NBA Betting – Friday Basketball Picks

The countdown to the Super Bowl Sunday has begun and Super Bowl XLIV odds are up as are countless NFL predictions across the web. With all this going on, it is easy to overlook some key NBA matchups that have both playoff and sports betting implications.

Memphis Grizzlies (25-19 7th in Western Conference) @ San Antonio Spurs (26-18, 5th in Western Conference)

Bookmaker Reviews:

Spread: Spurs -4

Total: 198

Money Line: Spurs – 150, Grizzlies +120

Top Storylines

Bronze Medal: O.J. Mayo vs. Manu Ginobili

O.J. Mayo has emerged in his sophomore season as a very good shooting guard. Averaging 18.1points a game and his ability to guard most guards with his athleticism makes him a player coaches now have to game-plan for.

Manu seems like he’s been in the league for ever. I’ve seen his bald spot grow and develop in front of my eyes for a decade now and it seems like Manu is slowing down a bit. Nagged by various injuries this season Manu has struggled to find consistency. The Spurs will need him to play like his old all-star self in this one as they will most likely be without Tony Parker (ankle).

If Manu can score on O.J. Mayo in this game with banged up shins slowing him down, I would be pretty surprised. He is still a player with great awareness in the game and he will need it in this one. Mayo should be able to score at will on Ginobili in his state and that may well be the Grizzlies game plan in this one.

Silver Medal: Tim Duncan vs. Zack Randolph and Marc Gasol

Tim Duncan has been one of the top 5 players in the NBA for over a decade running now and while he has looked a little slower and older, was still able to put up 21 points and a career high 27 rebounds with 6 assists in a domination of the 29-15 Atlanta Hawks. He will have to be that good again as he is taking on two players with improving and diverse games.

Zeebo has all but clinched either Comeback Player or Most Improved Player of the year, whichever one they want to give him. He has averaged 21 ppg and 11.6 rpg this season and is a sure fire all-star. Marc Gasol has developed into a low post threat and is averaging 15.1ppg and 9.6 rpg. The two of them play different styles with Zack’s mid range game and crashing of the boards (4.6 offensive boards a game) while Gasol plays a more traditional post-up game. This big man flexibility has been nightmares for opposing teams.

Duncan will get some help from DeJuan Blair and Antonio McDyess but don’t make a mistake on who will get the assignments in crunch-time. I expect Duncan to be able to shut down Gasol, but Randolph will just step out on him. The battle on the boards in this one promises to be epic and is a reason to watch the game all in its own. Will it be the young hot-shots or the future hall-of-famer who shows more resolve in this midseason matchup? It’s a toss-up, but I would give Timmy D the benefit of the doubt.

Gold Medal: How the Spurs replace Tony Parker

Tony Parker suffered a badly sprained ankle driving to the hoop on Wednesday. George Hill and Keith Bogans will likely share PG responsibilities in this one with Manu Ginobili bringing the ball up often. Parker is the main cog in this offense and creates shots extremely well for his teammates. He is virtually un-guardable by guards the same size as him, like Memphis’ Mike Conley Jr., and his loss will be felt in this game.

Prediction: To win, the Spurs will have to put up a valiant effort on their home court in this game and Tim Duncan will have to be great. I think he will be very good and the Spurs will fall just short against a streaking young and athletic Grizzlies team.

Final: Grizzlies 92- Spurs 88. Take the Grizzlies and the under.

Pro Bowl Preview

The big game is fast approaching and the Super Bowl odds feature only two teams: The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Before we get into Super Bowl betting, we have another game to talk about. This Sunday, for the first time, the Pro Bowl will be played before the Super Bowl. It’s being held in Miami, Florida, where Super Bowl XLIV will be the following Sunday.

This ploy for television ratings by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, has come at the expense of the true concept of the game. The Pro Bowl is supposed to be the NFL’s all-star game, where the best players are rewarded for their great play throughout the season. This move of the game to two weeks prior to when it usually is has had some backlash. The toll of players not playing in the Pro Bowl is up to 31, an all-time high; the previous high mark was 17. All of the participants in the Super Bowl will not play for which is 14 players gone at the drop of the hat. The Minnesota Vikings, the losers of the NFC Championship game, are having players pull out with injuries. Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Brett Favre and Kevin Williams have pulled out and Jets DE Shaun Ellis, who played with a cast on his hand in the AFC Championship game, was named to the Pro Bowl as a replacement. I find it unlikely that he will play.

What we are left with is a sham of an all-star game. Replacing Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Phillip Rivers will be: Matt Schaub, Vince Young and David Garrard. If you are scratching your head at those last two, join the club. Garrard is an average at best QB in this league and Young only played for half a season. Sure the Titans were 6-2 with him starting, but he is not an all-star by any stretch of the imagination.

With sports betting hard to figure with the lack of star players, let’s take a closer look at the top reasons to watch the Pro Bowl.

