up tempo style that adopt Phoenix.


My selections are
New Orleans-6,5
S.A.S.-Charlotte 186,5 under
Phoenix-Orlando 215 over.

The first game after his return was emotionally. He couldn’t help his team to win against the high flight Denver Nuggets, but he gave a boost on the tickets while it was the first sellout game in the Arena. Allen Iverson is very motivated and the rest of the Sixers need somebody to take action and avoid the 11th straight loss.
Detroit Pistons have their own issues of injuries. Rip Hamilton and Prince are long time absents and ben Gordon played last game 12 minutes with ankle problem. Stuckey, Vilanueva and Swedish Jerebko are the guys who carry the team.
I think Philly is close to win. The ‘’Answer’’ has inspired his teammates and the crowd and all of them they are committed and dedicated to their target.


Philly-3,5


Milwaukee-Toronto+3,5 home
This is the secont game that I'm going to bet. Waukee is good rebounding team and they have many players who can score. Jennings, Delfino, Ilyasova, Bogutt.
Toronto will be without starter point guard Calderon.

New Jersey-Golden State+1,5 home
The Nets playing good after the return of Harris, Dooling, Lee.
Golden State is very unpredictable team, but the momentum right now is on the N.J. Nets side.

Minnesota-New Orleans-3 away
Chris Paul is back. So the Hornets upgrated one level.

Houston-Clevelant_2,5 away
King James couldn't compromised with second concecutive loss.

Philly-Denver-6,5 home
Allen Iverson-the return. This is the story of the day and how the seasonal tickets get a boost. The fans are happy to have a reason to attend at the stands and of course the ''answer'' has the opportunity to find action.
The only bad thing is the Denver Nuggets team that is the best in form in the league.
I hope the Sixers to copmpete the Nuggets.

New York-Portland-3,5 away
Portland play good defense and have the all star Brandon Roy in excellent condition. The absents of Oden and Outlow are significants, but the team has a depth on the bench.
The Knicks play good games recently. The veterans Hughes and Harrington are proven players and help the youngers. But we are talk about the Knicks.

Oklahoma-Golden State+6,5 home
Second poor game in a row for Oklahoma and Durant ? No way.

Utah-San Antonio+1,5 away
Lot of up and unders for both teams. Very complicated matchup.

At a glance.
Washington-Toronto+3,5 home
Toronto is very out of shape.

Atlanta-New York+10,5 home
Atlanta is solid and New York is a joke.

Oklahoma-Boston-4 home
B2B games for the Celtics and a hungry an ambitious team for Oklahoma.

Cleveland-Chicago 190 under.
Chicago not scores a lot, but the LeBroniers are averaged just under 100 ppg.

Memphis-Dallas-5,5 away
The Mavs is very experienced team while the Grizzlies are still improved.

Detroit-Milwaukee+3,5 away
Detroit hasn’t big bodies to control the paint. The Bucks is much focused team.

New Orleans-Minnesota+9 home
The Hornets under Bower score more and run an up tempo game. Minnie can follow with good and speedy guards.

New Jersey-Charlotte-3,5 away.
New Jersey is awful and Charlotte is good organized team.

Utah-Indiana+8 home.
Utah at home is very strong and Indiana makes plenty of T.O.’s.

L.A.Lakers-Miami+12 away
Second blowout loss for the Heat? I can’t believe it.

I lean on Dallas and Atlanta.

Washington-Milwaukee 195,5 under
Washington won last night at Toronto after good display of Arenas, Jamison and Butler. This is b2b game and the 4th in 6 days. The Wizards started to play good when the injured players came back. At the moment just Mike Miller is out, but they have plenty of choices at the back line.
Milwaukee and the superb rookie Brandon Jennings started the season very well. The return of Bogut gives them power and score in the paint. Michael Redd is out with injury and backup point guard Ridnour is questionable.
Waukee is good rebounding team and usually plays with Bogutt in long possessions. If Ridnour don’t wear his uniform it wills problems for Jennings, because there isn’t any other proven point guard in the roster.
I think they are going in long possessions game to avoid fatigue and the total of 195,5 is high.

Orlando-New York+14 home
New York won last night the Suns with brilliant performance. They used to be down of expectation on the next game and when they play at Orlando the things are going to be the ordinary. About 20 points gap.

Atlanta-Toronto+9 home
Toronto last night was awful against Washington. All star Chris Bosh went on 7/22 field goals and Turkoglu doesn’t fit on this team. Just Calderon and Jack play good.
Atlanta is the definition of the team. They have balance on score while all the starters averaged double digits, plus Jamal Crawford who come from the bench.

New Jersey-Dallas-7,5 home
The Nets is one lose away to setting a new record of futility. New Coach is the GM Kiki Vanteweghe but he will sit on the bench on Friday.
Dallas is a way better team than the Nets, but it’s very weir game.

Chicago-Detroit+8 home
Detroit has injured all the good scorers. Hamilton, Gordon, Prince and probably Vilanueva.
Chicago returned home after a disastrous 6-games road trip and wants to win to rebuild his confidence.

Oklahoma-Philly+6 away
Look whose back. The ‘’answer’’ Allen Iverson signed to Philly and probably will play tonight.
Oklahoma is without starter center Krstic and Durant and co they want get wins for their big target. The playoffs.

Sacramento-Indiana+2,5 home
Sacramento is the youngest team in the league. They have a lot of talent and an inspired coach, Paul Westfall. Hawes is questionable, but the young guns Thompson, Evans, Green will show up.

My double for tonight is Sacramento-2,5 and Wash.-Wuakee under 195,5.

Denver-Golden State+14 home
Denver was the victim of desperately Minnesota last Sunday. Despite they had the lead with 15 point midway through the second quarter, fall at the end to lowly T-Wolves.
Billups and Melo are the leaders of the team and I’m waiting to bounce back after the stunning result and poor performance on the second half on Sunday. The bench with Smith and ‘’Birdman’’ Andersen usually give boost during the second unit. The rookie Lawson is very fast on the backup point guard’s role and takes minute over Anthony Carter.

Golden State played yesterday against Indiana, in a game that decided at the last quarter. Leading scorer Monta Ellis made career high with 45 points. He along to Morrow played 42 and 41 minutes respectively and the other talented youngster Anthony Randolph left the game with sprained ankle, living space to Chris Hunter to take minutes.

Golden State has only Mikki Moore and perhaps Rony Turiaf in limited time, in the paint. I think Nene and K-Mart they haven’t any problem to dominate on the boards and to low post. Melo is on 30 points territory every night.
On the other hand, Golden State they have fatigue issues due b2b games and Monta Ellis will be the target of the opposite defense.
I expect the factor Minny’s lost game to act as alarm for the Nuggets and I bet on a blowout win.

Few words for the rest games.
Charlotte-Boston 179,5 under
Larry Brown never let his teams to run and score points. Long possessions and focus on the defense.

Toronto-Washington+6,5 away
Big numbers on the spread. Arenas-Jamison-Butler are all stars players.

New York-Phoenix-7,5 home
Coach D’Antoni knows very well his old team

Portland-Miami+7 away
Portland was surprisingly bad in the last two games.

L.A.Lakers-New Orleans 203 over
The Lakers always are on century mark on points category.
New Orleans after Scott’s departure seems to play more offensive.

Milwaukee-Chicago 195,5 under
Both teams run on consecutives lose. The Bucks are 4 in a row and have the injuries of Bogut and Redd. The rookie Brandon Jennings is the target of the opposite defense, after a terrific beginning in the season.
The Bulls are in the last stage of their 6 games trip and come out of 4 blowout games. Tyrus Thomas is long injured and Hinrich is questionable.
Last meeting between them was four weeks ago at Chicago, with The Bulls to got the W 83-81. This year Vinny Del Negro transformed his Bulls to defensive team, with long possessions.
Scot Skiles is well known coach with good defensive and rebounding teams.
The total of 195 is high, without good scores like Redd, Bogutt, Hinrich (?).

Dallas-Philly+11 home
Six loses in a row for Philly and 8 on the last 9 games. The injury list is full of Williams-Speights and Brand. The weakness on back line and the low scoring in the paint (without Brand), plus the b2b games, is very difficult for Philly to overcome.
Dirk, Marion, Kidd……. You know…..

Utah-Memphis+11 away
Just only because the injuries of Utah. Kirirenko, Price, Milsapp and perhaps Okur.

Golden State-Indiana+2,5 home
Golden State improved on T.O stats. They haven’t big men in the lineup because of injuries of Biendrins and Turiaf. But Monte Ellis is on good shape and the all attack Nellie’s systems, give to The Warriors credits.
Indiana is good scoring team, but very inconsistence. Point guard T.J.Ford plays below to his standards and the team is ranked very high on Turnovers.

Boston-Toronto 203 over
Toronto’s run n gun style allows them to score over 100 ppg average.
Boston is better team and they score points easily.
I think the total of 203 is low.

