Tuesday Night Basketball

By Divol

Barcelona v Real Madrid



23rd March 19:45 GMT

Not an easy match to call. Barcelona are the better team but Messina does much better as underdog I believe. The first game of the series is the best time for the surprise. Last season Barcelona lost the first game at home of the quarter finals to Spanish rivals as well (Tau). The year before that, Oly won in Moscow against CSKA. Favourites know they can still recover from a loss, underdogs have time to plan surprise and it's not only in Euroleague, but in the world as well. I thought to take Partizan, Tau and even Prokom, but took Real with the heavy line in the end and Real to lead at HT.

Messina is a master of making adjustments and while you can ask why he didn't make one in the Spanish Cup Finals, I can only say that series are different. Both teams are good teams and it is hard for me to believe that between two good teams, Barcelona will win continue to cruise and will go to a  6 - 0 record against Real. Will start tonight and continue to back Real probably.

Picks:

Real to lead at HT - 3.75 odds - 1 units play - Stan James

Real +10, 1.95 odds - 1.5 units play - Ladbrokes sportsbook

Real to win the game - 5.83 odds - 0.25 units play - Pinnacle

Denver Nuggets v New York Knicks + Maccabi Tel Aviv v Partizan Mobtel + Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Clippers + Charlotte Bobcats v Washington Wizards

I can easily see a surprise in any of the games, but it will be just that, a surprise. All four selections are heavy favourites and need the game more than the rival team. NBA teams are in the playoff run, while Maccabi must protect their home court advantage. The high odds allow here to take low units and still turn profit so I will make a small wager on this game.

Pick: Denver (1.37) + Maccabi (1.24) + Dallas (1.19) + Charlotte (1.37) to win - 2.77 odds - 1.75 units play - Pinnacle

Divol