Bronze Medal: It’s at the Super Bowl site

Sitting in freezing cold New York right now I can only envy those in a paradise setting such as Miami. We are sure to see some provocative outfits by fans in the stands, cheerleaders and some nice shots of the city and fans outside. We will also get a nice Super Bowl hype and I am sure we will get cameos from Drew Brees and MVP Peyton Manning throughout the telecast.

Silver Medal: Star Players

Usually this is the gold medal reason, but since only a handful of them are playing it has to be demoted. Chris Johnson, Julius Peppers, Andre Johnson, among others will still be there and it will be the last time to see them play until next August. Seeing football go is sad, and I won’t miss a chance to see great players even if it is an exhibition game.

Gold Medal: Betting

I know I said it is hard, but as all of you know, it is a lot of fun. Betting on silly props like who will score the first touchdown, or who will score the most points in the 3rd quarter make this game more than watchable. Betting tips are few and far between for this one, but I expect to see a healthy dose of the league’s premier running back and my favorite for Pro Bowl MVP, Chris Johnson.

Pro Bowl Preview AFC vs. NFC

Now that the Super Bowl odds include only two teams, our focus shifts momentarily to this week’s game; The Pro Bowl. This is the first time in the history of the game that it is being held the week before the Super Bowl. Part of a ploy by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to boost ratings for the oft overlooked all-star game, the Pro Bowl has been shifted to the site of this year’s Super Bowl in Miami , Florida.

For years players have intentionally missed the game which was set in Hawaii a week after the Super Bowl in order to start their short vacations with their families that they were away from for most of the season. This year, the NFL wanted to avoid a lot of that.

Instead, the Pro Bowl has already become a farce. With the teams left in the Super Bowl amassing a total of 13 pro bowlers not participating in the game for obvious reasons, players from the Championship games last weekend will not be participating either (Brett Favre, Percy Harvin), with more to surely drop out before kickoff. The AFC has David Garrard at one of its QB spots. David Garrard isn’t in the top 15 of QB’s in the league anymore, and only maybe top 20. Vince Young is another AFC quarterback who although played exceptionally well, only played half a season. The NFC added Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo, which are far less egregious, but they were not voted in for a reason, as they didn’t have Pro Bowl years.

The game still promises to be a fun exhibition for the players and next to unwatchable for most fans. Since everyone will still be in football mode since the season is not over yet, I expect the ratings ploy to work, but at the cost of the quality of play. Already 28 players selected to the Pro Bowl have pulled out with a few more to do so in the upcoming days. That makes NFL predictions hard to make on this game.

Here are some anyway:

10- Aaron Rodgers will have the most passing yards in the game.

9- Ed Reed will have an Interception and take it to the house.

8- Darrelle Revis will have an interception.

7- Adrian Peterson will lose a fumble, but score at least one touchdown.

6- K Nate Kaeding will shank a field goal and will never regain his form after choking the Chargers hopes away in the Divisional Round…again.

5- Josh Cribbs will run a play at QB in the Wildcat formation

4- Vince Young will run for a touchdown.

3- Peyton Manning and Drew Brees will be shown in jerseys on the sidelines over 15 times throughout the telecast.

2- Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will connect 5 times with a touchdown mixed in.

1 – Chris Johnson will show everyone why he was the Offensive Player of the Year and take home the MVP with 100+ yards rushing and 2 scores.

As far as the sportsbook is concerned, this is the most fun game for prop bets as the odds are higher and more lucrative. By betting on something for every quarter this game becomes more than watchable. Look for the props as they become available.

Bookmakers Review: AFC 38- NFC 28

NBA Friday Betting Preview

January isn’t just for Super Bowl odds, the NBA is nearing midseason and games are becoming more predictable. This Friday, Derrick Rose and the Bulls travel to Phoenix to take on Steve Nash and the Suns.

Chicago Bulls @ Phoenix Suns

Bookmaker Odds (Bookmaker Reviews): Suns -7

Sportsbook Odds for Total: 217

Let’s take a look at the matchups:

PG: Derrick Rose vs. Steve Nash

Derrick Rose is the reigning Rookie of the Year. After starting the season slow Rose improved significantly every month and now in January (10 games) is averaging 22.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds a game. He is better than he was last year, and his has been finding his improving young teammates more cleanly.

Steve Nash still is a great offensive pg. The two-time MVP is having another big season averaging 18.4 points and a whopping 11.2 assists a contest. His defense these days however is non-existent and the younger, longer Rose is not a good matchup for Nash.

Advantage: Bulls

SG: Kirk Hinrich vs. Jason Richardson

Kirk Hinrich is really a point guard. When Rose was drafted, he was relegated to backup duty, but was too good for that. Coach Vinny Del Negro has them playing side by side with Hinrich at the two. Hinrich is too slow and an average shooter at best, and just got over an illness that caused him to lose 10 pounds and isn’t all the way back yet.

J-Rich is an aging two guard that still has most of his athleticism that made him the best dunker in the league for years. J-Rich is averaging around 15 points a game with 38% shooting percentage from three. His size and length also make him a tough defender, one of the few on the Suns.