Indiana-Dallas 202,5 over
Indiana has a lot of good scorers and three pointers. Danny Granger is questionable, but Danthey Jones can score over 20 points easy. Big men Murphy and Hansebrough can shoot threes and point guard T.J.Ford run the ball very fast.
Dallas is better team and Dirk is a proven scorer and leader. Shaun Marion found a team to fit perfect and Jason Kidd passing the ball well.
Another low total at 202,5 points.

Oklahoma-Milwaukee+5 away.
Bogut is out, but Waukee has Michael Redd back. Brandon Jennings is great in the early season. The Bucks is very effective team on the boards and when the defensive rebound is taken, Jennings is unstoppable.
Oklahoma is team for playoffs. They have talent and size on their big threes, Durant-Green-Westbrook. Only the inexperience factor can avoid their target.
Waukee is very serious and controlled team and the spread is big.

Sacramento-New Jersey+4 away
Tonight if the Nets lose the game they are going to 0-16. Tomorrow night they play at L.A.Lakers and probably they are going to 0-17 and they tie the negative record of consecutive losses at the beginning of season.
So only for this statement I think they win.

Here I’m back after 5 days off.
Tonight I’m leaning on Indiana’s desire to stop a four games losing streak. After a good second half performance last night at Toronto, that was cut the lead to 5 points from 21 at the halftime, they want to see the return of Mike Dunleavy Jr. to come with victory against his father who is head coach of the Clippers.
Danny Granger was superb in Toronto with season high 36 points. Also Troy Murphy performed well and shows to be in good form.

The Clippers won two straight games at home. Baron Davis sealed the last win against Minnesota in the crunch time with jumper, despite was 0/9 before that. Chris Kaman continues the good games and is really threat on the low post.
Tonight expecting the return of Eric Gordon after an injury, that kept him out of action for over two weeks.

Indiana is better on the boards and T.J.Ford running the offense. Foster, Hibbert, Hansbrough and Jones they can limited Kaman and Camby in the paint. The ability to scoring trhee’s all the starters of Indiana, makes them very dangerous for any defense.
If Indiana score over 100 points will get this one.

Philly-Memphis+5,5 home
Elton Brand had his best game this season against Charlotte on Wednesday. Philly needs him to be effective in low post scoring and on the board. Iguodala continues to play as a leader and his Sixers need this win because follows three games stretch away from home.
Memphis run two games winning streak, after lost the previews seven. Rudy Gay and O.J.Mayo are the guys who step up, but the front line is very inconsistence.
Clear home win.

Toronto-Miami+3 home
Toronto returns from Western trip with 1-3 record and two blow-outs. Only Chris Bosh played his best in that trip.
Miami has some concerns about Q-Rich and Haslem. Wade is ready to go but needs help.

Indiana+4-Cleveland away
Indiana missed the opportunity to win six straight games, against the Knicks at home. They lose 19-points lead that had in the middle of third quarter. Tonight returns Troy Murphy.
Cleveland even without Shaq and with concerns about LeBron’s wrist is better team than Indiana. The defense makes the difference.

Atlanta-Houston+7 away
Atlanta has the best record in the Eastern Conference and they deserve this. Good balanced team on both ends and becomes better year by year.
Houston plays good games so far and the spread of 7 points is big. Despite they haven’t a proven big man in the paint, they have score in the post.

Boston-Orlando+6 away
The biggest game of the schedule. Both of them made some moves on the preseason and will see how the Celtics can limit Howard and Carter and how the Magic can limit the 3-amigos.

Oklahoma-Washington+3,5 away
Washington with Jamison back is playoff team. They have score outside and inside and they are very experienced team.
Oklahoma has a lot up and under in their games. Kevin Durant is always solid and carries the team on his shoulders. Westbrook and Green are the co-leaders, but Harden gives the energy coming off the bench.

Dallas-Sacramento 201,5 over
Sacramento is the youngest team in the league and rookie Tyreke Evans alongside to Jason Thompson they have all star potential. Their game is based on fast tempo and coach Westfall pushes his players to run.
Dallas can run and score also and I think the total of 201,5 is low.

Milwaukee-Charlotte+3,5 away
With Bogut out with injury, rookie Brandon Jennings is the only really danger for the Cats.
I expect Coach Brown to overplay him in order to shut him down.
Also the total of 182 is very high for this one.

Clippers+9-Denver away
Fire Dunleavy !!!

Golden State-Portland 207,5 over
Golden State wants to score more points than opposite team. No defense, no defensive mind.
Portland can score points too.

Philly-Charlotte 185,5 under
Charlotte averaged only 83 ppg.

Washington-Cleveland-4,5 away
Lebron starting to warming up.

Atlanta-Miami+7,5 away
Huge spread for Miami.

Indiana-New York+6,5 away.
Back to back games for Indiana and fatigue plus limited rotation.

Orlando-Oklahoma 196 over.
Everybody is there. Howard-Carter-Lewis.
Durant-Green-Westbrook.

Boston-Golden State 209,5 over

Memphis-Clippers+5,5 home
Coach Dunleavy is the reason for losing seasons in a row for the Clippers. Even and these Grizzlies are better team.

Minnesota-Houston-5,5 away
Different class.

Milwaukee-New Jersey+10 home
New Jersey is the worst team in the league. Even than New York and the Clippers

Utah-Toronto 209,5 over
They score easily both of them.

Dallas-San Antonio 196 under
The return of veterans Duncan and Parker indicates good defense.

Portland-Detroit 10,5 away
Detroit is tough nut and well known bad boys.

Ten is enough for New Jersey. The worst starting record in franchise history for the Nets, is seems to be over tonight. Coach Franc and his players they were close to the first victory two nights ago, but Wade’s 3-pointer at the buzzer spoiled them. Tonight they hope to some returns and all star point guard Devin Harris is almost recover from his groin injury. Brook Lopez is very improving this year.
Indiana run a 4 game winning streak with last win been came against Boston. Danny Granger had his best performance in that game. Along with Jones and Rush determined a very prolific back court line. Starter point guard T.J.Ford has some back spasm problems, but expects to play.
The Nets are hungry for the first victory and they make something like oath.

Cleveland-Golden State+14,5 home
Golden State traded at last captain Jax to Charlotte, for Raja Bell and Radmavovic.
Cleveland won 4 in a row and Lebron James continues the high flights.

Miami-Oklahoma+6,5 away
Very big numbers at the spread for Oklahoma. The Thunder is very athletic team and scores easy.
Miami is Dwayne Wade’s team and ‘’Flash’’ does everything for his Heat. Starting point guard Chalmers is out with shoulder injury and Jermain O’Neil is questionable.

New Orleans-Clippers 195,5 under
Without CP3 and with coach Scott fired, nobody knows what to expect from the Hornets.
Clippers are bad team, despite they have good players individual. The reason is the overage coach Dunleavy.

Houston-Phoenix 217,5 over
The best offense with 110 ppg is the familiar spot for the Suns. Steve Nash runs the team and Amare dunks all the way.
Houston shows there is no problem to score points. The confidence is high after the great win at L.A.

Denver-Toronto 215 over
Toronto scores 107 ppg in this early season. Bosh and Bargnani made good job and Canadians hope to make a playoff year.
Denver is title contender with Melo to score around to 30 every night.

Sacramento+2,5-Chicago away.
The Kings surprised many NBA fans with their development. Young power forward Jason Thompson plays very well and the rookie point guard Tyreke Evans is very strong and good scorer.
Chicago is transformed in good defensive team, with center Joacim Noah to be solid in both ends. The maturity of Rose and Deng is the key for a successful year.

Lakers-Detroit+10,5 away
Kobe Bryant is very questionable for tonight. With Gasol out for sure, Lakers they want all the guys to step forward.
Detroit has a new injury of Stuckey who is probable for tonight. Gordon and Vilanueva play good and absents of Prince and Hamilton is not affect a lot.

Milwaukee-Golden State+8 home
The rookie Brandon Jennings runs the Bucks in a very exciting and promising year. His queeckness and passing ability makes his teamates better.
Waukee is the best team on the boards and Andrew Bogut has developed his inside game.
Golden State won last night at New York and had balance on the score with 5 players scored 20+ points.
The bad news are they have just nine players in uniform and this is the third game in four nights.
So, let's go Bucks.

New York-Golden State+3 home.
Are you crazy? Do you lean on the scrappy Knicks ?
Yeah baby, I like that numbers on spread and money line. And know why ? Because the Warriors are more shitty than New York.
Just yesterday on practice Nellie had a verbal fight with Monta Ellis. Maggette is out with hamstring injury, captain Jax is unhappy and wants to trade, big men Biendrins and Turiaf are out.
So if the knicks don’t win this one, they can go out from now. Not to wait for summer when the contracts 8 out of 14 players expiring.
And Mike D’Antoni believe me. These Warriors are way worst team, even than your Knicks.

