ANDY MURRAY hopes it's fifth time lucky in Melbourne this morning when he tries to break his Australian Open title duck in the final.
The Scot, a runner-up Down Under four times before, is 4-1 underdog (bet365) is his battle with world No.1 Novak Djokovic, who beat him at the same stage last year and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings.
If Murray is set to pull off a shock against Coral's 2-9 favourite he'll likely need to win the first set and Skybet have boosted that price from 9-4 to 11-4.
Murray has won at least a set in seven of their eight Grand Slam showdowns and to win a set today he's 4-6 at Paddy Power.
Howerver, that may well be as good as it gets for the British No.1 and I like the look of Djokovic to win 3-1 at 11-4 with Betfred.
The tennis kicks off a busy day of sport including darts, rugby union and NBA action so as usual let's hear all your tips and thoughts.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray
21-9 to Djokovic 6-2 in slams, can Andy finally win an Australian Open?,
Everyone says no, but I say yes
Last year in the final Andy Murray made the cardinal sin of letting Djokovic get in his head, during the third set Djokovic was moving like he was injured, his body language was bad and Murray was sucked in,
This year Murray won’t make that same mistake
Everyone says Murray’s biggest problem is his second serve which is an average of 10mph slower than Novak, but I don’t see this as a problem
I still say he needs to open up on second serve and take some chances but he doesn’t have to do it all the time, one thing Djokovic doesn’t like is a player mixing it up against him.
Djokovic just brushes aside predictable players, only one player this tournament has really mixed it up against Djokovic this tournament and that was Giles Simon who took him to five sets and made Djokovic play 100 unforced errors.
Another thing Djokovic doesn’t like is players playing to his forehand
It’s also been mentioned that while Djokovic has had an extra day off Murray was playing a five setter against Raonic, I again don’t see that as a problem because when you look at that mat hit wasn’t a gruelling five setter, there were a lot quick points and you could see it hadn’t taken a lot out of Murray.
The first set is also crucial, when Djokovic has won the first set he is 17-0
When Murray has won the first set he is 9-4
I am not a fan of these stats because players can change their Attitude in games, it’s obvious it affects Murray when he goes down 1-0 against Djokovic, but I honestly think what happened in last years final has made Murray stronger.
Now stats, both players are even when I comes to first serve but Murray has served more aces in 24 of the 30 meetings with 2 tied and 4 for Djokovic and the odds of 8/13 skybet & william hill are attractive but I don’t back odds on
A part of his game that Murray has improved is winning points on his second serve, this is going to be a big factor if he can keep it up, 68% on second serve against Raonic is big, he has also improved his second serve return and this is where I think he is going to hurt Djokovic because the Raonic second serve is about 20mph faster than Djokovic’s and Murray won 55% of points on the Raonic second serve
Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray 8:30am
ANDY MURRAY to win 4/1 bet365 ladbrokes william hill
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ANDY MURRAY to win 3-1 12/1 betvictor stan james
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Double 7/5 skybet paddy power william hill NAP/NB (double stake)
ANDY MURRAY most aces 8/13
HARLEQUINS to beat Newcastle 1/2 (rugby union sunday 3pm)
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Rugby Union
Newcastle v Harlequins (sunday 3pm)
HARLEQUINS -5 points 1/1 bet365 ladbrokes boylesports
HARLEQUINS -10 points 2/1 betfred
Every game pretty much went to the wire with the Rockets losing by 1. Profit on the night. Well done to any winners.
Grizzlies
Pelicans
Pacers
Just over 13/10 @ 365 (1.33/1) – 2 points **WIN**
Add the Rockets for a 26/10 fourfold – 1 point **LOSE**
Moneyline or points was the way to go yesterday, a lot of close games! Good stuff Jordan.