Advantage: Suns

SF: Luol Deng vs. Grant Hill

Deng is solid all around player. His defense is good and improving and is averaging 17.7 points 7.4 rebounds two assists a steal and a block per game. Deng’s only issue is he disappears for long stretches and doesn’t ask for the ball enough. He needs more touches to make the jump to be a star.

Grant Hill has had a long career that many thought was over a few years back. He has rejuvenated himself in Phoenix and has been playing good basketball for the Suns this season. He has a great midrange and has great awareness on both ends of the court and in the passing lanes. Deng is younger, stronger and faster than Hill and will show it.

Advantage: Bulls

PF: Taj Gibson vs. Amare Stoudamire

With Tyrus Thomas on the mend and inconsistent, USC rookie Taj Gibson has been starting. Gibson is young and inexperienced, but has showed good toughness and potential in his playing time.

Amare Stoudamire is a top offensive forward in the game. His post moves and range combined with his speed is nearly unstoppable. His problem is that he is allergic to playing defense. Lucky for him Taj Gibson can’t play offense and neither can big man Joakim Noah

Advantage: Suns

C: Joakim Noah vs. Channing Frye

Noah has improved this season and has shown that he may evolve into a very good center in the near future. He has been much improved in the Pick and Roll with Rose and is a very good shot-blocker and rebounder (1.7 blocks, 12.4 rebounds a game).

Channing Frye has bounced around the league and has always lacked toughness that is needed in the NBA. He has the ability to shoot from 20 feet and forces Big Men to step out on him freeing up the lane.

Advantage: Bulls

Bench: John Salmons, Tyrus Thomas, Jannero Pargo, Brad Miller vs. Leandro Barbosa, Robin Lopez, Louis Amundson, Jared Dudley

Both benches are very good. Salmons has been off this year and Miller is a good shooting center. Thomas is talented but is a head-case. Barbosa is a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate and Dudley is a very good defensive small forward. Lopez is solid underneath defensively.

Advantage: Even

Expect the line to be around -8 Suns with an over under around 220. The Bulls are an improving team but the Suns style of play doesn’t match well for the Bulls. The Amare -Taj Gibson mismatch and Noah’s skill at getting into foul trouble lead me to take the Suns in this game on their home court.

NBA Picks: Suns 110 – Bulls 99.

NFC Championship Preview

It’s Championship Weekend and the Super Bowl odds are up. Those who love sports betting are trying to make sense of this NFC Championship matchup.

The New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings in a matchup of the top 2 seeds in the conference. Who should you take?

Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints

Bookmaker Odds (Bookmakers Review) Saints -3.5

How the Vikings can win

The Minnesota Vikings have 9 Pro Bowlers, the Offensive Rookie of the Year and the living legend Brett Favre. LG Steve Hutchinson has been one of the best guards in the league his whole career and paves the way for the electrifying Adrian Peterson. The Vikings will need to use more Peterson than Favre as they don’t want to get into a shootout. Why? Well, the Vikings secondary is suspect to say the least. In week 16, obscure Bears WR Devin Aromashadou schooled the once great Vikings CB Antoine Winfield as the lowly Bears beat the Vikings 36-30. The secondary has not been tested since. They haven’t needed to because of the all world performance of the pass rush. Jared Allen, Kevin and Pat Williams and Ray Edwards makeup this top D-line in the game and crushed the once heralded Giants and Cowboys O-lines in its last two games. For the Vikings to win they will have to beat another great O-line boasting two Pro Bowlers into submission and get to Drew Brees early and often.

How the Saints can win

The New Orleans Saints were undefeated until late in the season when they were bit by the injury bug. Their secondary was banged up all season and back up corners Randall Gay and rookie Malcom Jenkins were forced into duty and did okay. Well top 10 CB Jabari Greer and young emerging star Tracy Porter are back at corner with their nickel and dime packages now featuring a 1st rounder that got lots of playing time and experience and another corner who is okay anyway who now won’t have to cover big time receivers. They mixed in with Pro Bowl Safety Darren Sharper and Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams blitzing schemes with MLB Jonathan Vilma quarterbacking the defense should force Favre to throw picks, especially if Drew Brees lights up a below average secondary and the Vikings fall behind. Reggie Bush showed brilliance last week, and we may be in for more of the same. The Vikings LB’s are not great in coverage and Bush and Shockey are matchup nightmares especially without Vikings injured star MLB E.J. Henderson.

Who will win?

The Saints are at home and the Saints fans and the Superdome are truly the 12th man on the field. Couple that with a 3rd string MLB, a mediocre secondary, Pro Bowl starting QB Drew Brees and the great coach Sean Payton should be a huge mismatch for the Vikings. I don’t expect Favre to want to run the ball and play a ball possession game, which is their best chance of winning.

NFL picks: Favre is a gunslinger, but he will run out of bullets as the Saints win 34-20.

