betprepare.com

Hats off to the Romanian on her Grand Slam fourth round, but she doesn't belong to this phase of the competition on this court. She managed to surprise Kerber and also had luck with the lot. Begu is aware of her success, and she doesn't hide her happiness, or the surprise at being in the fourth round of the Grand Slam. She was the more experienced player in the following two matches, and showed more calmness in the key moments, but neither Siniakova nor Witthoeft can't be compared to Bouchard. The Canadian did play worse than she can against Garcia, but still got a convincing win. Realistically speaking, Begu's hits aren't as strong as Garcia's, and she'll hardly get her chance at the first serve return. Besides, Bouchard is much better in the rallies where she'll crush Begu's defense with her strong hits. I'm convinced Bouchard will win or sure, she can't miss out on a lot this good in the fourth round. Details

Paulistano are in a crisis after recording three straight wins. The game against Limeire was slower-paced and that saw them force overtime. But, the very next game against Flamengo displayed what happens when they meet a faster opponent. Flamengo pushed the faster game and scored 97 points in the end and over 10 three-pointers. That is precisely what kind of a game I expect today. Bauru are even better on the offensive end than Flamengo and their shooter are in fine form. They rested the key players in the win over Cearense, Day included, and will be completely fatigue-free today. They are better in backcourt and in rebounding. Bauru beat Paulistano already once this season and seem unstoppable now. Only the top three teams have what it takes to beat them. Quality, form, and good rest they had are making me think they'll win convincingly again. Details

Given the fact it's women's tennis, the margin is set really high. The 22-game margin is rarely seen in women's matches and it paints the right picture of what kind of a match this is. Both players have excellent first serves that is followed by 75% of first serve points. Pliskova will try to end rallies with winners very early on, not allowing them to get long, while Makarova fires great shots along the side line and will know how to set Pliskova off-course. Besides, the Russian has the upper hand at the second serve, which is more more stable, but Pliskova will definitely have a say in that too. Both have displayed ups and down - Pliskova in the second set against Dodin when losing three straight games after serving for the set, while Makarova recorded only 44% of first serves in second set against Vinci. I'm pretty sure we are to watch at least one tie-break today. Details

Giorgi is always in haste, always trying to bring the rallies to a quick end, which is one of her greatest shortcomings and one of the reasons she won't make it into Top 20 this season. On top of that, her second serve is ITF level. She's averaging 30% of second serve points and has more double faults per match than any other player on Tour. Smitkova is, on the other hand, a different type. She can play a passive match and wait out for opponents' mistakes but she's capable of aggressively looking for winners. Her first service is amazing and I expect her to get over 75% of first service points against this opponent. She will also have a lot to say against Giorgi's second serves. The Italian might seem to have upper hand in rallies because of most powerful shots, but she can't stay at a high level all match long. That makes the over at greater number of total games a great choice because both players will be good in terms of first serve and we should see at least one tie-break. Details

Venus defeated Davis with nine games difference less than two weeks ago, and I think almost nothing changed in their game. She'll have an advantage in the rallies again, where she managed to break Davis thanks to her strong hits, but also the serve, where Venus seems more secure. We can expect numerous break chances on Davis's serve, she simply doesn't have the strength to disable Venus's return after the first hit. Williams started the Australian Open in a determined way, and demonstrated her quality right in the first round, showing why she's back in the Top 20. She's in advantage in any segment of this match, and I'm convinced that with a game this good, she can go on. Add to that the mental aspect, Venus's advantage is even bigger. Sure, Davis can't forget the convincing defeat in Auckland, and the fact that in one of the sets, she didn't win a single game, but that can only "break" her more. The factors are all simply on Venus's side, because she really looks impressive on this tournament. Details

Radwanska ended under this margin in both head-to-head matches with Larsson. It was a convincing win in 13 games the first time, the second time in 17. Despite the slower opening in the Nara match, I'm sure she will be at her best level here. Besides, it's only logical that she didn't start the last match properly. The first Grand Slam round pressure, the win, different conditions, and the ball. She's done some practice sessions but matches are matches. What is most important is her game in the second part of the match. She was serving well, consistent in rallies, and drew Nara crazy with shorter shots and net points. I expect something similar against Larsson, but with a small difference. Larsson lack's Nara's consistency. The match with Kudryavtseva in which she struggled to beat the player who was barely moving only went to prove that. She makes too many backhand mistakes but from the baseline on the whole too. She's not fast enough to react well on shortened shots and her serving is not very good either. All that combined, the bet at under 17.5 games is worth medium stake. Details