Australian Open
Murray vs Djokovich
number of sets over 3.5 @ 4/6 – 3 points
Total Games- over 37.5 @ 5/6- 2 points
Quins second team out be carefull
HARLEQUINS HAS ANNOUNCED THE TEAM TO PLAY NEWCASTLE FALCONS AT KINGSTON PARK IN ROUND 10 OF THE AVIVA PREMIERSHIP ON SUNDAY, KICK-OFF 15:00.
Italian international scrum-half Tito Tebaldi makes his first Aviva Premiership start and partners captain Nick Evans in the half backs. George Lowe joins Harry Sloan in the centres as the back three remains unchanged.
Among the forwards, Rob Buchanan is the only change to the front row, as James Horwill and Charlie Matthews complete the front five. Dave Ward starts in the back row alongside Luke Wallace and Mat Luamanu.
Among the replacements, first year Academy member Calum Waters will look to make his first senior appearance for the Club.
In injury news, Karl Dickson underwent surgery on a hand injury sustained last week. The scrum-half is expected to be out for up to ten weeks.
Nick Easter will be available for selection next week having been absent from the squad for personal reasons.
Harlequins team
15. Ross Chisholm
14. Marland Yarde
13. George Lowe
12. Harry Sloan
11. Charlie Walker
10. Nick Evans©
9. Tito Tebaldi
1. Mark Lambert
2. Rob Buchanan
3. Will Collier
4. James Horwill
5. Charlie Matthews
6. Luke Wallace
7. Dave Ward
8. Mat Luamanu
16. Joe Gray
17. Owen Evans
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. George Merrick
20. James Chisholm
21. Calum Waters
22. Ben Botica
23. Tim Swiel
Newcastle Falcons
15 Simon Hammersley 14 Alex Tait 13 Chris Harris 12 Juan Pablo Socino 11 Giamba Venditti 10 Craig Willis 9 Michael Young 1 Rob Vickers 2 Scott Lawson 3 Taione Vea 4 Mark Wilson 5 Sean Robinson 6 Will Welch 7 Nili Latu 8 Ally Hogg
16 George McGuigan 17 Eric Fry 18 Paddy Ryan 19 Mouritz Botha 20 Richard Mayhew 21 Sonatane Takulua 22 Andy Goode 23 Adam Powell
Not quite the second team and players seven of them coming in are more than capable
Lowe, Evans, Tebaldi, Luamanu, Horwill, Buchannan and Ward, I am happy with these players coming in
NBA Fivefold
Spurs (+3.5) **LOST**
Grizzlies (Money) ***WON***
Nuggets (+13) ***WON***
Pistons (+11.5) ***WON***
Fivefold @ 42/10 – 1pt Staked.
Good luck!
——————-
Should have known better than to back the Cavs / Spurs game. Spurs already shown that they struggle to deliver in the big games. Overs should have been the bet there!
T20 Aus vs India. In-play Khawaja to score over 31.5 runs at 10/11. The kid has been in cracking form so I’ll stick with him.
Gone for 14 surprisingly. Run had to end sometime
@hunter – unlucky :( right said, Spurs was totaly overrun,
2 bets yesterday both lose
Pick – New Orleans Pelicans -5 – 2.1 Points – *LOST*
They won the game, just didn’t cover the spread.
Couple of good match ups tonight, hopefully finish the week on a high.
Well done to the winners.
Week Totals – 8-1-4.
Djoko Man will find a way. He does tend to go AWOL during matches and Andy may well win a set. A few offers around for Djoko to win but drop a set, but my main bet will be straight win.
Also fancy Sorana Cirstea in ITF Bertioga. She has good pedigree.
Novak off to a flyer again. Murray already out to 11/1
Gran Canaria – Tenerife – Over 154.5 @ 87/100
Italian A1 Basketball (11:00GMT)
Dinamo Sassari (-2.5) @ 7/4 William Hill – 1.5pts staked.
Good luck!
