THE NBA finals get under way on Thursday night as Cleveland Cavs and Golden State Warriors fight it out for the crown.
Both sides have been a cut above the rest this season and are desperate for success – the Warriors haven't won the title since 1975 while the Cavs are still searching for their first.
Warriors are title favourites at 4-9 with Skybet and Betfred while the Cavs are 2-1 at Coral and Paddy Power. Game one is California and the hosts are 1-2 at Betfair to win the opener while the Cavs are 28-13 at 888sport.
In the French Open Jo-Wilfried Tsonga looks to make the final for the first time when he faces Stan Wawrinka in the semis today. The home hopeful is 2-1 at bet365, with eighth seed Wawrinka 4-9 at BetVictor.
There's also women's semi-final action with Serena Williams taking on Timea Bacsinszky and Ana Ivanovic going head to head with Lucie Safarova.
Other sporting highlights include golf, cricket and baseball so let's hear your tips and thoughts and good luck with your bets.
So many ifs and buts for me on this game. Going to stick with somebody I’ve been on quite regularly during the playoffs. They will need this man if the Splash Brothers are hitting threes for fun. Not only does he shoot but he rebounds and assists, and I think this total is low as he could get the total in points alone.
Main Bet
J.R. Smith (Cavaliers) Over 20.5 Points/Rebounds & Assists @ 5/6 @ 365
Smaller Bets
Over 20.5 Total 3 point shots made @ 17/20 @ Ladbrokes
Jordan
Thank u
I got killed today
Your pick was the only
Winner
1.5 4 units
2.5 2 units
Ado no worrie smate.
OriaZ the risk free bet thread is up and my good pal Alves has posted first mate.
Posted on Yesterdays thread
MLB bet
Treble @ 7.5/1 WIN
Philadelphia Phillies WIN 5-4 in 11th inning
Toronto Blue Jays WIN 8-0
Minnesota Twins WIN 2-0
Hopefully my luck changes tonight as i have been out of it the last few nights
Yes luck found me twice for this, Phillies down 4-0 start of bottom of 9th get single run & 3 run HR to make it 4-4 at end of 9th, BIG error in 11th inning at 1st base with runner at 2nd scoring winning run.
Struggling to see past anything other than a safarova win today against ivanovic. Safarova has had a much harder run in than ivanovic and looked dominant throughout. Think she will have to much for ana today and have a feeling this could be her title.
currently 8/11 but dropping
Mets @ Padres
Team to score first wins @ 1.37
Blue Jays @ Nationals
Team to score first wins @ 1.42
Double @ 1.95 Bet365 *won*
Yankees @ Mariners
Yankees and over 5.5 runs @ 2.63 Skybet *lost*
Yankees win 3-1, Mariners offence was awful.
Mets @ Padres
Padres and over 4.5 @ 2.1 Skybet *won*
Did advise a run line double that won as well but I was on it.
I knew the Twins would win one of the 2 games but I didn’t expect Texas, SFG and Baltimore ALL to lose, that’s rough and considering that I have just sat through the Reds throwing away a 4-0 lead in the 9th, that’s saying something!!
So not the best start to this set of 13 then – 3.8 units from 5 down already! Next time I can’t decide, I am just going to leave it. I spent far too long yesterday finding reasons to convince myself of some of those picks. I still agree with the reasons, it’s just that if you have to look that hard to get it – leave it!
It’s a new day and already there are a couple of potential good ones to get me on track again… Today is going to be a good day!
St Louis, Phillies and Tampa Bay really standing out without further research and a Mets/Houston double. I’ll look into it when I get time this afternoon.
NBA Basketball
Cavs @ GSW (2:10am)
Both their head to heads this season produced over 60 points in the 1st quarter. In the quarters against Memphis and the semis against the Rockets, the Warriors allowed both these offenses to operate and 55 points or more was scored in both those matchups. Both teams will be eager to start well and create a good basis to kick-on from.
Of course the Cavs will try to halt that offensive juggernaut of the Warriors but I can still see this easily going beyond 51 points.
1st Quarter Points Total: Over 51 @ 10/11 Coral.
Good luck!
