By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
During the first months of the season the teams are still trying to find their footing, but there are still some constants in terms of betting. Like, for instance, Real’s offense, that can score at will.
So the strongest point of the weekend is Real’s over in the Madrilenos’ derby. Real are facing Etsudiantes and they definitely have an advantage to win. However, it’s quite secure for you to bet on the over of their points. The limit is 86,5 points and in all their wins so far they’ve scored more (101 against Bayern, 88 against Zaragoza, 112 against Tenerife, 89 against Crvena Zvezda, 94 against Gipuzkoa).
The two teams that are in the best shape in Spain are clashing, with Valencia hosting Laboral. Both teams usually score a lot, driving up the overall score of their games, but Valencia plays excellent defense and they probably won’t allow the Basques to run on the open court. The limit is high (157,5 points) and in a derby like this one it is unlikely to be exceeded.
Darussafaka are going through a period of recovery and are looking for a win to improve their psychology, since they’ve only defeated Ankara in their last six games. Yesilgiresun, on the other side, is a quality team and they can fight and defend the 10,5-point handicap that’s in their favor.
The German champions Bamberg are hosted by Tubingen in a game that they are expected to impose themselves rather easily. The home team have only beaten Gottingen and Crailsheim at home, two teams that are struggling to avoid relegation. The 11,5 points for the advantage are few and the visitors are probably going to win with a greater margin.
In the French championship surprises are very frequent, but when the leaders Villeurbanne (5-1 wins) are hosting the low in ranking Le Havre (0-6 wins) and the handicap is 13,5 points, then it looks rather attractive to bet on the home team.
The betting tips
Villeurbanne-Le Havre (+13,5) 1
@Stoiximan 1,88
Darussafaka-Yesilgeresun (+10,5) 2
@Interwetten 1,85
Valencia-Laboral Under 157,5 points
@Coral 1,91
Estudiantes-Real M. Real M. Οver 86,5 points
@William Hill 1,85
Tubingen (+11,5)-Brose Baskets 2
@Bet365 1,90