On it!
lets get my nba back , on it for 12.5 points
SPURS -2.5 5 POINTS
PELICANS OVER 107.5 2.5 POINTS
PACERS -8.5 5 POINTS
WARRIORS OVER 118.5 **** 5 POINTS ****
RAPTORS -7.5 AND OVER 203.5 ( 5/2 ) 2.5 POINTS
died a slow death here , good night / bad night / good night
gotta break this pattern
Close games yesterday! Missing 1 point for the Pelicans and Grizzlies won by 1 point.
Posted yesterday:
– Grizzlies -3.5: *** WIN ***
– Raptors -3.5, Pelicans -3.5 (double) *** LOST ***
Singles W27 – P0 – L23
Accas W1 – L2 (+2.5 pts)
Treble WON
Grizzles ML
Caves +7
GSW P76 Under 225.5
2.01/1
Easily came off , went for a safer bet even though I first was thinking of the ML cavs and the Grizz-2 would have won , anyway a wins a win
I think we can add another statistic to Murray, for next year AO. No player lost 6 finals and not to win one. That was only stat in Andy’s favour today as I predicted.
Darts PDC Masters
Afternoon session
Singles:
Van der Voort vs Chisnall, Van der Voort over 4.5 180’s 1/1 **NAP**
Huybrechts vs Wade, Huybrechts win 11/8
Taylor vs Wright, Highest checkout score over 128.5 5/6
Double:
Taylor vs Wright, over 15.5 legs
Van Gerwen vs Smith, Van Gerwen -3.5
11/10 **NB**
Van der Voort hit the most 180’s on the day yesterday with eight on his way to eliminating Gay Anderson. The match with Chisnall is likely to go the distance if both play to form so he should achieve his line of five 180’s.
Taylor and Wright both registered 100+ averages yesterday so we should see be seeing either player winning at least six legs in their clash.
Van Gerwen destroyed Bunting 10-1 and clocked an astronomical 112.20 average in the process with at least three 9 dart attempts at various stages throughout. I can’t see him letting up against Smith so the -3.5 handicap is a good bet to use here.
All prices with Bet365
Good Luck all
Italian A1 Basketball (11:00GMT)
Dinamo Sassari (-2.5) @ 7/4 William Hill – 1.5pts staked. ***LOST***
Good luck!
—————-
Every time I think Sassari are gonna get back to their usual self they go and screw me over.
@hunter sassari two behind 30 seconds left,
Jumped on when they were +11.5
Looks like it went close in the end. Was originally gonna take them at +6.5 but thought they’d maybe win. Dissapointing!
EuroHoops Fourfold
Olympiakos game starting soon!
Arkadikos / Olympiakos (Under 154.5)
BC Siauliai (-3)
Juventus (+15.5)
Ratiopharm Ulm (+3.5)
Fourfold @ 4/1 Skybet – 1pt staked.
Good luck!
Gran Canaria – Tenerife – Over 154.5 @ 87/100 Won
———————————————————————–
Darussafaka – Royal Hali Gaziantep – Royal(+7.5) @ 22/25 Unibet
Cheers radu , had a few points with u
Cheers @huggybear518
@bullseye, once again thanks for the NAP??
Cheers bullseye , had a biggish bet on that mate
You’re welome @huggybear518 and @hunter
Zalgiris -10.5
Then double with juve -4.5
A good few bob for me
Can’t believe Juventus were +9.5 before tip-off.
Fenerbahce (-4.5)
Olympiakos (-11 1st Half)
Double @ 12/10 – 1pt staked.
