Israeli Premier League Basketball

By Divol

Ramat Gan v Afula



5th May 18:00 GMT

It's not so much the Under itself in Game 1 that surprised me, but the score? 146 points? Wow that's low. Wouldn't be surprised to see a 200 points game to follow that, but I will settle for 170 points as well and I have little doubt it will happen. From eleven games in Ramat Gan this season, only three results were lower than the total set for today. The baskets in Zisman are so friendly to the shooter that you don't even have to aim. You need to just throw the ball and the basket will catch it, no worries. I thought that the total will be around 168 - 170 points, given the fact that in the first game, played in Afula, the total was 165 - 166 points. The low score in the first game doesn't justify such a huge swing. At least one team will score 85 points and probably 90 as well. 91 - 88 is my projected score here.

Pick: Over 159.5 points - 1.85 odds - 5 units play - Bwin


Netania v Haifa



5th May 19:00 GMT

Haifa lost the first game at home in the playoffs as well. They responded with a win on the road in Game 2. They had better roster last year, but also played a better team than Netania. I think that for an old and short roster like Netania has; to play two games in four days will be a very difficult task. Haifa easily won in Netania in the regular season and despite losing Ido Kozikaro, I doubt we will see another such poor performance from Jefferson and Haifa has what it takes to grab the win here. A loss here and I believe we will see Netania in the Final 4 and I just can't see it happening.

Pick: Haifa to win, 2.75 odds - 3 units play - Stan James

Divol