Philly-Utah+2 home.
Utah is very inconsistent.

Orlando-new Jersey+15 home.
Very poor Nets.

New Orleans-Portland-3 away
Coach Scott fired and the Hornets are stunning.

Minnesota-Dallas-11 home
Huge spread, but fair.

Boston-Atlanta+8 away
Solid teams, both of them.

Sacramento-Houston-4 away
Rick Adelman returns in the court of his lovely Sacramento.

Clippers-toronto-3 away.
Get out o here. Clippers ? There is nowhere team with this name.

Toronto-Chicago 207,5 under.
Back to back games for Chicago, after a controversial loss to Denver last night. Defense is part of the game that developed this year and so far by Coach Del Negro. This year never scored over than 93 points in a single game.
Toronto is way different team than last year. Bosh and Bargnani playing outstanding basketball. Like a team they score a lot and averaged 109 ppg.
My stats said is around 200-202 points total.

Indiana-Golden State+5,5 home.
Golden State is without big men after injuries of Biedrins and Turiaf. They outrebounded by their opponents by almost 10 rpg.
Indiana rested the last 5 days and will be fresh.
I expect a high scoring game but the total of 223 is big. So relay on Indiana because Golden State has a very young and inexperienced team.

New York-Atlanta-5,5 away
Atlanta is too much for New York. The Knicks is the worst team in the league.

New Jersey-Philly-5,5 away
New Jersey has long list of injuries and absents. Harris, Yi, Lee, Simmons, Douglas-Roberts, are between them. The Nets is the only team in the NBA without win, in the first 7 games.
Philly is a playoff team and probably they rout over the Nets.

Boston-Utah+12 home.
If Deron Williams is out with back spasm, the home win is banker.

Detroit-Charlotte+4,5 away.
Detroit is without Hamilton and Prince and their subs Gordon and Vilanueva are good players, but the Pistons missed the depth on their bench.
Charlotte is very organized and the teams of Coach Larry Brown always have the control of the game.

Milwaukee-Denver-3,5 home
Back to back game for Denver. Last night Melo-Billups-Nene-Martin, played from 32 to 40 minutes, so fatigue is the issue, because this is the 6th game in 8 nights and the end of the trip at Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee has a power inside with Bogut and outside with speedy Jennings.

Minnesota-Portland-8 away.
Seven straight losses for Minnesota, but the last -41 at Golden State was ringing the alarm.
Portland is better team and normally they crash the T’Wolves.

Orlando-Cleveland+1 home
Solo mirando.

Houston-Memphis+9 home
Houston is way better team even without Yao and T-Mac.
Memphis doesn’t play any defense.

San Antonio-Dallas 196 over
Without Duncan and Parker San Antonio plays better offensively and score more.
Dallas is good in both ends and averaged 104 ppg

Phoenix-new Orleans 218 under
Phoenix scores many points and this is well known from everybody. But New Orleans usually plays big possessions game and they haven’t a consistent scorer.

L.A.C.-Oklahoma+2,5 away
I can’t imagine the young guns of Oklahoma to have second poor game, especially at defense.
The Clippers are hostage of the overage, pitiable, lack of new ideas mind of Mike Dunleavy.

Clippers-New Orleans 194,5 under
Something goes wrong in New Orleans. The departure of Rasual Butler and the removed of Peja on the bench left the team without a pure 3-point shooter. Chris Paul scores more this year, but passes the ball less, doesn’t involve his teammates on the offensive end.
The Clippers are always the second team of L.A. Mike Dunleavy is overage Coach and he cannot fit plays for star point guard Barron Davis. He wants to control the pace of the game with long possessions and strong defensive devotion.
The total of 194,5 is too high for this matchup.

Philly-Phoenix-2 away
I’m impressed how this Phoenix team reloaded to a well-known scoring machine team that enjoyed few years ago. Channing Frye is the surprise with the ability to score three’s, despite starting at center position.
Philly is good and better than year before, but Phoenix is hot.

New York-Utah-5,5 away.
New York is a joke. Period.
Utah has a lot up and downs this year, but against the Knicks is impossible to lose.

San Antonio-Toronto+7 home
San Antonio at home is always favorite. Tim Duncan can limit Chris Bosh and only Bargnani is a real headache for the Spurs.
Toronto took an important win at New Orleans and tonight closes the trip of Southwest, after a loss to Dallas two days ago. Not bad.

Golden State-Minnesota 213 over.
Golden State is one dimension team. Only attack the rim. No defense, no pressure, no commitment.
Minnesota is very weak for another one year.


P.S. I saw some visitor from India and Indonisia !!!!!Thank you who come here. I will be very happy if you write something at the comments.

When the numbers talk. A view from statistics data programe.

Over 2,5
Aston Villa-Bolton
Man.City-Burnley
Tottenham-Sunderland
Catania-Napoli
Inter-Roma
Valencia-Zaragoza


Under 2,5
Swansea-Cardiff
Crystal Palace-Boro
Nottingham-Bristol City
Bari-Livorno
Gijon-Espanyol

NBA Wed 4th of Nov.

Toronto-Detroit 189 over
Toronto is the favorite to win here, but the spread of 9 points is huge. Last night Detroit won the Magic, in a very weird game, while the Pistons played without Hamilton and Prince and Orlando saw Carter and Howard to played limited time due minor injuries.
Toronto has Bosh and Bargnani in form and averaged 108 ppg. Calderon run the team to a fast pace tempo, so the total of 189 is probably low.

Orlando-Phoenix+9 home
It depends of Howard’s and Carter’s playing time. Howard suffers at shoulder and Carter at ankle. Obviously Orlando has good scorers out of the 3 points line, but the guy to go is Howard.
Phoenix won at Miami last night after a fabulous performance of Steve Nash. Barbosa was out with wrist injury. Amare and Hill are very experienced players and took advantage the Steve’s night.
Looks like an easy win for Orlando, but be aware of Howard and Carter’s situation.

Washington-Miami+3 home
Gilbert Arenas is in form and Wizards rolling. Very good and strong back line that can scores threes and running on the floor. I expect playoff year for Washington.
Miami didn’t have the answer for Nash last night. Wade scored and assisted many plays, but the young guys had poor presence.
Tonight Miami has a chance to win, only if Wade scores a large amount of points.

New Jersey+10-Denver away.
Without Harris and Yi, New Jersey hasn’t any single chance to win here. Two nights ago they scored just 7 points in third quarter at Charlotte and were scoreless for about 11 minutes.
Melo and company is on the zone.

New York-Indiana+5 home
Something bad happens to Indiana and rumors said Danny Granger is unhappy. The team is 0-3 and if lose to the Knicks, they‘re going to 0-4 for the first time in franchise history.
New York is unpredictable, but in the last games shows a passion and commitment to win. If they play in the same intensity they‘ll win.

Minnesota+12-Boston away
Boston is very efficient team in the starting of the season. Garnett is healthy and the new comers Rasheed, Daniels and Shelden Williams gave depth on the bench. None of the regulars played more than 30 minutes last night at Philly.
Minnesota is rebuilding around Al Jefferson and Corey Brewer, with Kurt Rambis on the bench.
Easy win for Boston.

Houston-L.A.Lakers 202 over.
Last year in second round of the playoffs, Houston without T-Mac and Yao forced L.A in seven games. Then followed the trade of Artest-Ariza.
Tonight the speedy Brooks good organized Rockets they have to score over 100 points, if they want to win. L.A. has power in the front line with Bynum-Odom and in slow tempo game has advantage.

New Orleans-Dallas+4,5 away
Dallas outscored Utah 44-18 in the last quarter last night. Dirk is in good shape and also Shawn Marion found himself and fit perfect with the Mavericks.
New Orleans needs something more than all stars CP3 and West. They are play good defense but in the other end everything depends on Paul.
Dallas is better team.

Sacramento+5-Atlanta away.
Kevin Martin scored 48 points on Monday and the Kings needed over time to beat Memphis. The team is very weak on defense and they have problems against proven good teams.
Atlanta won last night at Portland after brilliant performance of Jamal Crawford, who came from the bench. The Hawks are developed dramatically and they get this type of games.

Golden State-Memphis 226 over.
Don Nelson and his Warriors play only offensive basketball. Monte Ellis, captain Jax and rookie Curry are great scorers.
Memphis on the other hand with Iverson on the line up, is also good scoring team. O.J Mayo and Rudy Gay are in the 20+ zone.
The total of 226 is huge, but the teams can score.

NBA Monday 2nd of Nov.