LA Clippers – Chicago – Chicago(+5.5) @ 87/100
Miami – Atlanta – Atlanta over 96.5 @ 41/50
Orlando – Boston – Orlando(+5.5) @ 15/19
Dallas – Phoenix – Phoenix over 95.5 @ 10/11
NY – GSW – under 217.5 @ 87/100
Portland – Minnesota – Minnesota(+7.5) @ 5/6
LA Lakers – Charlotte – Lakers over 98.5 @ 41/50
——————————————————————–
Combo @ 21/2
——————————————————————–
– LA Clippers – Chicago – Chicago(+5.5) @ 87/100
– Orlando – Boston – Orlando(+5.5) @ 15/19
– NY – GSW – under 217.5 @ 87/100
– Portland – Minnesota – Minnesota(+7.5) @ 5/6
Unibet
Afternoon session
Singles:
Van der Voort vs Chisnall, Van der Voort over 4.5 180’s 1/1 **NAP** WON
Huybrechts vs Wade, Huybrechts win 11/8 LOST
Taylor vs Wright, Highest checkout score over 128.5 5/6 WON
Double:
Taylor vs Wright, over 15.5 legs
Van Gerwen vs Smith, Van Gerwen -3.5
11/10 **NB** WON
Good stuff bullseye!
Thanks @Oriaz mate.
Thanks bullseye, very consistent darts tipper! I liked the look of the NB so took that ???
Cheers @raoul-duke glad you got on mate.
thx Bullseye put your nap and nb together paid 3/1, do you have anything u fancy for tonites games cheers
Just having a look the markets now @cottweiler I’ll be putting my bets up shortly mate.
Chicago Bulls +5.5 @ 1.90 – 1.2 Points.
Good luck.
thx mate
Nothing from me tonight lads until I see who starts for the Lakers. The NFL Pro Bowl is tonight but not necessarily a game to bet on as its more of an exhibition.
Darts PDC Masters
Semi Finals
Single:
Chisnall vs Wade, Chisnall over 7.5 180’s 6/5 **NB**
Double:
Chisnall vs Wade, Chisnall +2.5
Van Gerwen vs Taylor, Van Gerwen -2.5
20/21 **NAP**
Chisnall smashed in eight 180’s in only fourteen legs on his way to defeating Van der Voort resulting in a 104 average. On day one he hit seven maximums in nineteen legs but to be fair he only reached top gear at the tail end of the match. Wade meanwhile only finished on a 91 average this afternoon. I believe Chisnall will win the match but it certainly wont be a landslide. It is now best of twenty one legs so there is additional time for more 180’s to be scored in the match and Chisnall should overcome his line. Applying the +2.5 for him would mean Wade could in theory defeat him 11-9 and the bet would still be a winner so it makes sense to use here.
Van Gerwen wants to win everything this season after his disappointment at the worlds and his two performances at the Masters so far were demolision jobs. He clocked a 112 average against Bunting (10-1 win) and 106 (10-3 win) against Smith where almost every aspect of his game was was perfect. I’ve seen him against Taylor before where he has fallen behind early on only to absolutely storm home so I think this time he will look to come out off the blocks flying. Taylor has been playing well so he he will be winning legs but I feel if MVG really plays at his full potential then he can win the match by at least three legs.
Prices with Bet365
Good luck all
Well I missed the afternoon session haha well done on that bully..?…
I’m on your NB but PP only giving it at over 6.5 180s at 4/6..will take it anyway..
Good luck bully…
Thanks @the-lucky-filipino looking good mate five 180’s already :)
Thanks bully 7 180s just flew in a blink!!top man!top tipping!!!easy £80 profit..thanks mate..? True as raoul said above the most consistent darts tipster on here!!!!
Cheers mate.
Shame about the MVG but with the amount of winners you’ve had this weekend I’m not complaining.
What are you saying for the final? I think it’s going to be overs on 180’s for me
Thoughts for tonight’s NBA:
– Celtics -4.5: Celtics have been playing really well (6 wins) while Magics have been struggling (8 losses).
– Mavericks -10.5: Against the Suns, this should be a formality.
– Warriors -10.5: I expect the Warriors to show up and blow the Knicks away after their poor show yesterday.
I like the Mav’s bet, i’m considering putting some on that myself…
One trend I clocked earlier with regards to the Celtics @ Magic game…. In this fixture the home side has won since 2013, whether that’s Celtics at home or Magic at home.