NFL Betting – Take home teams to the bank this weekend

NFL betting is reaching a fever pitch as the conference champions will be crowned this weekend. We’ve seen how important homefield advantage is all season long, and we’ll get two more examples of this on Sunday.

Jets vs Colts odds – Sunday, 3:00 PM ET

The Jets are a 7.5-point sportsbook underdog in this contest, but that’s no problem for them as we’ve seen them defeat Cincinnati and San Diego on the road. However, they’ll be facing an Indy team that is more disciplined than the Bengals and Chargers, and they’ll force rookie Mark Sanchez to try and beat them through the air, as opposed to the New York ground game that has served them so well. Indy will also want to avenge their 29-15 loss to the Jets in Week 16 which ended their perfect season, and they want to show what they can do if Peyton Manning and company play the entire game, instead of coming out in the third quarter.

Vikings vs Saints odds – Sunday, 6:40 PM ET

Sportsbook odds have the Saints as a 4-point favorite in this NFC showdown, and those that give betting tips will only point to last week’s games to show the importance of homefield advantage. The Saints routed Arizona 45-14 at home behind a monster day from Reggie Bush and another great outing from Drew Brees, while the defense completely dominated Kurt Warner and an explosive Arizona offense. Likewise, the Vikings shut down Dallas 34-3 and owned the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and that will be a key this week. If you give Brees or Minnesota counterpart Brett Favre time, they’ll pick you apart, no matter how good the defense is. The Saints will be backed by arguably the loudest crowd in the NFL at the Superdome, and the Vikings may panic if they get behind. Favre is 1-1 on the road in conference-championship games, and they’ll stand a better chance if they can finally get Adrian Peterson going. The running back has had a tough second half to the season, grinding out yards instead of big plays. Meanwhile, the Saints have a healthy Reggie Bush, who ran all over the Cardinals last week and looks as healthy as ever.

NFL Picks: Viking -7.5; Saints -4

Australian Open Live Streaming

bet365 will be Live Streaming the first Tennis Grand Slam of the year in January. The Australian Open runs from 18th to 31st January and account holders can watch the biggest names in Tennis at bet365. With over 240 live matches and more than 20 In-Play markets on every live match, bet365 is the best place to enjoy the Australian Open.

And it is getting more exciting if you still have no account with bet365: 0pen an account with bet365 today and claim your 100% Initial Bonus.

Be sure to get back and follow our tennis picks during the tournament!

Ladbrokes launches it new Sportsbook site

Ladbrokes launched a new looking Sportsbook site, we have noticed. It is easier to navigate and offers better personalized area, making it quicker than ever before to place a bet according to your own favorite sports and events. The right hand side menu now houses the bet in play options allowing users to keep up to date with all live sporting action as well as displaying what they can watch on Ladbrokes TV too.

Check the new Ladbrokes here. What do you think?

NFL Betting – Chargers Will Send Jets Packing

The New York Jets pulled a surprise last week when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals for a second week in a row but their Super Bowl odds didn’t exactly improved. As they look up at the board, they are still the longest shot left in the playoffs according to the NFL betting experts and they are the biggest underdog this week.

The Jets are a nine-point underdog in San Diego this week and they have a tall order defeating one of the hottest teams remaining. The Chargers have won 11 straight games and look unbeatable at this point. Here’s a breakdown of the game for those making their NFL picks:

How The Jets Can Advance To The AFC Championship

Simply put, the Jets have to run the ball. Their bread and butter is the ground game and the only way they will win in San Diego this week is if their running game is leading the way.

The Jets have the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL and we all know that the Chargers defense is not what it used to be – especially with no Jamal Williams in the middle of that defense – which means that Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene will find some space.

Beyond that, quarterback Mark Sanchez has to play mistake-free football once again and the defense has to bring its best.

The Chargers offense is much tougher to stop than the Bengals and the Jets can ill afford to get in a shootout.

How The Chargers Can Advance To The AFC Championship

The Chargers have to play their game, which means score points.

Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates make up one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. Sure, they struggle to run the ball a little bit but they have the passing weapons to make it a nightmare for the Jets.

Last week, the Jets got off easy as Darrelle Revis shutdown the Bengals only passing weapon in Chad Ochocinco. This week, the Chargers will just throw to someone else as they have plenty of weapons.

Outlook

The Chargers are too good and too hot right now to lose to the Jets. Stopping the Jets is a simple game plan: stop the run. On offense, they’ll get their share of points and if they can slow that running game down, they’ll be in the clear.

Betting Tips: Chargers -9

NFL Betting – Rested Colts Will Advance To AFC Conference Championship

NFL betting fans have seen the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs fairly regularly and they know how the script plays out. When their facing either the New England Patriots or the San Diego Chargers, they struggle. When they face anyone else, they roll.

The latter should be the case again unless they hand over a win to the Baltimore Ravens like the Patriots did. The Ravens did the Colts a big favor last week and the Colts will thank them for it this week.

With Joe Flacco banged up and a one-dimensional offense, the Colts shouldn’t have too tough of a time beating a team they have already topped.