Funny you say that Hunter I’m just having a look at the 1st half points now.
Over 102.5 1st Half Points @ 10/11 @ WillHill – 1.1 point (£11)
Also from my TT post the other day.
Michael Dunlop has announced he will be racing with BMW once more in the TT this year. £££
@ Jaseos didn’t expect Giants to get beat/swept by the Pirates but didn’t pick them cause they beat my bet last few nights, looks like Sale pitched another good game for White Sox to beat Texas. Phiilies game i stopped watching after top 9th 4-0 thinking bet beat again, was checking scores seen it was in 10th so had to watch again, big error cause it was going to 12th inning.
Was thinking Mets/Astros today due to starting pitchers, St Louis with Wacha playing a tired Dodgers with 2hour delay/late game last night.
@ Dazzler liked your Padres pick but forgot to put money on it, Shields still getting out of trouble with runners on bases again
Ad,what’s your thoughts on women’s tennis today buddy
Safarova being backed as though she cant lose! Is she worth a hefty wager?
Jordan – seen there has been a death already in testing at the TT … such a dangerous course ..
DOUBLE
Serena Williams to win
J.R. Smith over 14,5 points
@2.07 with Tip*ico
Thoughts on this one? I can’t see Williams losing. Or is it better to replace her with Wawrinka?
Both these totals seem pretty low Jordan, I know there’s a lot riding on this game but can’t see either changing their style of play!
Also, like the look of your player prop!
I think Harrison Barnes will have a decent game.
Harrison Barnes (GSW) Over 12.5 Points @ 21/20 Ladbrokes (will hold off to see what other bookies offer).
Dazz
I really like tigers batts to come alive today???
Hunter, Barnes is 11 points exactly @ 5/6
@ PP so you’d get a push for 11. Much better option.
WC, I only know too well how dangerous motorbikes are let alone the TT. I’ve lost two friends to motorbike accidents and broke my leg in my own. The speeds these guys go on public roads is absolutely crazy. Tons of respect for these guys.
Cheers Dazid, just shame the runs let the Dodgers pick down.
There’s 10 games tonight and for me it’s a tough card. There’s no first team to score wins picks today just a half stakes double.
Twins @ Red Sox
Red Sox over 4.5 runs @ 2.0
Reds @ Phillies
Phillies +1.5 @ 1.58
Double @ 3.18
Twins @ Red Sox
Milone starts for the Reds and he’s been doing well in AAA, 4-0 with an era of 0.7 in his last 5 starts. He’s had 4 starts for the Twins this season and given up at least 3 runs in 3 of those and issued 13 walks over 22 1/3 innings. When he got sent down to AAA he was told he needed to attack hitters and stop trying to hit the corners.
Twins pitcher Hughes tried attacking the Red Sox in game 1 last night and we all saw how that turned out.
Reds @ Phillies
Phillies pitcher Harang has only given up 5 runs in 35.1 innings at home this season. He 3-1 in 5 against the Reds with an era of 2.97.
Reds starter DeSclafani has given up 8 runs over 32 road innings. Although his two starts against Phillies have left him with an era of 7.94.
So this should be a close one and I think +1.5 runs is a massive advantage.
Other thoughts
Orioles @ Astros
Chen has never lost to the Astros. Keuchel’s only lose this season has been to the Orioles, when Chen started (although Chen didn’t get the decision).
Mets @ D’backs
Harvey has given up 11 runs in his last 2 starts, 7 to Pirates and 4 to Marlins. Mets have only won 3 of their last 12 on the road.
Cards @ Dodgers
Dodgers and Frias inflicted Wacha’s only defeat of the season on him. However Dodgers jab have lost 5 of their last 11 home games.
Ado
Hahn shutout Tigers in his last game against them. Although his away form isn’t as good but he’s done well in day games. Tigers only won 3 of their last 9 home games.
Thanks for the heads-up Jordan. That’s pretty much made my decision a lot easier!
Euro Basketball
Milan @ Dinamo Sassari (7:45pm)
This is a big game for the Italians and although Milan came into the playoffs as strong favourites, Sassari have proven they have what it takes to defeat this Milan team. Dinamo Sassari lead the series 2-1 and have really impressed me with their good offense, and solid defense.