When I watched matches by Pliskova and Dodin, I knew I'll have to bet on over when they face each other. Still, the odds were a pleasant surprise, so I'll gladly take +6 on the French. Pliskova's got a great tournament behind her, and she's at the top of her tennis, but I'm still pretty sure she won't cover this handicap. Her game in the rallies against Rodina wasn't brilliant. She was insecure, and Rodina returned a good part of her balls into the court, forcing her to errors. Add to that only 33% second serve points, it's clear that Dodin will have a chance for a break. It's similar on the other side. Great first serve, aggressive game, and trying to get the winners in every rally. Pliskova's got an advantage because of her experience, but the fact is that she's not playing better tennis right now. Still, I don't think she'll celebrate with three breaks difference. Dodin is 1.83cm tall, and her hands can spread wide, so she'll have her say in Pliskova's second serve return. All in all, I see this as an evened out match where we should see at least one long set, and where Dodin won't lose by six games difference. Details

The first day offered a lot of surprises, but I'm convinced that Nara won't continue her streak today. I saw all of her matches in the last tournament and it feels like she's here just to collect the check for the first round. She was clearly going all in in the third set with Brengle. Moving well and defense weren't a good option because of the injury so she went on trying to fire winner after one of two shots. Brengle started playing a more clever game after having a break opportunity at 3-3 and took advantage of Nara's injury. Radwanska failed in Sydney after tying wins over Serbena and Cornet. Muguruza then used her bad day to beat her, which is another reason for this bet. Radwanska is always good in Australia and Nara could not have met a tougher opponent. She's consistent, moves greatly and will be looking for that extra shot throughout the match. Nara is not completely fit and ready and since Radwanska covered this handicap last season convincingly against Nara, who was healthy back then, she should not be having any trouble in doing so today. Details

I don't see any reason for this to be considered a close match. Granted, Mirjana could take initiative, forcing Smitkova to go against her style and into defense, if she was ready, which is not the case. The last round proved that the leg injury is bothering her and liming her movements. She forfeited a match one week ago preemptively, but I don't believe she'll be doing her best today. When adding the really bad serving in that match, her chances are next to none. Sitkova left a good impression here. Kvitova was expected to sweep the floor with her, but Teresa managed to put up a good fight. The good quality first serve encouraged her and she managed to win a break. Lack of experience and focus are the only two reasons Smitkova didn't get at least a set. Smitkova's serving is better and she is capable of outplaying this Lucic in rallies to cover this low-set handicap. Details

Not counting the match against Hon, who's got nothing to do on this level, Rodina had 56% and 61% first serve points in the other two matches. What can she do against Pliskova with a serve like that? The Czech was impressive last week. Her first serve is untouchable, she found her self-confidence in the rallies, and she uses every chance, every shorter hit. These factors will be plenty against Rodina, because the Russian isn't at Pliskova's level. Besides the serve deficit, her hits aren't deep enough, either. The tall Pliskova's coming out to the net could be a problem for her, too. All in all, I don't see how Rodina could make this match intense. Her return isn't good enough to put the pressure on Pliskova, and her serve is pretty insecure, as we mentioned already. I'm convinced Karolina will try to start the Australian Open better after a great last week, and she'll break Rodina at least three times. The offered handicap seems like a great option, even more so considering that she never lost by more than five games difference on the WTA level last season, including the qualifiers. Details