Why The Ravens Can Win

The Ravens can win if they run the ball. Ray Rice and company ran all over the New England Patriots last week and they’ll have to do it again. Baltimore’s powerful offensive line is among the best in the business and they will open up some holes.

At the same time, quarterback Joe Flacco will have to find some seams and keep the Colts unit honest. Some passes to Derrick Mason and Todd Heap should do the trick – nothing new here for the Ravens.

Why The Colts Can Win

Because the Ravens are one-dimensional. The Ravens Super Bowl odds aren’t very good because everyone knows that if you shut down the run, they probably aren’t going to win.

The Colts did exactly that back in Week 11 so what’s to say they won’t do it again?

The Ravens have put two starting cornerbacks on injured reserve this year and that’s never a good thing when you get set to face Peyton Manning and company. The Colts have plenty of wideouts from Reggie Wayne, to Pierre Garcon, to Austin Collie and even Dallas Clark, which is going to be too much for the Ravens to handle.

What Will Happen

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has a bad hip and a bad leg – that’s not good news knowing that they can’t win on the run alone.

The Colts will shutdown the running game and the Ravens passing game won’t catch flight. This will be another easy win for the Colts.

They beat them in Week 11 on the road so topping them at home after a bye week should be a piece of cake.

Ravens Colts Odds: Colts -6.5

NFL Picks: Colts -6.5

FA Cup Betting, Coventry v Portsmouth

FA Cup 3rd round
12 January, 2010
WON
kick off: 19:45 GMT


Tricky games we have today when it comes to FA Cup replays, so, be careful with your bets.
It is hard and too risky to find a clear win among the coupon and I will be creative again and sniff among the alternative markets.

This game is one of the three third round replays between a Premier League and a Championship club. However there is so little to choose between these two with Coventry on form lately and Pompey struggling in the league above. Coventry stole a 1:1 draw in the first game and now can be considered favorites at home. Portsmouth selection is hit by the Africa Cup of Nations as Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Yebda, Aruna Dindane and Kanu are all there.
Pompey have lost seven of 11 league and cup games but we saw on what the team is capable of on a good day (ask Pool!).
Goals are likely here as both teams are scoring a lot by also having some troubles in defense. Goal/Goals option is a nice value bet here, considering also the result from the first game. What bothers me a bit is this fact: Pompey have kept clean sheets in six of their last nine matches in the FA Cup.

Bet selection:
Take both teams to score here and collect a tasty 1.95 return offered today by bwin

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I use mainly the following bookies to bet on England FA Cup as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly.

Ladbrokes, bet365, bwin, Expekt or Bet-at-home.


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Before the game starts & after the final whistle:
I found playing poker as an great alternative on sports betting and a way to increase my bankroll. And it is more fun, that is for sure. You can find me on 1/2 NL Holdem or Omaha PL at:

Full Tilt & Bet365

Africa Cup of Nations Pick

Bukomir's Predictions
12 January, 2010
LOST
Mozambique v Benin
ko 18:30 GMT
Live betting available on bet365


Now we can confirm what we expected - it will be an unpredictable tournament, indeed. First games offered no logical approach at all and even we have got the 4:4 draw on the opening it is still much like a Russian roulette to bet on Africa Cup of Nations 2010 before the group phase ends.

However I will take another challenge and shot tonight as it seems like easy money on Mozambique vs Benin game. Draw is so likely again but I will take the safety tactic this time and explore the Under/Over market. Being drawn against giants Egypt and Nigeria, both sides are desperate to win and save some chances to progress. But as it often happens it might end in a draw with both teams so careful not to loose all with the kick off, specially, when you have such a quality leveled sides. In addition statistics shows neither team has previously won a game at the Africa Cup of Nations. 3.20 in bet365 is a shot worthy at the draw here but I will not bring it as my main bet.

Lack of goals can be defined as a clear tendency when we speak about both teams. They rarely score and are so focus on defense that 1:0, 0:0 and 1:1 are most common results when you have a look years back in their history. If you are in a mood you can try 1:1 in bet365 for a huge reward of 6.50 but I will take the Under 2.5 goals for 1.57 and stay calm in front of the big odds.

Bet selection:
I will take the Under 2.5 Goals fairly priced at 1.57 by bet365

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Bookmakers of choice:
I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on African Cup of Nations 2010 as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly.

Ladbrokes, bet365, bwin, Expekt or Bet-at-home.

Subscribe to Betting Premier League Picks via RSS:

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Before the game starts & after the final whistle:
I found playing poker as an great alternative on sports betting and a way to increase my bankroll seriously. And it is more fun, that is for sure. You can find me on 1/2 PL Omaha at:

Full Tilt & Bet365

Africa Cup of Nations Betting

Bukomir's Predictions
10 January, 2010
WON
Angola v Mali
ko 19:00 GMT
Live betting available on bet365


While England is being hit by a heavy weather and football was limited enough to two Premier league games on Saturday we are concentrating for what should be a "bloody" unpredictable African Cup of Nations 2010.
It is all but not football if you follow the news coming from Angola these days and the opening is designed to remind again that this one should be decided on the pitch. Angola is kicking their campaign off against Mali and hope for the best in front of the fans. However winning the cup (tasty priced at 15.00 on bwin) is an illusion and certainly out of their reach with Ivory Coast hungry for some silverware at this tournament (bwin will give you 3 dollars in return of every one of yours in case the Ivorians lift the trophy).