Charlotte is favorite by 7 points here, but I think the spread is too much for the team that owned the worst offensive record with 72,7 ppg. Starting point guard Raymond Felton is sloppy in these first games of the season with just one more assist than turnover 15-14. The injuries of Raja Bell and Flip Murray, make the back line very weak, plus the difficulties of new center Tyson Chandler to adapt his role on the team, makes me to believe that spread of -7 is huge.
New Jersey has his starting point guard Devin Harris out, with groin injury. But his replacement Rafer Alston is reliable point guard. The force of the team is the young center Brook Lopez, who can score and play good defense. Chinese forward Yi has the body to overcome smaller forwards and the ability to score three’s.
With these facts, New Jersey is my pick tonight.


New York lost two games in a row in over time. Nate Robinson is injured and that’s why Larry Hughes saw action two nights ago against Philly. Gallinari get the starting small forward spot, after netting 30 points in that game.
New Orleans made some changes in their rotation, sending Peja on the bench in favor of Julian Right. Chris Paul scores more, but pass the ball less. New center Emeca Okafor is solid on defense but will miss the flashy alley hoops that come with connection Paul-Chandler.
Difficult prediction here, but I think New York deserve their first win after their two last passion games.

Tonight is the debut of Allen Iverson with a Grizzlies uniform, against Sacramento. Only for this reason a shot on Memphis is necessary.

Utah and Houston continue their rivalry with the 25th game between them. The spread of 8 points is big for Utah, without Okur and Miles.

Also 8 points for the Clippers and that’s big number for team who never win a single game this year.

Three bankers on money line for today to double your money. Philadelphia, Utah and L.A.Lakers they have better teams and one way or another they will get them.

Also we have big favorites on Boston, New Orleans, Cleveland, but the spread is over 12 points and you never know when they relax. The garbets time is crucial for the spread.

Charlotte has a chance to win for the first time this season. Each team to play versus the Knicks has the same chance too. They trade centers (Okafor for Chandler), get more body and height in the paint. The point guards Felton and D.J. Augustine are the mind of the team and they have open line with Coach Brown.
New York is the joke of the league. Suddenly they found that team lacks on defensive aspects and try more on this part of the game. With Coach D’Antoni on the bench you can win only if you score over 110+ points. Also I think Larry Hughes is the next goat, in place of Stephon Marbury.
So I’ Going with Charlotte-1

Too many points for the Agent Zero and his Wizards. Washington won at Dallas with very good performance. So the 6,5 spread is huge. Atlanta is very solid team, with playoffs experience, but Washington also has good and healthy team.

This Oklahoma team is my favorite for this year. Very young and athletic, with three amigos Durant-Green-Westbrook, to have all star potential.
Big task tonight at Detroit and we see how developed than last year.

Miami is better team than Indiana. Dwayne Wade wants to have big season because this summer become free agent.
Indiana plays an all around game, with all five to have the ability for three points. If they are on the zone they could win anybody.

Toronto won Cleveland with big performance of Bargnani and Bosh. The two big men is the power of Toronto and they want to go deep in the play offs.
Memphis waits for Allen Iverson to overcome his injury. Till then only Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo they can lift this poor team.

Orlando shows from the first game what we can see this year. A lot of pressure on the opposite team and more three’s. Howard and Carter are the leaders and when Rashard Lewis will come back, they will be more effective.
New Jersey loss to Minnesota by Damien Wilkins’ buzzer beater. Before that wasted 16 points lead in fourth period.
The trade of last summer between these teams makes the game tricky. Normally Orlando they can win with double digit.

Golden State is super Dog with +5 points. Rookie point guard Stephen Curry is very good scorer and alongside to Monte Ellis they create a superb duo on offensive end.
Phoenix is the same old good story. Steve Nash and Grand Hill are one year older, Amare play at center, but never this is his position. They can score over 100 points, but they can let their opponents to do the same.

A little risky combo is Toronto-2, Charlotte-1, Miami+1,5 and Golden State +5 at Round Robbins 3 out of 4.

NBA Wed 28 of Oct.

Very busy day today with 12 games.

We have clear favorites at Orlando, Atlanta, Boston and San Antonio and some very unpredictable contests, like Clippers-Phoenix, Minnesota-New Jersey and Memphis-Detroit.
The odds show as light favorites Cleveland, Miami, Oklahoma, Golden State and Denver.

I ‘ll take Oklahoma -7,5 at the spread, because this year everybody waits for them an explosion and a battle for one playoff spot.
Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook are the young guns in the league and in their third year as pro players they have the experience and the talent to respond on this mission. Big men like Ethan Thomas and Nenad Krstic they have the quality to overcome the opposite front line.

Sacramento is rebuilding around Kevin Martin. Rookie point guard Tyreke Evans is an explosive scorer and second year big men Haws and Green have the talent, but not the experience. Veterans Noccioni, Mason and Udrich, compose a very limited team and if they win over 22 games this season, it will be their achievement.


Orlando made major moves in the offseason. First left the all around Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu and then the starting rookie Courtney Lee.
But the arrivals were most important, while former all star Vince Carter and his 20+ points landed on Amway Center, alongside to forwards Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass and the reserve point guard Jason Williams.

Philadelphia with Eddy Jordan on the bench as a head coach, want to have a successfully year like a year before. But the key of that success, point guard Andre Miller, left to Portland and leave a big hole on the organize part in this team. Luis Williams is very good scorer, but he hasn’t the creativity of Miller.
Iguodala and Elton Brand are the leaders of the team, but I think they have start to finding a real playmaker.

Minnesota will play without Kevin Love and Big Al Jefferson is doubtful. New Jersey has more options and deeper bench.
Second loss in a row for Cleveland? I can’t believe it, but the spread of 5 points is huge. Especially when Toronto changes their team, hold on just all star Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani.
If Cleveland has a poor productivity from the bench players, the sadness is around the corner.

Miami and Dwayne Wade want to have another playoff year. The young players will be better and if Wade is healthy all the season long, Miami will catch the spot.
New York is the same unreliable team like the 8 last years. The good thing is that 8 of 14 roster players, is on the last of their contracts. That means they have reason to play well, to find a new contract. But don’t forget we‘re talk about New York. The joke of the NBA.

And the season begins.
Shaquile arrives at Cleveland to gives his experience and his outstanding inside play. Things that let Le Bron to focus his effort on the perimeter. Shaq also can release the good three point shooters, like Mo Williams Dooby Gibson and Antony Parker. And of course Le Bron is the reighning MVP and the leader of the team.

Boston is one of the three megapowers of the East. Hopefully Kevin Garnet is back on track, without any concerns for his health. The big movement was the acquire of Rasheed Wallas, who get a new role on the Doc's rotation, coming from the bench. Rajon Rondo is better and better and captain Paul Pierce alongside to Ray Allen, all are ready for the 18th banner on Garden's ceiling.

Today the total of 187 points is too big. Both teams know that defense is the chapter #1 to dominate in the court.

The other games on schedule are very tricky. There are big favotites, but the 'dogs are capable for the victory.

Washington with Flip Saunders on the bench and agent 0 Gilbert Arenas healthy, is a playoff candidate and the -8 points, probably is too much.

Houston without the big stars Yao and T-Mac, is underestimate. The trade Ariza-Artest make them a little weak on outside score. But is the same team that threw out the Blazers in the first round last May and forced L.A. in 7th game on second round.
So the -9,5 points is big number and I'm going with the Rockets.

The Clippers is a bad joke, because coach Dunleavy. He has a huge number of great players, but he failed last season to make playoff. If there wasn't Sacramento, the Clippers they were the worst team of the league. It is pitty for Baron Davis, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and the N#1 overall pick Blake Griffin, to have head coach the overaged Mike Dunleavy.
L.A.Lakers to win over 10 points.

Later i will post news and picks from NBA

Untill then.....
Go Benficaaaaaaa.

All the games below are from stats programme data.


Over 2,5

Burnley-Wigan 80%
Tottenham-Stoke 73%
Chelsea-Blackburn 86%
West Ham-Arsenal 86%
Roeselare-Club Brugge 77%

Under 2,5

Crystal Palace-Nottingham 84%
Swansea-Blackpool 77%
Sampdoria-Bologna 74%
Atalanta-Parma 76%
Bari-Lazio 82%
Chievo-Milan 72%
Xanthi-Kavala 85%

I 've got a combo with under 2,5 Bari-Lazio and over 2,5 West Ham-Arsenal.

English Championship

Today I have predictions in English Championship, just from stats and from my computer data system

Blackpool-Shef. Utd home win 50% at 2,50+
QPR-Reading home win 51% at 1,80

Under 2,5
Bristol-Plymouth 74%
Leicester-Crystal Palace 72%

Over 2,5
Shef. Wed-Preston 74%

Over-Under from England and Italy

Over 2,5

Portsmouth-Tottenham (73%)
Sunderland-Liverpool (92% !!!!)
Blackburn-Burnley (83% !!!!)
Wigan-Man. City (72%)
Scunthorp-Shef. Utd (75%)
Shef. Weds-Coventry (74%)

Under 2,5

Blackpool-Plymouth (74%)
Bristol-Peterborough (74%)
Nottingham-Newcastle (72%)
Juve-Fiorentina (81% !!!!!)
Chievo-Bari (78%)
Livorno-Palermo (85% !!!!)