Even though Sorocabana lost by more than 14.5 points difference only three times out of 12, I'm convinced that will happen against Flamengo. The home team lost to Limeira and Bauruo, and brought their placement to risk. They need one of the first four places to directly go to the quarterfinals, and that means they can't make mistakes in games like these. After this game, they're going for a tournament, and this is their last real preparation. Of course they'll want to win as convincingly as possible, so their self-confidence is boosted before the tournament. Still, the most important factor is Sorocabana's offense. Their offense is the worst in the league, and they simply don't have the capacity to surprise Flamengo and score 30 points in one period, which proved to be a problem for Flamengo. They'll do the same as Cearense, impose a fast rhythm and try to use Sorocabana's bad offense. They're significantly better in any position, and of all seven matches against Sorocabana, they didn't lose once, and score 91 points per game in that statistic. Marquinhos and Marcelo are in a good form, and I simply don't see how Sorocabana can lose this with less than 15 points difference. Details

Although there is a chance that Horvath might play his first game for the Kings, latest reports suggest otherwise. Even if he were to play, his form is dubious.The loss of Brandt was a big blow for the Kings, and adding to that is the injury of White. He should play against the Crocs, but he still feels pain in his lower back. The home team are in much better shape. Conklin seems to be unstoppable, Blanchfield has awoken and is shooting more, Gladness is doing great work in the pain, and Norton has finally justified the trust of the coach. It was often said that Markovic should be the starting point guard, despite his injuries, but Mitch was truly impressive lately. He should have the edge over Kevin White, whom he outplayed in both previous duels. The away team has lost a lot on rebounding lately. Childress faces a tough battle against Gladness and Conklin this time, a battle he lost in both previous duels. In conclusion: the Crocs are in better shape, at home, and with no injury issues. They won the previous two duels against the Kings, when their opponents were in better shape, healthier and more prepared, so a handicap victory should not be doubted. Details

Uberlandia are in crisis, having lost the last 7 games by an average of almost ten points. That is the best proof how poor their form is right now. While the defeats to Minas and Limeira were expected, the ones to Rio Clara, Palmeiras and Pinheiros could have been avoided. The reason behind the defeats is quite clear - guards have horrible shooting efficiency and Uberlandia doesn't seem to have anyone in the key. They score some 15 points from the key, which is truly tragic. On the other hand, Cearense were lead by Andreazao and Araujo, two key players, and the two of their will make Uberlandia's life tough, especially in rebounding. Those two combined 31 points in the win over Sorocabana, and even more is expected from them today. Under is not a bad option, with both teams being mediocre in attacking, but I think the home team will outplay Uberlandia completely. They're in better shape and that is why handicap at Cearense is much more valuable choice. They have the chance to beat and outrun the direct rival in the race for a spot in the playoffs. Details

Adelaide beat Melbourne by 13 points a month ago, but I'm going with the option of Melbourne covering this handicap today. We need to points out that Melbourne started that last game with Tomilson, McRrae and Worthington on the bench, which turned out to be a bad call as they got back and couldn't make up for the deficit later on. Adelaide scored 52 points from the key and recorded 21 rebound more. Their dominance in the key doesn't need further explanation. They will be without BJ Anthony today (had shooting efficiency of 100% in that game with 12 points). He grabbed three rebounds and forced 4 personal fouls. McRae and Kickert had five personal fouls, which caused their team to lose the final quarter by 11 points. A defeat to the Breakers was basically Adelaide's farewell to playoffs, while Melbourne need this win. Anthoony had only 15 minutes per game but his points will be difficult to make up for. Melbourne improved greatly when it comes to rebounding in the last two weeks. They struggled with defending Schenscher in the first round, allowing him to grab 11 rebounds, but they won't make that mistake again. They're better, more motivated, and play home. Adelaide won only one home game, and despite being better in the key, cannot stand up to 36ers' outside of it. Anything but a convincing win for United would be a surprise. Details

A lot of times this season I wrote about Crocs' misfortune with injuries and how not once did they have all of the players available. Now the Kings are in that situation. Their best player Childress returned a week ago after an injury, but you can't recognize him anymore. Obviously he's not ready. Magden hurt his ankle, just like White. Although they will play, they're not on 100%. Brandt, their second foreigner, is questionable and his status will be decided before the match. From five Kings starters, three have problems with injuries. On the other hand, the Crocs aren't playing the best basketball ever. Still, they are better because of Conklin who is one of the best players of the league, and he showed that against Taipans. Blanchfield was also in a good mood against the Kings whom they don't have a way to defend, and those two can bring a win in an away match. Gladness can stand up to Childress in the rebound and Crocs will probably have the advantage in that area. Markovic is an experienced play and he managed to impose a fast-paced game in latest matches. Crocs have a record of 4-0 in their last matches against the Kings, they beat them twice this season and they're more ready. Taking into consideration Sydney's roster condition, this one goes for Crocs. Because of a possible tense finale, I decided for a counterhandicap which will hardly fall. Details