Angola open against Mali on Sunday, with Malawi and Algeria making up Group A. It is clear enough that this game can be an early decider for the team which manages to collect all the points. Bookies fancy the home chance but I don't see why exactly even I should admit Angola is improving lately and will have the crowd on their side. I quick look at Mali's line up will give you an sligh idea of what these guys are capable of - Momo Sissoko (Juventus), Seydou Keita (Barcelona), Frederic Kanoute (Seville) and Mahamadou Diarra (Real Madrid) are all shining there. It is also true that 3 of these are playing similar roles and it wil be a tough task to find them all a place on the pitch.

Call it madness but I will go against the home side in the opening and build my strategy arround the draw - a result so likely when it comes to African labeled football. If you need a safety bet you can try the Under 2.5 Goals - 1.53 seems fair on bet365.

Bet selection:
I will take the draw priced generously at 3.25 by bet365

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Bookmakers of choice:
I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on African Cup of Nations 2010 as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly.

Ladbrokes, bet365, bwin, Expekt or Bet-at-home.

Subscribe to Betting Premier League Picks via RSS:

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Before the game starts & after the final whistle:
I found playing poker as an great alternative on sports betting and a way to increase my bankroll seriously. And it is more fun, that is for sure. You can find me on 1/2 PL Omaha at:

Full Tilt & Bet365

NBA Betting – ESPN Friday Double-Header

Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks

BetPhoenix Odds (BetPhoenix Sportsbook Review): Hawks -2

The Atlanta Hawks have been slipping up recently but it looks like they are finally back on track. When you play against the New Jersey Nets, there is always a good chance of that.

The Hawks had lost four straight and five of their last six prior to Wednesday’s contest and there was some general concern as to what had happened to the team that started 20-7.

The truth is that the Hawks had a reality check and that they failed their test miserably. Atlanta lost in Denver, to Cleveland twice (home and away), home to New York and on the road in Miami.

The first few losses deflated the Hawks, who feel like they have grown into serious contenders but considering they lost to two conference finalists, they clearly aren’t quite there yet.

The Hawks will get a chance to redeem themselves against the Boston Celtics on Friday and this should be more manageable.

Kevin Garnett and Marquis Daniels will miss this game for Boston while Kendrick Perkins and Eddie House are dealing with their own illnesses (both should play).

This is the perfect time for the Hawks to take advantage and get a big home win.

NBA Betting Pick: Hawks -2

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Denver Nuggets

Sports Betting Lines: NO LINE

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets will meet up in another episode of LeBron versus Carmelo.

Normally, these contests are very close – especially with the games played in Denver – but this one could be a little more one-sided.

The Nuggets, who have been without point guard Chauncey Billups in eight of the last nine games, could also be without backup Ty Lawson after he sprained his ankle against Golden State on Tuesday.

Billups is hoping to make his return Friday and Lawson is day-to-day, so he might play as well. But that’s not all.

Forward Carmelo Anthony has missed three straight games due to a knee contusion and is also day-to-day. Without Anthony and Billups, the Nuggets don’t stand a chance in this contest but with everyone healthy, they’ll have a great chance to win.

It’s hard to bet your hard-earned dollars on the Nuggets right now given the health concerns so either bet the Cavs or stay away from this contest until there is more certainty.

Betting Line Pick: Cavaliers

NFL Betting – Do Eagles Have The Formula?

The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will meet for a third time this season. This time, it’s for keeps.

Those making their NFL predictions saw the Cowboys stomp the Eagles in Week 17 and steal not only the No. 2 seed in the NFC from them, but also the NFC East title. The Eagles could have been at home on a bye week but instead, they have to go back on the road to Dallas for a second week in a row after losing 24-0.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Bodog Odds (Bodog Reviews): Cowboys -4

Last Week

The Eagles came into the week as the surprising No. 2 seed in the NFC after the Minnesota Vikings had lost three of their last four games. A win for the Eagles would have secured home-field advantage against everyone except for New Orleans and would have secured a bye.

Instead, the Eagles were rolled in Dallas and ended up dropping all the way to the No. 6 seed in the East, which means they will be on the road the entire way once again.

For the Cowboys, they have now won three straight games heading into the playoffs and they are on a roll. While most people wanted to criticize them at the beginning of December, they are a serious Super Bowl contender after rolling their last three opponents. Their defense is hot right now and they get to face a team they have already defeated twice this year.

This Week

The internet betting crowd is wondering how the Eagles are going to win this game? This is a team that doesn’t run the ball and has to go on the road with a one-dimensional offense and try to win. In two previous matchups this year, they haven’t been able to do so.

