Israeli Basketball Super League

By Divol

Hapoel Afula v Elizur Netanya



21st February 18:35 GMT

This is a true must win for Afula. They have got three games in a row against teams of their level, two of them at home and then they play much better teams until the end of the season. They need to win both games they play at home against their relegation rivals and “steal” at least one or two more games and then they will have a much better position.

Netania also needs this game. A win tonight will almost guarantee them another season in the league. Still, they are a clear home team, despite having a few nice results on the road; most of their achievements were at home. They also should come down to earth a bit, with their great win on Maccabi in the league and playing in the Semi Finals of the Israeli cup.

Afula needs a big man, so they aren’t in the best condition, but still, when a team needs a win that badly, I will go with them.

Picks:

Afula to win, 2.4 – 1.5 units play - Pinnacle

Afula +4, 1.88 – 2 units play - Pinnacle


Haifa v Galil



 21st February 19:55 GMT

This is a huge game involving two teams that can easily meet in the final four in the spring. Haifa remembers the humiliation that Galil gave them, blowing them away in the previous game. Now Haifa wants revenge and they play at home and unlike the last time they met, now Galil are in bad shape while Haifa are back in their good form.

Still, Haifa has too many injured players and Rosa is back in the USA on a personal matter. Mizrahi is questionable after missing some time due to injury. New Center will land today and still won’t play and Hajaj is injured and questionable as well.

I see one strong bet here and that is the Under. Both teams want the win and both should struggle on offense, so they should turn to the weapon that makes them that good, defense.

Katash was known for years as a great offensive coach, but this is the first time that his team shows good defense and Haifa are one of the best defensive teams I have seen in Israel in the last decade.

Pick: Under 156.5 points 1.9 – 3 units play - Stan James

 
Maccabi Tel Aviv v Rishon Le Zion



 21st February 18:40 GMT

Not an easy game, but still should have value. This team is a mix of players that used to beat Maccabi more than once a season and with players that are just dying to beat Maccabi after playing there and a coach that is both, since he won with Maccabi more than anyone in the league and he was fired from Maccabi last season.

Maccabi are coming after Cup week where they won the Cup and before playing Pilsen on the  road. This is maybe the most important game of Maccabi this season (unless they win and it will be a game against Siena at home than). I do believe there is a decent chance that Rishon can catch Maccabi off guard.

Picks:

Rishon to win, 11.53 odds – 0.25 units - Pinnacle

Rishon +20.5, 1.91 odds - 2.5 units play - Pinnacle

Divol