Real Zaragoza v Athletic Bilbao (6pm)
ZARAGOZA are odds on for their La Liga clash with Bilbao this evening but those who tune in to Sky Sports Interactive at 6pm could be in for a surprise result.
Real have climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to two wins and a draw in their last three. They recorded back-to-back victories at home over Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano before earning a point at Levante last time.
That run came just at the right time and it ended an incredible spell of 15 without victory.
Now Manolo Jiménez's side are clear of the drop zone it will be interesting to see if they still play with the same intensity and desire they did in their last two at La Romareda. It's hard to ignore their dreadful form in 2013 and they aren't at full strength due to injuries and suspensions – the loss of Glenn Loovens in particular being a blow.
Athletic Bilbao haven't been able to hit the dizzy heights of last season where they reached the Europa League Final and came a respectable 10th in La Liga. They just haven't been able to score the goals they did last term and even Fernando Llorente has only managed four in all competitions.
Nevertheless, Marcelo Bielsa's men are four unbeaten and won their previous match last weekend. The Lions are in 14th place so with just three games to go don't have anything to play for as such, although given their poor season, they'll at least want to finish on a high.
They've drawn their last two away from San Mamés Stadium and should have enough quality to keep that undefeated record going today.
Zaragoza are short for a team in their predicament so at around the 1.86 mark I have to make them my lay of the day.
Recommended Bet
Lay Zaragoza v Athletic Bilbao @ 1.86
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.
NBA Betting: Memphis Grizzlies to take out San Antonio Spurs in Conference Finals
TIP-OFF TIME 8:30PM
——————————–
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs beat the Golden State Warriors 4-2 to advance to their second straight Western Conference Finals. The Warriors played their hearts out, but San Antonio played stronger and proved worthy winners.
The Spurs will have to make some key adjustments against a more physical Grizzlies rotation. They have some outstanding outside shooters in Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, and coach Gregg Popovich will probably encourage them to take more shots from the perimeter.
Guard Manu Ginobili is always a threat from downtown. The Argentinean proved just how effective he can be by hitting the game-winner against Golden State in Game 1. He can blow hot and cold, but the Memphis defense ought to pay close attention to him.
Point guard Tony Parker has had a fantastic regular season and should be a major factor in this series. He is nursing a slight injury, but this should not stop him from driving to the hoop.
Veteran center Tim Duncan will have the unenviable task of guarding Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Duncan will have his hands full against this potent duo who have excelled for Memphis in the post-season.
The Memphis Grizzlies knocked off the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1 to advance to their first Western Conference Finals.
This team has ground its way to the Conference Finals with some outstanding physical plays. They are not the prettiest to watch, but they have turned me into a believer.
The frontcourt combination of Gasol and Randolph should provide plenty of points inside the paint for Memphis. Both these guys are getting hot at the right time, which could spell trouble for San Antonio.
Point guard Mike Conley is averaging 17.6 points per game and is having a stellar post-season. If San Antonio decides to double-team Gasol and Randolph, Conley will become the scoring option. He could really hurt San Antonio from the perimeter if he is on his game.
This promises to be a close series, but I must favour Memphis. The Grizzlies have reeled off eight wins in their last nine games and are playing at a very high level. They did not panic when they went 0-2 in the first round against the Clippers. They have displayed championship qualities and have an excellent chance of making the NBA Finals.
Series Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies 4-3
Recommended Bets
3pts Back Memphis Grizzlies at 2.18, Series Winner Market
1pt Back Memphis Grizzlies at 2.76 , Game 1, Western Conference Finals Sunday
Milesey
Barcelona v Valladolid
Sunday 20:00
Barcelona 1.31 Valladolid 11.0 draw 6.6
Barcelona are champions and are now playing for the artificial prize of equalling Real Madrid’s all-time points record (100, set last year).
To make three figures Tito Vilanova’s men must win each of their last three games.
Leo Messi will sit out the rest of the season, but other team news is scant.
We’ll focus on the other end of the pitch. Valladolid have scored in nine straight rounds of La Liga and in each of the last 17 in which talismanic wide-forward Patrick Ebert has appeared.
Recommended Bet
Back Both Teams to Score @ 1.77
Milesey
RESULT
SPAIN: Primera Division
Zaragoza 1-2 Ath. Bilbao
Milesey