Around the Betting Planet: Game on in NBA Finals

US sports betting news

NBA Finals Game 4 could even the score

After Miami Heat dominated Game 3 of the 2020 NBA Finals, the ledger sits at 2-1 to the Los Angeles Lakers. The last clash was the most spectacular of the series so far, with everything going in Heat’s favor.

Jimmy Butler stepped up in Miami’s hour of need, and his teammates followed suit as he registered 40 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists in a triple-double. His performance also makes him the only player ever to notch more points, rebounds and assists than LeBron James when facing the great man in an NBA Finals game.

The Lakers had a shaky start with Anthony Davis receiving a foul early, while LeBron was sprung on traveling violations in the fourth quarter. 

Despite the defeat, the LA Lakers remain the favorites at NBA betting sites to seal the series in Game 4 on Tuesday night.

UK sports betting news

Scotland ready for EURO 2020 qualifiers

Scotland are ready and feeling confident about their upcoming European Championship qualifier against Israel. This time, the Scots have a full and healthy squad heading into the match, giving them the upper hand and making them the favorites at soccer betting sites.

When these teams met a month ago, the game ended in a draw as Israel equalized after Scotland’s early goal. The Scots have shown some signs of improvement since Steve Clarke took over as manager in 2019, and they will want to build on their 2-1 win over Czechia in the Nations League last month.

Israel won’t have the advantage of playing against a weaker side this time as John McGinn and Kieran Tierney are among the players returning after recuperating from injuries.

Africa sports betting news

Nigeria’s Eagles prepare for Algeria friendly

Nigeria and Algeria are prepping for their international friendly clash this coming weekend. The match will take place in Austria behind closed doors, despite rumors that fans may attend.

Due to lockdown laws all over the globe, neither of the teams have played any games this year, leaving online sportsbooks divided as to who will take this match. The game will serve as a test of their fitness and form. Algeria are prepared to take on the challenge and defend their Afcon title, while Nigeria are hungry to take the next crown.

Europe sports betting news

Germany host Turkey in football friendly

Germany are the betting favorites as they prepare to host Turkey in an international friendly this week. The two nations are among the many taking full advantage of the break from the Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga, and other top domestic competitions. 

Germany are ready to utilize the home advantage as they aim to break their two-game draw streak. The Turks have not won a game since beating Andorra 2-0 back in November 2019.

South America sports betting news

Can Paraguay defeat Peru?

South American sportsbooks are backing Paraguay for their upcoming football friendly, although they’ve yet to play this year. When we compare them to their opponents, Peru, it looks like we’re in for a close match.

Paraguay have a slightly stronger squad, and it may prove difficult for Peru to get past them. We’re in for a treat as we see how they perform in a spectator-free stadium for the first time this year.

Australia sports betting news

Queensland in strife ahead of Origin series

The State of Origin series is a month away, and the Queensland Maroons already have the odds stacked against them. Every couple of days, it seems they have more and more bad news to share.

Just a few days ago, Kevin Walters announced his immediate departure from the side to take over as head coach of the Brisbane Broncos. It left the Maroons without a gaffer heading into the Origin series, but Wayne Bennett has since stepped up to fill the void.

Still, the Maroons are going into the Origin series with many key players out injured. The latest to join that list of absentees is star fullback Kalyn Ponga, who needs shoulder surgery and will be out for six weeks minimum.

If the tides don’t turn in their favor, Queensland will enter the 2020 State of Origin series as massive underdogs across Australian bookmakers.

New Zealand sports betting news

White Ferns in need of saving grace

Just under a week ago, the White Ferns caused a massive upset in the cricket betting world by winning the third T20 against the Australian women. Now, they’re in a similar position, sitting at a 2-0 deficit in the three-game ODI series against the Aussies. 

In the second ODI, the White Ferns put on a better performance but still lacked the power necessary to overcome their foes. Although Australia took the game by four wickets with 29 balls remaining, it was a significantly better result for NZ than the opening ODI.

This Wednesday, all eyes will be on the White Ferns as they look to spring another upset. However, the odds are against them at New Zealand bookmakers.