Slovakia plays versus Poland away. The game is very important for them and means nothing but pride for Poland. But in the last game at home against Slovenia, Slovakia was very poore and lost the game. So their first position on the group standing is on danger.

Uruguay took three very important points at Ecuador and their motivation and mentallity are at the top. They need a single win to make the WC10 at South Africa.
Argentina is in very bad condition, despite won last game at home against Peru 2-1. They performed bad and they are lucky to scored the winning goal on 92nd min. from off side position, without referry to cancel it.

Costa Rica needs to win at States to secure the third position to give WC10. But USA is not the team to make favors. At home Yankees are very efficient team and they count years without loss.

Belgium under Advocaat crassed Turkay 4-0. The young players they want to show their talent and Estonia isn't big power.

An overview from the stats’ angle, for England Championship.

Under 2,5
Doncaster-Swansea
Over 2,5
Boro-Leicester
Shef.Utd-Ipswich
Crystal Palace-Sheffield Wed.

The best pick for 1X2, is Preston’s home win.

Stats.

Let's take a look on statisticks data and to make a combo rely on numbers.

Under 2,5
Birmingham-Bolton ... by far the strongest pick.
QPR-Barnsley
Livorno-Fiorentina
Chievo-Atalanta

Over 2,5
Hamburg-Bayern
Catania-Roma
Valencia-Atl. Madrid

Gent-Westerlo+1,5 home win

Gent has the best offense in Belgium with 16 goals aout of 7 games and the best offense at home games, with 11 goals out of 3 games. Last Sunday they get a point at Brussels against Anderlecht and this fact probably affect in their mentality.

Westerlo has the second worst defense in the league with 15 goals and they scored just 5 goals at 7 games. Last Sunday they lose to Club Brugge 1-4 at home.

I'm waiting for a 3-0 or 4-0 score line.
The odds are around 2,00 and they are fair.

Debreceni and AZ.

Debreceni from Hungary with 2,5 goals, is one pick that gives me secure. Liverpool is megapower and I don't underestimate them, but I thin their first priority is the travel to London on Saturday, when they face West Ham.
I hope Reds to win by 2 goals, 3-1.

AZ Alkmaar is the reigning champions in Holland. Good team with strong defense and very dangerous attack. Dembele and Hamdaui are good scorers.
Olympiacos right now is very poor team, without head Coach and many injured regular players.
To give someone favourite here the Greek team, is absoloutly faulse and to back at AZ is the wise move.
Correct score 1-2.

Mexico, Ecuador, U.S.A.

I will give you more comments and analysis later.

Some very short comments for the qual. games to South Africa.

Chile-Venezuela home win.
Three points here for Marcelo Bielsa's boys and the tickets for S.A. are ready to check in.

Peru-Uruguay away win.
Peru is the weakest team in this tournament.
Uruguay after this game, have Colombia and Argentina at home and they have to travet to Ecuador.
Odds are around to 1,90 and a hit here really worth.

Costa Rica-Mexico under 2,5
One point here for Costa Rica is very important because the gap of three points doesn't change.
The artifitial grass of Saprisa's stadium is negative factor for the visiting teams.
Mexico needs all the points here, but they face a good team and very incovinieced field.

It takes two to tango.

This is the biggest day of the war. The archrivals meet each other in a battle for qualification in the world cup 2010 at South Africa.

Brazil stays at the top of the table with 5 points away to fourth Argentina. The remaining schedule with two games at home (Chile, Venezuela) and one game away to Bolivia, gives them no reasons to concern for their qualification. Instead of those facts, they will play without any pressure for the result and they want to ruin Argentinean plans, for the travel to South Africa.

The Brazilian power is the creative line in the midfield. Kaka and Robinho they can compose amazing plays up front. Felipe Melo and Silva are good hard workers and they are good with the ball. Very significant is the help from the full backs, in the offensive end. Maicon and Danny Alves (who probably he will play on the left), they make runs and dangers crosses.

Coach Dunga is very practical person. He can do only the necessary things; in order his team to take the win. That means he can line up a very defensive, or very attacking team, or something mixed up. Brazil has the quality and the big name to overcome any situation.

What about Argentina?

This is ‘’do or die’’ game for biancoceleste. If they win this one, they keep two points advantage from Ecuador for sure and they will close the gap in two points from Brazil. Their schedule has two away games versus Paraguay and Uruguay and one home game versus Peru. The motivational is very high and all the top players they want to be active in this fight.

Leo Messi of course is the best player of the team and their leader. His decision to be on the bench in the opener game in La Liga, last Monday against Gijon, (because wanted to be fresh for this clash, versus Brazil), shows how significant is the result of this one. Along to Messi will play Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez and Jonas Gutierrez.

Coach Maradona is very optimistic for the game. In the last game and in some friendlies games, he shuffled the starting lineup and gave regular position to Andujar, Otamendi and Battaglia. He can inspire all the players to play for their pride and for their nation. His influence to the young Argentineans is very highly and he can take results in short terms periods.

The crowd of 42.000 fans in Rosario Central will be one of the facts that will give a big boost in Argentina. The tickets sold out in an hour’s and many fans they are willing to pay much more in order to find one of those.
I think Argentina needs the points and is closer than Brazil to win. Messi, Aguero, Mascherano and the other players with strong personality, are ready to give good performance.

Odds around 2,20 are fair.

Three games parlay and singles.

Let’s take a look three games very quickly.
Heerenveen-PAOK under 2,5.
Heerenveen has 3 out of 4 under 2,5 in Eredivisie and looks very weak on the offensive end. Scored just twice in those 4 games, despite played the 3 of those at home.
PAOK under coach Santos is very defensive team and the under 2, 5 pick is very frequently.

AEK-Vaslui+1 home
AEK is very experienced team and very motivated after the signings of striker Guereiro and defender Oleguer. The strong part of the team is the creative midfielders like Scoco and Manduka and the good scorer Blanco.
Vaslui of course have the advantage of 2-1 score line from the first game, but I think their inexperience and the home crowd are factors that can’t overcome.

Aston Villa-Rapid Wienna+1,5 home.
When you win games against Liverpool away, I can’t imagine other result than clear win and qualification on Europa league groups. It is simple.

PAOK PAOK PAOK

PAOK Thessaloniki is very strong at home. Their home record last year was 11-4-0 and they received just 5 goals. They keep all the important players plus some experienced midfielders and I expect them more strongly for the upcoming year.
In the preview round qualified by the Norwegian Valerenga. Won the away game 2-1 and lost!!! the home game 1-0, despite missed some very clear chances to score late.

Heerenveen is weaker than last year, where finished 5th in Dutch league. They missed their mind in the midfield, the Croatian Pranjic and they have problems to create good opportunities. In four official games scored 3 goals and received 9.

Important missing for PAOK are the midfielders Sorlin and Fotakis and defenders Contreras and Sznaucer. All regulars.
For Heerenveen the Swedish midfielder Elm, is injured.
The crowd of 26.000 fans is very enthusiastic and pushes the home team to win. I think odds around 2.00 are very tempted.

Arsenal and over 2,5

Arsenal performed impressive last Saturday at Everton's Goodison Park. They scored easily six times and started the campaign with an emphatic win. Despite the six goals, no one from the starting strikers found the back of the net. Van Persie, Arshavin and Bendner, are all absents from the score line board. That means all the players are very dangerous and they can score.

Celtic won 3-1 away on their first game in Scottish premier league. They are very motivated from the time that draws with Arsenal and they want to surprise the Londoners. About 60.000 fans they will create good football atmosphere and they give a boost on their favorite Celtic.

Arsenal is the big name here and they want to finish the job at Glasgow. The second game is shceduled on 26th of August and three days later the Gunners they will visit the old rivals Man. Utd. So if they clean up the mess tonight, Arsen Wenger may give a day off to some players on the second leg.

Bayern(-1)-Werder home

Bayern Munich has changed in players and technical stuff, than a year ago.
Luis Van Gaal took over after a disappointed season and he will try to bring fresh air and inspiration at the German giant.
Many players came to the club after Van Gaal’s agreement. Gomez and Olic up front are very good and proved scorers, Timoschuk and Pranjic are experienced midfielders. Plus some young players like Baumjohann, Badstuber and Graafheid and the new Bayern is ready to fly.

Bremen is weaker than last year, which finished at the 10th position on the table. They lost their best player, Brazilian Diego and the first choice attacker Peruvian Pizzaro. Not any big name arrived at Bremen, except the young Marin from Gladbach and the old friend Borowski who return after year on the bench at Munich.