Milan have looked very ropey over the 3 games and although they seem to have the better team on paper, many of them are veterans and could well be on their last legs. Given the importance of a Milan victory and the fact that there’s not been much between these two teams over the series, I usually would have given this game a wide berth, but after watching the previous game where the atmosphere was electric and Sassari responding well to this, I think they have the edge here at good odds!
Money Line (inc overtime): Dinamo Sassari @ 13/8 Skybet
Good luck!
Ivanovic 5-2 and still manages to lose the first set…Unbelievable.
Let’s $ making day boys
Jordan, was just placing my player prop bet with PP and noticed they have over 101.5 half time total points @ 10/11
Cheers Hunter but it’s too late now I’ve already placed it! Total is going up so I imagine all HT points etc will be on the rise.
Doh!… Wish I had time to look properly earlier. Just come to look at the games I highlighted and all 3 have gone under evens, St Louis have now become favs!
I’m struggling to find any value now so just one play today that I have mashed together, a double of Astros ML (w/Keuchel) & Cleveland/KC U9.5 runs @2.22
Good luck everyone.
Strong display from safarova again, yet to drop a set in the tournament. Putting a bit of my winnings on Williams v bacsinszky over 20.5 games, think it will be a fairly tight match with serena coming out on top.
Over 20.5 games 10/11
Gonna be watching A’s @ Tigers so I’m having a small fun bet on over 2 hits 1st inning.
Williams is looking very sick. Bacsinszky to win @2.10 now.
Serena Williams is struggling massively with her illness and I really can’t see how she’s gonna see this match through! Jump on bacsinszky now while the price is right!
Dazz
Me too
Day off today
Nice patio weather in To
Nice odds
2.75
I will stick . 5 of a unit
Come on Timea- let’s finish this! If we end up with a Bacsinszky v Safarova final I’m going to be over the moon and rolling in money!
Dazzler are you from the UK or across the pond like Ado? What about Jaseos?
Jordan
U know me
I am from Toronto
But love the mother land
England
Went to school in west hendon
Well, I hate to bet on WTA. Timea with those unforced errors now… Gonna lose some money today :/
Ffs, chances falling by the wayside if these live score updates are anything to go by!
Was so close to sticking a few quid on Serena when she was a break down in the second but her whole sick and injured routine put me off. Good acting though.
Yeah, her stupid acting. Awful.
They must be brave. That sounds like a scary place to be.
Ok
What is next
Huge mistake putting so much on Timea. I need to win this back. Some NBA tips guys?
One thing I’m sure, I’ll never bet on a Serena game anymore.
T20 cricket.
Hampshire to beat middlesex 8/11
One of those days, hopefully salvage it with this.
Evening Guys, Widnes Vikings v Hull FC
The Thursday night super league game comes from the Select Security Stadium as two in form teams battle for a place in the top eight. The Vikings are the 4/5 Favourites for this one.
Widnes are a totally different outfit at home due to the fact they play on the I pitch and it gives them an advantage. It wasn’t so much of an advantage last season when these sides met when Hull put 50pts on them. Hull also won their earlier meeting 22-8, in fact they’ve won the last three meetings. The Vikings though have won their last 5 matches including a demolition of Salford at last weeks magic weekend. The key battle is in the halves with Hull’s Lyon Pryce facing the in form Kevin Brown.
The weather should ensure we see a fast open game, with a fair few tries. Both these sides like to get the ball out wide so I am taking a winger from each side to cross the whitewash. Tom Lineham has scored 12 in 13 this season and he got a hat trick against the Vikings when they met earlier in the season. I expect him to cause the Vikings more woe tonight he is 1/1 Ladbrokes.
For Widnes I tipped Stefan Marsh at 13/8 last week and he duly obliged and I wouldn’t put anyone of him again tonight, but I am jumping on his wingman Patrick ah Van, who has 8 tries in 10 and is virtually unstoppable close to the line, I expect the Brown – Marsh – ah Van combination to cause the black and whites defence plenty of problems. He is 11/10 Skybet.