01/29/16 Orlando 94 @ Boston 113
11/29/15 Boston 91 @ Orlando 110
03/13/15 Orlando 88 @ Boston 95
03/08/15 Boston 98 @ Orlando 103
12/23/14 Boston 95 @ Orlando 100
12/17/14 Orlando 92 @ Boston 109
02/02/14 Orlando 89 @ Boston 96
01/19/14 Boston 91 @ Orlando 93
11/11/13 Orlando 105 @ Boston 120
I saw that Raoul. Going by form you’d expect that trend to break but this is the NBA.
game might go over or celtics over 103 TT
thx again bullseye
No bother mate.
NBA
Buttler over 22.5 points v LC , 2.2 points returns just over 4 points
GSW
Mavericks
Hornets
ML , 2 points returns 5 points
Nb in and nap looking good really can’t see past mvg for the outright, which I stuck more on at the start. Well played bullseye
Long Shot.
Miami Heat (Money Line)
Dallas Mavericks -10
LA Lakers (Money Line)
£10 returns £91
I know the selection that stick’s out like a sore thumb… Lakers money. But I really think this is a good spot for an upset.
Hornets are battered and bruised at the moment, this is a severely depleted team… check the long list of injuries, if some of them do start they wont be 100%. I have a gut feeling that Lakers will pull off a win in front of a home crowd.
Good luck.
Cheers @mattyg123 yeah MVG’s virtually got one hand on the trophy, only he can stop himself from winning it.
I’m also playing Lakers as a single.
LA Lakers +3.5 @ 1.90 – 1.1 Points.
Thats it from me tonight. Good luck all..
Tonight in the NBA, I like the looks of:
GSW -6 First half
Boston o103 team total
GSW always start fast so I expect the same tonight and Boston have been averaging 112 points per game in their last 10 with the Magic conceding 112 average their last 4 games.
happy to see this post as i have gone for GSW 1st Q winner @1.42 with Boston/Magic over 199.5 @1.60 double so on same sort of thought process, GL
Good luck mate!!
Semi Finals
Single:
Chisnall vs Wade, Chisnall over 7.5 180’s 6/5 **NB** WON
Double:
Chisnall vs Wade, Chisnall +2.5
Van Gerwen vs Taylor, Van Gerwen -2.5
20/21 **NAP** LOST
Apologies for the NAP. Van Gerwen is not playing at his optimal level tonight and Taylor is playing well.
Mvg so lucky to make it to the final, surely going to step up his game and do it?
Without question. Chizzy isnt in MVG’s class and slack visits will be punished. I think nowadays Tayor and Barney are the only players that can get into his head and effect his game.
To our player props experts…what do we think of Porzingis over 14.5 points tonight? I think as a tall, mobile player, he could give GSW a few problems tonight.
No expert but as I always say Merv, player props as all NBA bets are 50/50. I tend to leave props when big spreads are involved as teams are likely to get blown out and starters not play the full minutes.
Gone with a few thread tips tonight
– Southern Illinois +9.5
– LA Lakers +8.5
– DAL Mavericks -5.5
– BOS Celtics Over 103
– GS Warriors -5.5
– ATL Hawks vs MIA Heat Over 188.5
– POR Trail Blazers Miney Line
£5 stake returns £71.67
no need to apoligise bullseye, some nice tips today thx, how the hell did taylor lose that !!!!
Taylor is too arrogant, he tried to play mind games with MVG at 10-9 by not taking out 121 while he was waiting on 144 and it back fired badly. Thats the last time he’ll use that tactic!
Mvg flying here
Ello lads..hoping we get feb to a great start ..
Main double
Mavericks -5.5
GSW -6.5
Just under evens 1.96.. PP
Prop bet
Draymond green (GSW) over 9 rebounds..5/6
Karl Anthony towns (Timberwolves ) P&R over 27.5..5/6
Good luck lads!!!