Bayern’s tactic is to keep the possession of the ball. This fact gives them more opportunities to attack and on the opposite side give the pressure. Pranjic and Altindop are very sharp at the free kicks and the 70.000 Bayern’s fans are very loud.

I think Bayern will win this one and the handicap of (-1) goal on 2.05 odds is good for me.

PS Also from the same league, I see Stuttgard to win the newly Freiburg. Maybe I will post some comments later.

PAOK - Valerenga under 2,5

PAOK is clear favorite for the game and the qualification on the next round. At the preperation games they coudnt score more than one time in each game and they did in Norway.
Coach Santos is very defensive mind and his tacticks focus to keep the zero back.
Valerenga is mediocre team in Norway, but they are in the middle of their domestic leage. So they are in better physical condition thougth limited talent.

Under 2,5 at 2,05 odds, are very value and I ll take it.

Pana-Sparta over 3 goals

Is possible Cisse to miss out clear scoring opportunities ? Again ?
No way.
PAna needs to win the game bya three goals or a 2-0 score line. Their defense is weak with a lot of mistakes and probably they 'll receive a single goal.

I think over 3 at 2,25 odds, is big gift for the gamblers.

Brazil from statistics

Two games from Brazil in a combo.
International-Barueri the over 2,5 pick has around 82% to come.
Inter. has 5 consecutive over 2,5 goals and on the other hand Barueri 4 out of last 5.

Palmeiras-Fluminense is the other game with over 75% to come over 2,5.
Palmeiras is 4 out of last 5 over 2,5 and Flu 3 out of last 5.

The parley giving you back 2,72 times your money.

Over 2 goals.

I saw the lines for CHL games and I can't believe my eyes.

Panathinaikos is just over 2 goals versus Sparta Prag. With so many quality players in the summer transfer window, Pana is the big favorite for this one. But the total of 2 goals over/under, is turning around on my mind. Cisse or somebody else is capable to score and the Czechs also they need goals desperately, because the returning game in Athens. So the over 2 goals is my pick here, at odds around 1,90-2.00.

El Tri and Larisa

Two games in combo for today.

Larisa is better team by far in the contest with Reykjavik. In the first leg defeated by 2-0 and today they need to win with 3 goals margin. The hemi-profetionals Icelanders are a weak team, but they are in the middle of their domestic leage.
I think Larisa will win easilly.

El Tri against Ticos ine the second semi-final for the Gold Cup. Mexicans are impressive so far and they conceided just a single goal in four games. The talent of Giovani and Medina and the smart coaching by xavier Aguire are enough to qualify to the Final.
Ticos is unpredictable team in this Gold cup. They lost to Salvador and they crashed Guadalupe. Forward Saborio and 34year old Centeno are the most important players.
I think Mexico is better team.

Over 2,5

Second leg in UCL today and I'm considering to aproach two games on over 2,5 goals.

Levadia Tallin-Wisla Krakow

and

Kalmar-Debrecen.

The Estonians of Tallin have average 3,71 goals per game and they have scored at all of their 18 official games.
Wisla is more experienced team and they can score two or more goals and qualify to the next round.
I expect goals and easilly money return.

Kalmar is on good form and the only lost game was away at Hungary, a week ago. They are very strong team at home and the only way to advance onto third round is to score 3 or more goals.
Debrecen is also strong team and they have the advantadge of 2-0 result from the first game. A single goal is enough for Hungarians to go further and probably for the pick of over 2,5.

Spain-1,5 and over 2,5

Spain is the best team in the world right now. They have good passing game in small areas and they used one touch passes with accuracy. The duo up front Torres-Villa scored 6 goals in 8 totally.
The U.S. team did some incredible plays against Egypt and the result was fair and unbelievable too.

Today Spain is the big favorite. When they have to play teams that don't care to defend only, usually their games ending over 2,5 goals.
Americans try to score more goals than they receive and they will play the same offensive game.

I think Spain -1,5 and over 2,5 goals are good choices.

Go Serbia com'n

It’s a must win situation for Serbia if they want to qualify at the semifinals.

The experienced midfielders of Serbian’s squad they have to prove their talent and finally to score their first goal on the tournament.

Swedish team is very athletic and will play to avoid the loss. The duo up front with Toivonen and Berg it is a good combination and if they find the chance they can score.

I think the Serbians are more talented and they handle the situation, under pressure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtrEN-YKLBM

Equador and Chile, Mexico parlay

Argentina facing once again opposite team that used to play at altitude of 2.800 m. Last time Argentineans crashed 6-1 at Bolivia’s altitude. Coach Maradona intends to hold on the bench his superstar player Lionel Messi, to avoid possibly yellow card that will be the second and he will miss the next game against Brazil on September.

Ecuador fight for the fifth place on the table that gives the opportunity to qualify at the finals of 2010 in South Africa, at knock out games home and home versus CONCACAF fourth team of the stands. Tonight returns two starting defenders and two starting offensive players.
Odds at 2.25 on Ecuador at DNB are very generous.

Also I have two teams parlay with Chile and Mexico.
Chile with win is with one foot at South Africa and Bolivia is one of the weakest teams of the group.
Mexico wants to bounce back from the stunning lose to Salvador and the Soca Boys of T&T are the right team at the right time.
Chile-Bolivia 1,25
Mexico-T&T 1,25

Saturday's picks.

Some comments for upcoming schedule.

Argentina-Columbia is a home win. Coach Diego Maradona named the starting 11 included Messi, Aguero, Teves and a very attacking team. They want to bounce back after the crash in Bolivia’s altitude and to extend the gap from today’s opponent.
Columbia is very inconsistence team and they have to play extremely well if they want to take something.

Chile is in good mood and tonight they will try to take advantage the huge absentees of Paraguay. The two strikers Santa Cruz and Cabanas are the most important and the Chileans have good chances here.

The U.S. team needs all three points to take a serious advantage from Honduras and the loser of Salvador-Mexico clash. The squad is very talented and the poor performance in Costa Rica last Wednesday was big surprise.
Honduras has good team with some players participating in MLS, but the Americans are stronger and experienced.

A parley with
Argentina 1,25
U.S.A. 1,45

and a Chile +0,5 at Asian handicap at 2,25
are my choices.

Costa Rica-USA away and over2,5

This is the 4th game in this mini tournament of six teams. The three firsts of the table qualifying automatically in South Africa and the fourth will play with fifth of South America’s group, in home and home games.
The hosts are a mixed team with veterans, like Centeno and young players like goal scorer Ruiz. At home they are very strong and they have big support from the fans. The team likes to hold the ball and play with small passes and lot of movements. In the box Andy Furtado and Bryan Ruiz are good finishers. Left defender Gonzallo Segarres plays in MLS with Chicago Fire and he knows all the Americans players and played against them for 5 years now in domestic league.
At home they have 2 wins in 2 games, 1-0 versus Salvador and 2-0 versus Honduras.

U.S.A. is on the first position after 2 wins and a draw. The wins were against Mexico (2-0) and T&T (3-0), but the most impressive result was against Salvador, when they trailed 2-0 and equalized in the last 13 minutes in a 2-2 draw. The team is very experienced while many players playing ball in Europe. The domestic league (MLS) growing and give more quality players. Josy Altidore, Maurice Edu and Freddy Adu, are all products of MLS in the last three years. Landon Donovan is the best player in front and all defending line is proven players in English premier league.
U.S. team will play again on Saturday versus Honduras and will travel to South Africa for Confederation Cup, which will start at 15th of June.

For Costa Rica-U.S.A. game, I see Americans to win or not to lose. The last year’s national team has developed as a great competitor and usually overcome opponents in their region.
Also I think is over 2,5 goals because both teams will play to score goals. USA scores at least one goal in the previews games and Costa Rica has to find ways to score too.

Leverkusen to win the cup.

I’m going to take Bayer Leverkusen to win the cup in German. I saw the team many times on TV and I’m impressed with their technique and passion and I’m wondering why finished so low on the table.

Of course everybody knows what means Werder Bremen. But recently the green and white team became defective and many times suffered bad losses.
The price around 2, 25 for capture by Leverkusen is big value.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ689ZwJWpA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSasyO4KCrI

Karlsruher-Hertha away win

Hertha needs all the three points in the match up against Karlsruher. If they finally grab them, next season will play in UEFA CHL.

The big factor for the win is the motivation. Berliners will play with heart and passion because they have the opportunity to play against the best teams in Europe.

Home team is already makes plans for the next season, while they will play in the second division because the last spot on the table and their 26 points after 33 games are not enough to keep them in the top league. Also the head coach fired this week and will play with interim coach on Saturday.

I have a strong feeling on Hertha.

Bremen-Shakhtar over 2,5

Usually the UEFA cup finals have a lot of goals.
Today couldn’t be an exception when Werder Bremen participates in the game and the Ukrainian team with five Brazilian players.

