Mumbai Indians v Sunrisers Hyderabad
Start Time: BST 3.30pm
TV: Live on ITV and itv.com
MUMBAI'S star-studded line-up have failed to last the distance in previous IPLs but this year increasingly looks different.
Victory today would propel them to the top of the points table and the form book very much points that way.
Mumbai have won all six matches at the Wankhede Stadium, only one of which was even vaguely competitive, and were typically ruthless in Saturday's victory away to whipping boys Pune.
The key difference this season has been their bowlers. Mitchell Johnson, Pragyan Ohja and Harbhajan Singh have all been superb, lessening the burden on Lasith Malinga and ensuring opponents get no breathing space.
With their chief rivals RCB wobbling over the past week, Sunrisers have been presented a golden opportunity to make the play-offs in their first season.
Victory today could propel them from fifth place to a tie for third with two home matches remaining. This match is easily the toughest on paper but Sunrisers did win the reverse fixture easily, restricting Mumbai to just 129.
Much will depend on whether Shikhar Dhawan and the rest of the top order can build a platform for the likes of Thisara Perera and Darren Sammy to smash boundaries at the end of the innings.
The boundaries at the Wankhede Stadium are accessible and can therefore offer big totals, as illustrated by Mumbai's first three efforts there this season, all of which were above 180.
That reputation is always factored into the odds, however, and there is good reason to think today will be different due to the outstanding quality of both sets of bowlers.
Another issue that could stem the flow of runs is that, at this late stage of the season, a lot of the pitches are used, slow and offering turn. I'll be looking to lay 150 or more at around 1.7.
In cricketing terms it is hard to construct a case against Mumbai but they are worth opposing given such one-sided match odds. Sunrisers are the only bowling attack to have contained them and the visitors have gone from strength to strength since.
Most IPL matches see both teams trade odds on at some stage in-running so my advice is to back the visitors pre-match at 2.74 with a view towards laying back for profit if they shorten below 1.5 at any stage.
It's never easy to choose between Mumbai's high-class batsmen so the best plan may be to back those at bigger prices. Kieran Pollard is a 10.0 chance because he rarely comes in before number five but there is every chance that he'll be needed earlier than usual because the potent Steyn/Sharma partnership has claimed early wickets.
An identical argument applies here. Openers Dhawan and Patel have top-scored in five of the last six Sunrisers innings but both will face a stiff early test against Mitchell Johnson.
Instead, lets go for Thisara Perera at 11.0 who hit a pivotal 32 not out in their last match and has the power to do serious damage at this ground.
Recommended Bet (Back to Lay)
Back Sunrisers Hyderbad @ 2.74
Milesey (Betfair)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
2.74 ….. NOW GONE TO 2.0 on the market, current score SUNRISERS 70/1 after 8 overs………….. think maybe hold on, for they have a great start and can post a big score hopefully.
Milesey
SUNRISERS 178/3 in their 20 overs…..
I think Mumbai may be able to chase this down, so i am laying Sunrisers now @ 1.78, after backing them @ 2.74.
Milesey
USA: NBA – Play Offs
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Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls 00:00
Miami Leads Series 2-1
The Miami Heat won Game 3 104-94 on Friday night. This was another physical encounter between these two teams, but it was Miami who proved the stronger in the fourth quarter. The Heat scored 34 points in the final period to seal the victory.
The great LeBron James scored 25 points, and was the most effective player on the floor.
Game 4 of this bruising series takes place in Chicago on Monday night.
The injury hit Bulls face a difficult task against a Miami team that has few weaknesses. Without Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng in the lineup they will struggle to contain the Heat once again.
I think Miami should easily take care of Chicago in Game 4.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies 02:30
Memphis Leads Series 2-1
The Grizzlies won Game 3 87-80 on Saturday evening. This was a close run affair, but it was Memphis who made some vital shots in the closing stages to gain the victory.
The Thunder shot a woeful 36.4% from the field. Kevin Durant scored 25 points, but had little support from the rest of the team.
Oklahoma City is really up against it, and the series appears to be slipping away from them.
Memphis has a golden opportunity to take a 3-1 lead on their home floor. They are undefeated at the FedEx Forum in the playoffs and have won six of their last seven.
Recommended Bets Monday
3pts back Miami -7.5 points at 1.92
2pts back Memphis -4.5 points at 1.86
Milesey