LINEHAM TO SCORE 1/1
AH VAN TO SCORE 11/10
Good luck if your having a bet
1 hit in first inn
4 hits on top of second
Deemmm
Ado I picked the wrong one, close though lol.
Greene’s heads gone Tigers could get hammered here.
Thad ok Dazz
I put 5 units
Oakland race to 5 runs
Jordan I’m UK mate, from the black country ay I.
Green+ tigers not hitting = garbage
4:0
One more
Serena Williams is a beast gonna be a cracking final but I think Safarova can do it
Serena’s little act is a joke, hope safarova does her in the final. Think she will, she’s playing some solid tennis. Serena looks really shaky and I think she knows it hence why she’s got her back up plan if she loses……I.e makes out its all down to her illness!
Over 20.5 games ***won***
It may all come down to how well Safarova can cope with the occasion. She can certainly bear then Williams of this week, and is playing some great stuff. If she masters her nerves she’s got a great chance. I won’t tip her to win as I advised her outright midway through the Sharapova game at a big price. As Serena was one of my pre tori ament outright tips at 11/4 I’m fairly well covered. But for anyone not overly involved already, Safarova to win a set @ 11/10 looks like a good bet to me.
THE CAVS ARE GOING TO BE CHAMPIONS
THE CURSE OF JIMBOB
Golden state warriors NBA championship @ 4/7 ladbrokes
Repost from yesterday
Still going double stakes on my remaining bets but not gonna put those silly brackets after every bet I post i don’t see the point just gonna mention it
NBA bet
* Lebron James over 28.5 points @ 5/6
The time has come gents
Jimnob is it a guaranteed winner?
Aw jimbob u judas
DYNAMO THAT IS FOR YOU TO DECIDE
Picksix, how sure are you about that bet?
Maybe I’ll follow :)
Jordan – I’m UK mate, Spurs fan from the Midlands – can hardly be called a glory hunter now can I!
My boy Dallas not disappointing as usual, I love watching this guy pitch. Seems the bookies have finally caught up with him though, meaning I have to have him in doubles now.
Chen isn’t pitching too badly either making quite a nice pitching duel on a quiet Thursday.
You guys are right, I have no idea what’s happened to this Tigers’ lineup but they can’t hit for **** and Greene just flat out stinks… I was put off them today because I though it would be the day they turned it around – Well avoided!
Chief thanks for the Lineham tip :)
Inter, cheers mate
Jaseos didn’t realise we were both Midlands lads.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Chen gets out of this some how.
Greene just lost his head. I think, if memory serves me right, A’s got a run, his head dropped and out turned into 3 runs. Then Greene himself had a bad fielding error and that was pretty much the end of the game.
Oh and plus Tigers offence as bad as Mariners lol
Orioles are a good bet in play at over evens, as they’ve scored first ;-)
Reddevils im preety confident on it mate, these are the types of games where lebron takes it upon himself to do the business and this bet has a high percentage of landing when lebron is involved in a playoff game and should come in more often than not, I will probably be going on his points totals throughout the series , it should also be a high scoring game wich helps too , I have a smaller stake on Jr smiths points too wich some of the guys have tiped already wich is just as good as bet aswell mate
Good luck whatever you go for
Hampshire to beat middlesex 8/11 **WON**
Covered my losses for today and some profit on top. Will have a go at the cricket again tomorow.
great call again on the euro b b all hunter
i pussied out and only had sassari + 12.5 in a treble :D
Thoughts on the Rangers tonight? I am a noob at MLB betting, but I quite like over 4 Rangers team runs at 10/13 at Coral.
Hunter great shout on the Euroball mate.
Picksix, Huggy. I’M EXCITED!
Thanks for the heads-up Jordan. That’s pretty much made my decision a lot easier!
Euro Basketball
Milan @ Dinamo Sassari (7:45pm)
This is a big game for the Italians and although Milan came into the playoffs as strong favourites, Sassari have proven they have what it takes to defeat this Milan team. Dinamo Sassari lead the series 2-1 and have really impressed me with their good offense, and solid defense.