Bremen is always the team who searching for score regardless play home or away. Many players take part on attacking plan and they score 2 goals in average in domestic league, when they conceded 1, 36 per game. The absentee of Brazilian star Diego gives the opportunity to youngster Ozil to make adjustments and to prove his development.

On the other side, Shakhtar Donetsk is the new power of Ukrainian football. The experienced Rumanian coach Mircea Lucescu, managed to build a very competitive team that join every year to group stages on UEFA CHL. The core of the team is the Brazilian players that give the quality and technique. They pass great teams on the road to Istanbul like Tottenham, CSKA Moscow, Marseill and the arch rivals Dynamo Kiev.

Both of them started the season in the CHL and finished third on their groups to degrade on UEFA cup.
When two attacking mind teams play each other, over 2,5 is the best option.

L.A.Lakers-Denver+6,5 home win

L.A. is Denver’s Nemesis the last years. The reigning MVP Kobe Bryant has harsh times in Colorado (due to infamous rape case), but always has the answers against the Nuggets team.

The big guys Gasol-Bynum-Odom have the advantage in the paint. The second chances and sometimes the thirds are the results of that dominance.

The Nuggets have to thank Chauncey Billups to come here. The 2004 Final MVP makes clear the roles for everybody in the team. Gave the lost explosiveness and scoring ability to Carmelo and organized the offense.

Is the first game of the series and the Lakers wanted to avoid the cruel times that gave them the Rockets Houston in previews round. The big guys and Kobe are the factors for the win. Also the home crowd gives a boost to the Lakers.

Barca for the first

Barcelona is ready for the first trophy of the season, in the Copa Del Rey final at Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Regardless of missing number of regulars is the clear favorite for this one. Henry, Iniesta, Abidal and goalie Valdez are out, but the strength of the team is well well-known.
Bilbao has the opportunity to win a major title after 23 years of draught. But they will face the best team on the planet right now. 18 thousand fans gave a boost in the last practice of the team, before they travel to Valencia.

Barcelona has the best offense and defense in La Liga and they will score for sure. It will be difficult for Bilbao to outplay the Catalans, because in open field they are very fast and skilled players. I expect Barcelona to win with 2 or 3 goals margin.

Combo from Germany

Today I have a combo from Germany.
Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich are in the top of the table. If they will finish at the same spot, the goal diference rule, will give the title on Wolsfburg that have +2 goal in favour.

So the scenario is that they hunt wins with as possible big margin. Their opponents Dortmunt and Leverkusen are good teams and they can score easilly in the counter attack.

The odds at 1,50 and 1,53 are good under these circumstances. The combo of
Wolfsburg-Dortmunt over 2,5 1,53
Bayern-Leverkusen over 2,5 1,50

gives you back 2,30 times your money.

It worths a big shot.

Columbus-Kansas home win

This is the 8th try for Columbus to get their first win of the season. They have 5 draws and two defeats so far despite they have scored at all of these 7 games.
The good news for the team is the return of Captain Frankie Hejduk, who missed the last six games due injury. Also the other international midfielder Robby Rogers has played last week against Toronto and he feels good.

Kansas City is good team and scored at 7 of their 8 games. Argentinean Claudio Lopez and former USA international striker Josh Wolf are very dangerous up front. But the defense is the weak side of the team. They conceded 9 goals in the first 8 games.

In papers this looks like a tight contest. But the motivation is on Columbus side and the first win is the issue of all that involve in the team. Also today is the 10th anniversary of the Columbus stadium and the fans they will help their Crew team.

Valencia-Madrid over 2,5

Valencia holds the fourth spot, which gives them the CHL ticket for the next season. They have seen their good record with five consecutive wins and a draw against Barcelona to ending with a 3-0 heavy defeat by Espanyol. This lost game it was the only that they didn’t score, in the last 10 contests.
Madrid lost to archrival Barcelona by 2-6 and their hopes to win again the Spanish La Liga. This crashing result was the only defeat in the Juante Ramos’ era that includes 17 wins 1 draw and the lost to Barca.
Statistically Valencia has 8/10 over 2.5 and Madrid 5/10. But Madrid has scored at least a single goal, in the last 20 games.
The pick of over 2.5 is very possible and the odds around 1,65 to 1,70 are good.

Hambourg-Bremen over 2,5

The score of first game in Bremen was 0-1. Usually in the second game and when the visitors want to score number of goals, the game has tempo and pace with lot of chances and scoring opportunities.

Bremen is very attacking mind team and many defenders participate in the offensive part. The quality of their strikers gives credits to creativity dangerous situation up front. Diego, Pizzaro, Almheida, Rosenberg, are proven scorers.

Hamburg making very successful season so far. They are close to UEFA final and they have some chances for the domestic championship title. But their main target is one spot in the first 3 position, which drives to the UEFA CHL in the next season. They are very efficient in their home and I expect them to score for sure.

I think over 2,5 is very possible and the odds around 1,85 are good.

Lakers-Houston+10 home win

This is a must win game for the Lakers, if they want to go further in the competition.
In the first game they couldn’t contain Yao Ming in the paint and speedy Brooks outside. Also Ron Artest did good job over Kobe.
The two quick fouls on Andy Bynum were big blow for the Lakers and forced Pau Gasol to defend Yao. This fact prevents the Spaniard to play with all of his energy in the offensive end.

Tonight Kobe have to shot the ball better and to carry his team on his shoulders. Bynum have to be careful on defense, giving space and time to Gasol in the offense. The most important thing is they can prove their record in the regular season and the cruise over Utah in the first round.

Chelsea-Barca over 2,5

Barcelona is scoring machine and fail to score in two occasions so far, at 51 official games.

So it is very possible to score at least one here.
In this situation Chelsea have to attack and to score twice, in case to qualify at the final.

If this scenario will be true, I think the pick of over 2,5 and the great price (double your money) is value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxUbaRk34RE

Arsenal(0)-Man.Utd(0) home win

Arsenal has impressive home record in CHL games that remains unbeaten for 5years, or 24 games. Robbie Van Persie is fit again and ready to fires up front along with Adebayor. I expect Theo Walcott to be more aggressive and to make his sharp crosses, which take advantage the duo up front. Also Cesk Fabregas have to prove his leadership in the midfield and to organize well the attacking part of their game.

Man. Utd is more experienced team and has the 1-0 score of the first game. Ronaldo and Rooney they can ruin anybody in open field and their defensive line is proven.

But I‘ll give credits to the young Gunners and their motivation to play in the final of CHL. Their form, their fans, and my instinct, drives me at home win.

Chicago-Seattle hw.

Chicago is the only unbeaten team in MLS after 6 games. Last week scored two goals in the last minutes and equalized the game versus Columbus away from home. They have very good and experienced players up front, like McBride, Blanco, Pappa that they score easily at any time of period.
Theoretically the defensive line is the best part of them. But in the last 2 games they conceded 4 goals and that is the issue to brought concerns to Coach Hamlet.

Seattle is very competitive team and they are in second place of the Western Conference standings. They did good job for a newly team in the league. Freddy Ljunberg is the star of the team, but the hard defensive style of Coach Schmid and the presence of Casey Keller at the posts, are two significant reasons for the good start.

I think Chicago have the motivation and quality to win this one. As I wrote the offensive line is very efficient and the defensive the same as well (at least on papers). Odds around 2.00 are fair for home win. Also possible is the under 2,5 goals, because of a good defensive Seattle’s record.

Here is an exciting game to check your knowledge.

http://www.sporcle.com/games/premierleaguealltime.php

Atlanta-Miami+6 hw

Atlanta retakes the home court advantage after the big win over Miami on Monday. Zaza Pachulia gave big boost from the bench, with 18 rebounds and 12 points, while 6 players had double digit of points. The score balance and the defensive effort and function, is the strong part of the Hawks all over the year. Mike Bibby is very experienced in the playoffs situation, along to Joe Johnson. Also Josh Smith shows some improvement and stability in high level games.

Miami is the team of Wade. The superstar is able to score over 50 points by himself, but the other Heat players are too young and inexperienced. Mario Chalmers (the starting point guard) and Michael Beasley, are rookies. Dequan Cook is on his second year and only Haslem, O’Neil and Jones, are veterans. Of course Wade can makes things happens, but against a solid team like Atlanta, he need help. Yesterday missed the practice due back spasms, but he will play for sure.

Tonight maybe play again Marvin Williams. The Hawks forward suffers from a wrist injury and he will decide in pregame warm up. He missed game 4 and the win in Miami.

Barca-Chelsea+1 hw

Barcelona is the more efficient team on the world. In Spain league has scored 94 goals and the goal difference is +68. Tremendous numbers by the Catalans. The offensive part of their game has the basis on possession of the ball. When they change the ball over 12-15 times in a row, give some kind of nerves on their opponent. They drive him to make errors and to go out of control.

Chelsea is very improvement since Guus Hiddink took over. Drogba and Lambard found out their shine again and the team scoring much more. On the other hand receives more goals, but when you win the games, this factor doesn’t matter.