Hats off to Lauren Davis for three straight comebacks, but her Auckland adventure stops today. She won her first three matches in the exact same manner - the opponents would start better, but Davis wouldn't give up. She fought even for the points that seemed hopeless and that saw her win. Ueszula outplayed her both in terms of serving and rallies, but she lost power in the end. On the other hand, Venus is superior in her first service and Lauren's only chance in that respect will be possible mistakes from the other side of the net. She won only about 40% of her second service points against girls who do much worse against opponents' service than Venus. Williams won 93% of points against Nari's second service and 58% against Vesnina's. Davis will need to keep her first service up. She said she's tired but I'm not buying that. I think Venus can beat her regardless, using all of her second service problems. Venus is experienced enough not to let Davis drag her into long rallies from the baseline. Handicap seems like a sure bet. Details

Total points margin was based on stats and I think it's at least 2-3 points off. Granted, Pinherios are a good in offense, averaging 82.9 points, while conceding 85.7. They seem to be the team that mostly plays overs and that is true. What stats don't reveal is that they were incredibly good in offense in that game with Uberland that ended with 180 points in total. Days had field goal efficiency of 100% back then and that is something that doesn't happen every day. The first quarter resulted in the faster pace of the whole game and Pinherios now call for a game in which their offense will play the key role. Minas are an offense-oriented team, no matter how bad that might sound.They concede only 70 points per game and win on account of good defense performances. Only Limeira managed to score more than 80 points (83) against them so far, while they limited Baura, the most efficient team in the league. Minas cannot match Pinheiros' offense, and the home team clearly don't have what it takes to beat Minas' defense. They scored 65 to Pameiras, 68 to Franca, and 55 to Baura. All those teams are weaker than Minas defense-wise. Both teams said they want to play good defense in order to win and I think we're going to see a slower-pace game that will end at about 150 points. Details

This text will be published soon. Details

I went with handicap at Flamengo last round and failed in the most unbelievable manner. Despite being in a double-digit lead, which at one points went to 17 points, for the most part of the game, Flamengo lost by one point in the end. That is only additional reason for me to go with this bet. Flamengo open the game well and I think they will take a double-digit lead by half time. Last game was a great warning that they should not relax, which is why I'm sure they'll try their best from start to finish, which means Rio Claro won't stand a chance. They are not as good as Macae, the team that beat Flamego last round under strange circumstances. Marcelo, Herrman, and Meyinsse are better than the hole lineup at Rio Claro. Flamengo are the top offense in the league with 90 points per game, while the opponents score only 75. The stats suggest that the handicap was set wrong. The visitors are better, they're in the race for top spot and want to make amends after the slip, which makes them a very dangerous opponent. Details

Last year you were the title favorites, and this year you're on a catastrophic spot number 13. That's Brasilia's situation. Two best additions possible, who would next to recuperated Arthur be the axis of the team. One is a "beast" in the paint, gives his contribution to the rebound and defense, while the second one is old school. Goodridge, Giovanonni, and Cipolini together create the best paint of the league and it's only a matter of time when Brasilia is going to start using that. On the other hand, Sorocabana have no ambitions. They were left by their best player with an excuse that he "didn't want to be pushed around". Their additions are average. They brought in tired players who didn't make a difference so far in the NBB League. Brasilia couldn't have wanted a better opponent in the first match of the new year. They have two wins behind them, and a third one would lift their spirits. They're hosting Sorocabana whose newly-arrived trio still need to catch the pace of the game. The hosts are good on all positions, from the paint to the experienced, newly-arrived wing Lamonte, and play Fredo. They need a convincing win to get the fans back to their arena, and I'm convinced they will be victorious with a two-digit difference. Details