Milan have looked very ropey over the 3 games and although they seem to have the better team on paper, many of them are veterans and could well be on their last legs. Given the importance of a Milan victory and the fact that there’s not been much between these two teams over the series, I usually would have given this game a wide berth, but after watching the previous game where the atmosphere was electric and Sassari responding well to this, I think they have the edge here at good odds!
Money Line (inc overtime): Dinamo Sassari
@ 13/8 Skybet **WINNER**
Good luck!
Cheers Mlac, hope you’re bet comes/came in.
Good luck Picksix – I took LeBron Over 29 @ 10/11 WillHill
Cheers Jordan.
Now bring on the main event! :)
Result Widnes 12 – Hull 25
LINEHAM TO SCORE 1/1 WON
AH VAN TO SCORE 11/10 LOST
As mentioned in my write up Lineham scored a hat trick when these sides last met and he delivered another hat trick tonight. Widnes folded faster than I fold deuce seven offsuit in poker!
Well done Hunter top stuff AS USUAL
Lol Mlac I pusssied out and went for the spread aswell
Jordan can’t wait either buddy just a short 4 hours to go lol
AJ good luck aswell mate
Good luck on all you bets later gents cant wait for this game to start
That crowd in Oakland is gonna be fu*ing mental
Dazzler – Fair play to the O’s, They showed great plate discipline and drove up Keuchel’s pitch count to knock him out after 6-innings. Add a fine pitching display from Chen and you get well deserved win.
This has turned into a terrible last week for me, even my old go-to favourite, Keuchel is letting me down! It all started so well too! 6 units played 0.5 units won :(
Hunter & Jordan overs for 1st quarter & 1st half the main bets today for the big game?
Tom my main bet is J.R Smith Over 20.5 Points/Rebounds & Assists @ 5/6 @ 365 mate.
Tom, just a couple of small bets from myself – Barnes over 11 points @ 5/6 PP and over 51 1st quarter points @ 10/11 Coral.
Good Evening Guys.
Its Finals Time…Ye Ha…never knew much about NBA in October but i am now hooked after making a decent 4 figure profit during the season.
Thanks to the Dreamteam of Huggy and Jordan for showing me the ropes and also thanks to Attila and Picsix..its being great fun.
Good Luck with your bets boys and well done.
Tonight i am having fun with…
Cleveland Cavs+8
Match total over 207
Double 2.4/1 bet365.
Lettuce Player Props
Draymond Green under 29.5 points, assists, rebounds
5/6 bet365
Stephen Curry over 28.5 points
5/6 bet365.
Strap in boys!!
Ever since following the NFL I’ve learnt the Star Spangled Banner. Such a tune hahaha
Don’t tell me I’m going to be the only one posting during the game please!? How boring!
LeBron is firing early. Shame nobody else is hahaha
3 for Barnes, weeey!
Said I was getting less certain on the Warriors as each day passed. Now I’m officially worried hahaha
J.R hit two 3’s in the 1st quarter :D
Oh well, that’s my first bet down! Some strange decision making!
Still have your JR tip, Barnes and LeBron. Need all 3 to land for profit now!
Really bad 1st quarter from the Warriors there mate unlucky. I’m standing up in my lounge and I don’t even know why hahaha, hype!
Haha, I’ve already smoked a tank of vape juice Jordan!
How many rebounds is JR on…7?
No way is the 1st half points coming in but what a game.
Haha wish I had a little something to go in my rollies myself Hunter mate ;)
Na Smith is on 6 points and 2 rebounds.
This is f*ckin amazing. Roaracle is bouncing!
Over 102.5 1st Half Points @ 10/11 @ WillHill – 1.1 point (£11) **LOSE** 99
Close but nae cigar!
What a quarter!!! You’ve got a a fair amount riding on GSW to win this finals right?
Nice 3 from Smith! :)
Wishful thinking on the rebounds, think I mistook him for Thompson a few times!
Bad luck there bud, pace of game is good, unfortunately too many missed baskets in the 1st.
Hunter I’ve got £200 on them so you can imagine its squeaky bum time at this stage of the season haha
J.R Smith on 9 points and 2 rebounds so need 10 of anything in the 2nd half.
11 3 point shots made in the first half so need 10 in the second. I reckon J.R will get at least 2 more himself.
