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Welcome to the free sports betting tips for April 18th 2016.
Playoff season is finally here, with the NHL and NBA playoffs starting in earnest. There’s been no huge shocks to start any series off in both codes, but we’re only a couple of games into the NHL playoffs, and the NBA playoffs have one game, so I think we can expect a few fireworks coming up, even if we don’t get them in the first few games. But where we did see fireworks was in the football on Sunday. First of all, Rangers made it to the Scottish Cup Final, beating Celtic in a great Old Firm game, which went to penalties. If this is a taste of what we can expect new season in the SPL, I think we’re in for a real fight for the title, especially if Hearts can bolster their squad a little and Aberdeen keep up the challenge. Now, I had to say, I did only catch the last half hour or so of the Leicester vs West Ham game, but we also got fireworks there. First of all, Jamie Vardy scores, then gets sent off in the second-half for a second booking, in what was a questionable decision. The weird decisions kept on coming, as West Ham were awarded a very soft penalty, which was scored, then they went 2-1, and with virtually the last kick of the game, Leicester were awarded a very soft penalty too. We were all left wondering if Jon Moss had backed Spurs to win the English Premiership at the start of the season, as he very nearly could have cost Leicester City the Premiership title. Still, the Foxes might be happy enough with a 2-2 draw.
And did you get on Graeme’s golf tips for the weekend’s action? Luke Donald E/W at +5000 was the value bet, and he almost got over the line for the win, but ended up joint-second. Still, it was a great second place and we were all cashing in at the end of the tournament. Remember to check back every Wednesday for more free gold betting tips.
Now let’s get to the free sports betting tips for April 18th 2016.
NBA Betting Tips
Thunder -12.5 is maybe not exactly a surprise, but the Mavericks suck on the road, the Thunder are hot as hell at home, and injuries are mounting up in Dallas like nobody’s business. It was a 38 point win on Saturday, and although it might not be that straightforward, 13 points seems easy enough in what is a complete mismatch here. With JJ Barea out for the Mavs, it really isn’t getting any better. Time for Dallas to start building towards next season by the look of it.
The other two games don’t scream out any value at all. The Pacers/Raptors game could be anything, really, it’s so hard to call, and with the Pacers getting 7 points, the value might lie with Indiana, but there’s so little in it that we’ll just wait until a better proposition comes up. It’s the same with the Rockets/Warriors game. We know Golden State will win, but with Stephen Curry most likely sitting this one out, how comfortable that win will be is anyone’s guess. Too many variables at the moment for us to back anything in that game with real confidence.
NHL Betting Tips
Kings @ Sharks Over 5 goals is the first play of the night. 4-3 in the first game of the series, which came on the back of a 5-2 result in the regular season give us great hope we’re going to get goals. Sure, 2-1 last time out wasn’t great, but with a couple of days’ to recover, both sides should be back to their best. Plus, it’s not like the Sharks are a safe bet at home, so look for them to ship a few goals, which has been custom for them this season. The Kings have to go all out for this, too, so I expect an open game.
Flyers to win (inc. OT) is the other selection tonight. The Capitals had luck on their side at home, but coming to Philly might not be as easy for them. Sure, their record on the road is second best in the league, but the Flyers closed out the season strong at home, and had a shootout win over the Capitals in their last stand, too, which helps. Given the fact that it’s must-win for Philadelphia, the fact they’re the dogs here screams value to me.
English Premiership Betting Tip
This is a huge game for Tottenham tonight, as they travel to Stoke for Monday Night Football. Win tonight, they close the gap on Leicester, lose and it might be all over bar the shouting. Draw, and the dream is still alive, albeit in Leicester’s hands. The problem for Spurs is that Stoke is a terrible place to go on a Monday night, and getting 3 points is even harder. In my opinion, Spurs are far too short at 8/11, and although they have been a classy side so far, Stoke might just be able to grind something out here, even if they don’t have anything to play for. Take Stoke & Draw in the double chance market at just a shade over Evens, as I think the Britannia might just be a tough trip for Spurs.