Tonight if Chelsea goes forward to play offensive against this Barca, I think the scoreboard will be disastrous for the Blues. Either if they stand back and waiting for the Catalans.
Barcelona at this time of period is simply the best team around the world. I’ m sure for home win.

New Orleans-Denver +2,5 hw

CP3 against Chauncey part 4.
In the 3 previews meetings we saw the ‘’big shot’’ Billups to gave his own show in Denver and CP3 to respond in New Orleans. Today we have the opportunity to watch the series to make level, or to break the home and Denver to go through.
Rasual Butler and Sean Marks (!!!) are the energy guys who carry the team. Butler with his defense and the executive ability beyond the 3-point range and Marks with his inside game and his enthusiasm.
Martin limited West in the previews three and Melo frustrated by Peja’s defense.
New Orleans has the talent of CP3 who measure up to it with Magic and Isiah Thomas. He rules the game and makes things happens.
Also the home crowd is another factor that helps New Orleans.
I think and I’m going to home win, for CP3 and his Hornets.

Newcastle-Portsmouth

Alan Shearer is a big factor in this one. He can inspire his players and the fans, in this tough mission, to save his lovely Newcastle from the relegation. Michael Owen and Damien Duff are very optimists and they are the weapons in front.

Portsmouth is very weak on the road and almost receives a single goal in each of their games.

Newcastle has big motivation and their intention is to win all the home games.
Go Alan, go Newcastle.

Hoffenheim-Berlin over 2,5

Hoffenheim is the big surprise of the entire campaign in Germany. At the beginning of the season were the pleasant surprise, but in the second half of the season became the worst. They have long injured the first goal scorer Ibicevic and some other regulars missed a short time of period, due minor injuries. Coach Ragning is a great tactician and offensive mind Coach. Despite the injuries, the pressure and the bad situation, Hoffenheim lost three only games, but they had 7 draws in that skid.

Berlin is in CHL spot race. They are 2 points behind Hamburg and Bayern Munich, that they have the spot at this time. They are young and enthusiastic team and they are playing with great motivation. The bad thing is the influential striker Voronin (loan from Liverpool) will miss this one and he let his partner Pantelic alone in front.

So, we have Hoffenheim to play very offensive and on the other hand Berlin to need points for the CHL spot. When two teams would play to score goals, the choice of over 2,5 goals in the game is very possible.
The price of over 1,80 is good.

Conspiracy theory ?

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Missing vials of a potentially dangerous virus have prompted an Army investigation into the disappearance from a lab in Maryland.

Fort Detrick is the home of the Army's top biological research facility.

The Army's Criminal Investigation Command agents have been visiting Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, to investigate the disappearance of the vials. Christopher Grey, spokesman for the command, said this latest investigation has found "no evidence of criminal activity."
The vials contained samples of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, a virus that sickens horses and can be spread to humans by mosquitoes. In 97 percent of cases, humans with the virus suffer flu-like symptoms, but it can be deadly in about 1 out of 100 cases, according to Caree Vander Linden, a spokeswoman for the Army's Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. There is an effective vaccine for the disease and there hasn't been an outbreak in the United States since 1971.
The vials had been at the research institute's facility at Fort Detrick, home of the Army's top biological research facility, for more than a decade. The three missing vials were among thousands of vials that were under the control of a senior scientist who retired in 2004. When another Fort Detrick scientist recently inventoried the retired scientist's biological samples, he discovered that the three vials of the virus were missing. The original scientist's records about his vials dated back to the days of paper-and-pen inventories.
During the investigation, the retired scientist and another former Fort Detrick researcher cooperated with investigating agents and, according to Vander Linden, they came back to the facility to help look for the vials.
Vander Linden said the investigators know that several years ago an entire freezer full of biological samples broke down and all the samples had to be safely destroyed. But a complete inventory of what was in the freezer was not done before the samples were destroyed. Vander Linden said there's a "strong possibility" the vials were in that freezer and destroyed, but that isn't known for sure.
This investigation comes two months after all research at the research institute facility at Fort Detrick was halted for a complete computer-based inventory of all disease samples at the fort. That inventory is expected to be complete before summer and may help solve the mystery of the three missing vials, officials said.
The Army investigation is in its final stages and is expected to be closed soon.

Denver-New Orleans +6 aw

Can the Nuggets to get another blowout win?

After a convincing victory in game #1 the Nuggets are preparing for the second win to clean up the home stand games, before the series go down to Big Easy in Louisiana.
The physical play that approaches the game is the point of many conversations and adversities. Dontay Jones is covered superstar Chris Paul, with a lot of bumps and pushes. He was under the skin of Paul, according his teammate Kenyon Martin. Also Martin played an excellent defense on the other Hornet superstar David West. With this impressive defending job by the duo, Coach Karl was happy and saw his plan to stop the Hornets’ all stars to going through.
On the offensive end the Nuggets’ fans were all satisfy about the explosive of Chauncey Billups, who set a new record of three pointers made in a playoff game, by 8. J.R.Smith also scored 19 points, but when the game was decided.

For tonight game #2.
I think New Orleans is very capable team and the score in game #1 is not represented their talent. Until three minutes to end third quarter, the game was pretty close to just 7 points. David West was shut down and their defense allowed to Denver to pull up 12 offensive rebounds. Also Chauncey ‘’big shot’’ Billups, had a great night, (maybe career night), that is very difficult to repeat it. I expect Melo to bounce back from his poor night and the ‘’Birdman’’ Andersen to give energy from the bench. But I still believe the pride and personality of Chris Paul don’t let the game to go to another blowout.

So the 6 points on the spread, are too much for this one.

Bremen(+0)-Hambourg(+0) hw

This is the first out of four games in 19 days.

This one is very important for Werder Bremen side, because is the only way to play in European competitions next year, ( if qualify to the final and capture the title).
Super star Brazilian Diego is back, after he had day off last weekend. The influential Brazilian is very hot in the last games and has the ability to score and create dangerous situation for the opposite side.

Hambourg is in great form and is involv in all competitions that participate. In domestic league they are on third position, three points back of Wolfsburg and tied with Bayern Munich. In UEFA cup they meet Bremen again, in home and home games. Martin Joll did great job and is the main factor for this amazing year. The Dutch Coach gave an offensive style and inspire his players to believe theirselves.

Tonight is a K.O. game and the opportunity for Bremen to secure the place to final in Berlin. They are motivate and consentrate for the biggest task so far. With Diego to set back, Pizzaro and Almeida in front, I think Bremen have a good chance to win and to qualify to the final.

Boston-Chicago+8 home win

Chicago stunned many people with a big win versus Boston. The great performance of rookie Derrick Rose is the reason of that upset. Rose scored a record 36 points (tied up to Jabbar) as a rookie in a playoff game, plus 11 assists and dominant to Rajon Rondo in the battle of point guards.
Also Tyrus Thomas in O.T. and Joakim Noah on the boards, contributed huge numbers.

Boston played without star Kevin Garnett and expected to miss him in the postseason. This is a big blow for the title holders.
Ray Allen had a terrible night and went out with 1/12 shots, in almost 40 minutes. Without Garnett, he must score big numbers and to contribute in other categories.

Tonight is the #2 game of this series.
I expect Boston’s reaction and strong performance that will go to equalize on 1-1. The key factor to do that is the defense. In game #1 Chicago outrebounded 56-47 and shut the ball with 42,7 percentage. The defending rebound gave the opportunity to Rose to run in transition game and Chicago scored 17 fast break points against just Boston’s 6.
So if the defense tight up and control the boards, Boston has the chance to make the 1-1. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have to be the leaders, as they were all of the regular season.
I think impossible second straight amazing performance of Derrick Rose.
In this case Coach Del Negro has to find offensive weapons, other than the rookie. Ben Gordon is one threat and John Salmons. But they have to guard the Boston’s superstars Pierce and Allen and they have to focus on defense.

The fact is that Chicago brake the home court advantage and now maybe have less consecration and intensity to win second straight and do the 2-0. So I think Boston will win here with convince victory, to restore the momentum.

Udinese-Bremen over 2,5

The first game in Germany ended 3-1 for Bremen, after an amazing performance of Brazilian Diego that scored two goals.

The Germans are very optimistic about this one; despite they will play in Italy. In five away games (three in CHL and two in UEFA cup) they have 5 draws respectively. They are very attacking team and score easily.

The Italians have very tough task. They are a simply good team that makes sense after qualify against Zenit St Petersburg in the last phase of K.O. games. They are good on offensive end and especially in Italy they score a lot. They need a win with 2-0 score to pass to the next round, or if Bremen score with 3 goals differential. Possible 3-1 final score will send the teams in over time.

Both teams they have great motivation and offensive minds. So I’m going to over 2,5 and I hope someone to score early in the game.