I know mate they reversed roles really. Warriors had a poor first quarter then Cavs let them back in in the second. Hell of a game though! No idea where Huggy and Picksix are?
Wat a way to start the playoffs amazing first half , unlucky on the points totals boys a bucket short on both
Haha there was a few of your seat moments there buddy no wonder your standing around, couldn’t ask for much more than what this game has produced so far , been brilliant
Not surprised you’re standing up in your lounge, can just picture you shooting imaginary baskets!
Can see LeBron and J.R landing but Barnes isn’t at the races…too preoccupied with LeBron!
Hahahaha not going to lie when JR hit last last 3 before the second half, I hit the fadeaway on to the sofa myself :D
Jordan im around I’ve just been glued to the screen lol
So excited I don’t even know what I’m saying!? Second quarter* :D
Hunter only takes one quarter mate. Barnes went crazy in the last game in the 4th quarter against the Rockets.
LeBron looking good for now Picksix mate. I can see him going himself the more the clock runs down. Especially if the Warriors are leading in the later stages. Be extremely surprised if he doesn’t hit 30.
This is true Jordan!
Early days but did you guys ever see the Cavs giving GSW a run for their money in the finals 7 months or so ago?
Ye mate it’s looking good I would take 19 points in the first half from him anyday , that 2nd quater is out the way now too he seems to always sit out the majority of that quater
Smith is looking good too the 2nd half is where he gets his most minutes on court too so those early points are a good sign
Good sign though guys for the Warriors the chef is heating upppppp
Not 7 months ago but as the playoffs progressed I got more and more worried as the Cavs were looking like they could beat anyone. Gonna be a great series none the less and even if I don’t win the 9/2 I’m up considerably from the last 6 months of NBA. Gonna be sad to see it go but 3 months and its NFL :)
Oh LeBron is gonna get 40 let alone 30. Nice one Picksix.
Don’t like that JR has only played 2 minute sin the 3rd quarter. Need a big 4th.
Well done picksix! Now C’mon J.R & Barnes!
Wouldn’t mind a bit of OT actually :D
Cheers gents this is gonna be one tense finish
smith should play the majority of the 4th and Hunter Barnes is looking better now too
Jordan it would help and it’s certainly looking that way atm mate fingers crossed
DOn’t think JR is going to get a look in :(
JR’S 3 point game been unusually poor since since 1st quarter. Just never found his rhythm!
just a couple of small bets from myself – Barnes over 11 points @ 5/6 PP and over 51 1st quarter points @ 10/11 Coral.
Both *LOST*
I can’t take it hahaha
OT here we go
Hunter your Barnes bet is still alive mate. JR has shot one shot in the second half. Greeeeeeat haha
The tensioooooonnnnn
Guys if the Cavs win I’m turning the tv off with my face so may not be able to post again.
Barnes with the 3
Ha ha. Warriors looking good so hopefully won’t come to that Jordan!
That’s 11 for Barnes, Hunter. Push for you at least.
Kyrie looks hurt!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! :D
Ffs Barnes…shoot thd fu*king 3!
Cavs have crumbled!!!
Well done Hunter
Lmao looking good now u can just use your hands mate don’t know what the Cavs are doing, why change your game up in OT ? lebron is finally passing and everyone is missing
Not complaining though
Go warriors
Cavs crumbled and hopefully so has Kyrie’s knee. Gonna see that cover tomorrow and smile.
Barnes 11 points?
Hunter just noticed u needed 11 for a void I misread your post
It’s late lol
ESPN showing 11 points! Hopefully void so no losses.
One step closer guys!
Hunter yes 11 so your bet is void. Lucky I told you that. Shame I was a complete sh*tout tongiht.
Cavs 7/2 to win the championship at the moment but I’m going to wait as I’m not sure if that’ll be odds with or without Kyrie. Gonna get a few z’s and I’ll regroup with you lads later. Well done Picksix.
Jordan unlucky with smith mate would have been different if lebron knew how to pass he must have had 90% of the Ball in the 2nd half
Was lucky all round there! Again, thanks for the heads up, wouldn’t have got it any lower than 11.