For the Cowboys, they have owned the line of scrimmage in both games. Their offensive line isn’t allowing the Eagles to get close to Romo, who has had a quarterback rating of 100 or more in five of his last six games, while the Cowboys are generating plenty of pressure on Donovan McNabb (eight sacks in two games).

The Eagles offense lives off of the big plays to DeSean Jackson but the Cowboys have shut him down in both games this year. Expect more of the same as the Cowboys are just a really bad matchup for Philadelphia.

NFL Picks: Cowboys -4

NBA Betting – Wizards, Nets Still Stumbling

Washington Wizards @ Philadelphia 76ers
Bodog Odds (Bodog Reviews): 76ers -5

The Washington Wizards continue to be one of the biggest train wrecks in the NBA. In the offseason, they looked like they would have plenty of promise considering Gilbert Arenas was getting healthy, Flip Saunders was hired as head coach and the team appeared to have more depth than in previous years.

Fast forward into January and the Wizards are just 10-21, in the midst of a four-game losing streak and on the verge of completely quitting not even halfway through the season because of chemistry issues.

There have been reports that Arenas pulled a gun on a teammate in a locker room brawl, which has distracted this team from playing basketball even more so.

On Tuesday, the Wizards will face the Philadelphia 76ers and considering the Wizards beat the Sixers last week, it should be Philadelphia’s turn this week.

The Wizards are a team that is just discombobulated right now. It’s hard to bet on them because they weren’t playing well before and now the team is the subject of league scrutiny because of the Arenas gun incident. The Sixers are also one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference but this is a contest they can win.
Sportsbook Promos Pick: 76ers -5


Milwaukee Bucks @ New Jersey Nets
Sports Wager Odds: Bucks -1.5

The New Jersey Nets have still won just three games this year. The good news for them is that they are 1-1 in their last two games.

The Nets have been absolutely abysmal this year and might be on pace to set some records. The only bright spot for the Nets is that they will have another opportunity to win on Tuesday as they host the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks are in a tier higher than the Nets but they clearly aren’t in the NBA elite. The Bucks have just 13 wins on the year and only three of which have been on the road. The Bucks are 3-11 away from home this year.

The more important trend may be the fact that the Bucks are sloping downward right now. They have lost seven of their last 10 games and are just 4-10 since they were last over .500 at 9-8.

Look for the Nets to eke out a close win on Tuesday, making it two in their last three.
Sports Betting Tip: Nets +1.5

Italy Serie A Pick - Cagliari v Roma

Bukomir's Predictions

Italy Serie A
6 January, 2010
WON
Cagliari v Roma ko 14:00 GMT
Live Streaming available on bet365


As England football program is struggling with postponed matches and Carling Cup semi finals are the most recent victim I will point your attention to the warmer part of the continent - Italy.
We have a whole round on Wednesday in Serie A and Roma away game deserves a shot.
If we explore the statistics it is obvious that Roma are suffering here and considering Cagliari solid performance in front of the fans before the Christmas break it can easily goes on the home side. However Roma were also in form in the last 6 games and the team is constantly improving for the most important part of the season. Visitors have some concerns for the attacking line as Okaka and Totti are doubtful but they have Toni on board and oh yes, he can win matches!
The game can goes either way but 3 draws out of 4 games here in the last years makes me believe another points sharing is likely.
More conservative approach on the game may result in Goal/Goal option and prices are also fair.

Bet selection:
I will take the draw priced generously at 3.20 by bet365

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on England Premier League as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly. Read more in my best rated bookmakers section or join me in:

Ladbrokes, bet365, bwin, Expekt or Bet-at-home.


Subscribe to Betting Premier League Picks via RSS:

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Before the game starts & after the final whistle:
I found playing poker as an great alternative on sports betting and a way to increase my bankroll seriously. And it is more fun, that is for sure. You can find me on 1/2 PL Omaha at:

Full Tilt & Bet365

England Premier League Picks - Stoke

Bukomir's Predictions

Barclays Premier League
5 January, 2010
WON

Stoke v Fulham
ko 19:45 GMT
This is not the Potters I know! The team have lost the last three matches and failed to score in any of them. The home fortress are getting weak and the game tomorrow comes as a key to the gates of Britannia. Stoke are more than desperate to find themselves back on the winning tracks and will surely use all their advantages at home to change their Premier league luck. A. Faye is back and Shawcross is available again - this will bring more confidence in defense, specially if Sorensen manage to recover of his finger injury on time. The lack of attacking power points our attention on a classic under 2.5 goals but I will still stick with my instincts in search of a better reward.
Fulham are in form, no doubt. They performed solid at Stamford Bridge in London and only the bad luck cost them the win (or a point at least). However the team have struggled on the road in recent seasons and are without a victory in eight away league clashes. They are safe in the middle of the table. In regard of the team news Hangeland remains doubtful.