Picks for tonight:
– Mavericks -10.5
– Warriors -10.5
– Celtics/Magics over 192.5, Mavericks -4.5, Warriors -4.5 (trebble @ above evens): Cheers @raoul-duke for the home stats between Celtics/Magics, will go for the points instead.
GL tonight gents!
No worries mate.
Form would suggest Celtics, but when I spotted that it put me off.. for me it was either Magic points or no bet.
Over 192 should be a breeze lol.
posted on the 28th
micheal van gewrin 7/4 @ willhill to win the masters darts tournament looks a great price if hes on game no one will stop him and you will have your money on sunday night if he does so worth a punt
*WINNER*
NBA BASKETBALL FIVEFOLD
Celtics (Money)
Mavericks (HT/FT)
Hawks / Heat (Under 204.5)
Warriors (-5.5)
Trail Blazers (-3)
Fourfold @ 6.5/1 – 2pts Staked.
Good luck!
Literally an interest bet here. No Whiteside for the Heat so the Hawks should have an easier night on the glass. Horfords P&R are 21.5 @ 8/11 @ PP, so for 25.5 PR&A @ 5/6 @ 365 I’ll risk a low stake.
Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks) Over 25.5 PR&A @ 5/6 @ 365 – 1.2 points
Warriors to win minus 10
Celtics minus 4.5 and over 204 points 12/5
Double and Singles
good luck with your bets
Heat over hawks evens.
No Dirk for Dallas tonight. Zaza could have a fairly productive night if he plays enough minutes.
Zaza Pachulia (Mavericks) Over 20.5 Points and Rebound s@ 5/6 @ Paddy Power – 1.2 points
Celtics minus 4.5 and over 204 points 12/5
Celtics threw away their lead wow.Loss
Warriors -2.5 3rd Quarter @ 17/20 @ William Hill – 2 points
Fully expect them to come out and put this one away.
Just gone out to -3. -2.5 available @ 5/6 @ 365
Struck by the towel being thrown in again. Horford was the Hawks best player on the night but were too far behind so the bench came in in the fourth.
Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks) Over 25.5 PR&A @ 5/6 @ 365 – 1.2 points **LOSE** 23
Zaza Pachulia (Mavericks) Over 20.5 Points and Rebound s@ 5/6 @ Paddy Power – 1.2 points **WIN** 9 points, 13 rebounds.
@jordan thanks for the prop mate..wish I put more but I was on.. 1 out of 1 for feb mate ? Another great monthly run coming I hope haha..
Haha just make sure you don’t get on the losers then mate and you should be alright ;)
I got up to a 12 straight winning tips run from u last time ..haha..gonna try better that this month .?? “pick and roll” ⚽️?..
Thinking of going large stakes on Kemba Walker over 21.5 points against Lakers. The good thing about the bet is that I don’t think that either team should really get blown out, therefore hoping that Walker gets a fair share of minutes. Plus with Batum and Zeller out he is the Hornets’ main threat. Bet is available on PP, slightly lowered odds at 77/100.
Thoughts on the bet?
Meant 72/100 sorry
Tom is Jeremy Lin playing?
Charlotte Hornets PR @HornetsPR · 1 hr1 hour ago
INJURY REPORT: @hornets HC says Jeremy Lin (R ankle) will try to play this evening #CHAatLAL
Hmm try is a funny, obviously not 100% so to me that says Kemba should be the workhorse. Lakers don’t play much defense too. Give it a go but don’t go too big.
Warriors -2.5 3rd Quarter @ 17/20 @ William Hill – 2 points
Fully expect them to come out and put this one away.
**WIN** 27-16
Warriors – 10 comes in.
Celtics suck.
F*ck sake, Walker goes for 3/12 and 12 points, sadly Hornets have made it into a blowout, don’t see Walker coming back for the 4th.