Bet selection:
Stoke should fight for points and a home win is likely and tasty priced at 2.62 by bet365

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on England Premier League as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly. Read more in my best rated bookmakers section or join me in:

Ladbrokes, bet365, bwin, Expekt or Bet-at-home.


Subscribe to Betting Premier League Picks via RSS:

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Before the game starts & after the final whistle:
I found playing poker as an great alternative on sports betting and a way to increase my bankroll seriously. And it is more fun, that is for sure. You can find me on 1/2 PL Omaha at:

Full Tilt & Bet365

Playing Online Casino

Many people are a little on the edge about playing online casinos. There are different reasons such as "it is a kind of not real", "can i trust it for my money?", etc. To be completely honest I was also exactly there before getting to understand the charm of playing secure casino games in trusted online sites in the comfort of my home.
I recently found Casino Red as an great alternative to the always crowded Vegas offline casinos - I can fully enjoy it from my home, 24 hours 7 days per week, day and night and can choose from variety of games - everything from my favorite blackjack and roulette to tons of classic and video slots. There is a welcome bonus of 888$ and progressive jackpots worth a shot. What is important for me is to have enough secure deposit/withdrawal alternatives and Casino Red suits me perfectly with their huge list of options.
I am not sure how this new love will affect my bankroll but there are always few dollars left after a successful betting period which I will love to spent here.

FA Cup Sunday Pick

Bukomir's Predictions

FA Cup 3rd round
03 January, 2010
WON

Tranmere v Wolverhampton
kick off: 18:15 GMT

You have probably noticed I took a bit of a rest from the soccer/football picks and focused more on the NBA, NHL and collage betting. The reason is that postponed games in England are affecting my concentration and it is so hard to predict the result from such a game on a frozen pitch and heavy snowing which level teams quality, pretty much. However I can't stand taking a shot on Sunday FA Cup tie as bookies are more than generous on Wolves visit to Liverpool.

There is no doubt this is a heavy season for Tranmere in League One and avoiding relegation is priority number one. However Rovers have avoided defeat in seven of their last eight, in all competitions and are in a kind of a form which can cost troubles to any visiting team. Tranmere have no new injury concerns and will use their best formation to meet a premier league ranked team in this 3rd FA cup round. Bad news for the home side is that Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is set to field his strongest available side and this game is coming in a very wrong moment when Wolves are hungry and desperate to rebuild pride and find the winning way again. We can say Wolves were unlucky to loose twice in a row from two of the top teams in England and a win here can lift their confidence back on track. Vokes is back from Leeds and will fight for a spot in the starting eleven tomorrow.

Tranmere have a bit of momentum and are improving lately but prices over 1.80 for the Premier league side are still looking too generous and definitely worth a shot.

Bet selection:
Take Wolves to win their visit and collect a tasty 1.83 reward offered today by bet365

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I use mainly the following bookies to bet on England FA Cup as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly.

Ladbrokes, bet365, bwin, Expekt or Bet-at-home.


Subscribe to Betting Premier League Picks via RSS:

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Before the game starts & after the final whistle:
I found playing poker as an great alternative on sports betting and a way to increase my bankroll. And it is more fun, that is for sure. You can find me on 1/2 NL Holdem or Omaha PL at:

Full Tilt & Bet365

NBA Betting – Magic, Timberwolves Gather On New Year’s Day

The sports wagering community knows that New Year’s Day is the day for college football bowl games and now it’s become a special day for the NHL as well with the Winter Classic, but the NBA will also have a few games on the schedule.

The Orlando Magic will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night in a game that has a lot more importance for the Magic.

Last year, Orlando cruised to an easy division win and a high seed in the Eastern Conference but this year, the Atlanta Hawks are pushing them to their limits. The Magic hold a slight two-game lead over the Hawks in the Southeast division and will need to play a little better on the road if they want to extend that lead.

Internet betting cappers saw the Magic finish with the second-best road record in the NBA last year but this year has been a different story. The Magic have won four of their last five games overall but have lost three straight on the road.

The Timberwolves are cellar-dwellers in the NBA’s Western Conference so the Magic should be able to get back on track with a rather easy challenge on Friday.

Orlando Magic @ Minnesota Timberwolves

Sportsbook.com Odds (Sportsbook.com Reviews): Magic -9

The Magic may have lost three straight on the road but if history is any indication, they should have an easy time in Minnesota.

Last year, the two teams met twice and the Magic swept the series, winning by an average of 17.5 points per game. Overall, the Magic have won three straight at the Target Center.

While that spells bad news for Minnesota, it could be even worse when you consider that the Magic have now added Vince Carter to their roster. Carter has been a big thorn in the Timberwolves side, scoring an average of 29.2 points per game in his last five trips to Minnesota and scored 36 in his trip there with the Nets last season.

The Magic have never won four in a row at the Target Center but they also haven’t dropped four in a row since a five-game losing streak in early 2007. After losing a couple of road games, you can expect them to be far more focused on Friday.

Expert Sports Handicapping Pick: Magic -9