Just like that, we are once again back with another weekend of sport, and as we know at this time of the year, everything is in full swing across the world. We have American sport, European football, and of course the home summer of cricket roaring on.
Today, we break down the weekend’s slate in search of value across our top five bets for the next few days.
So, without further ado lets crack into it.
Maybe the most disappointing player in this series for me, based on expectations, has been Harry Brook, who I personally think might be the best in the world when he is firing on all cylinders. Although right now in Australia that has not been the case, as like many of his teammates, he has been getting out in some bizarre fashion, leaving many of us disappointed when he is only getting starts.
Now I know it is not ideal, but with the pressure off and the series no longer on the line, Brook might be able to operate with a clearer head space, which is exactly what a player of his ilk and quality requires to free up his scoring options.
With that being the case, I expect Brook to attack and do so effectively during his time in the middle at the MCG, which should see the ball flying to the rope in a variety of ways. If he can do that during this Test, it will be a major boost not only for himself but also for his side, and I can see him rising to the challenge come the 26th.
Christmas is a big day for US basketball as it tries to fight off the commercial push from the NFL on Christmas Day to be the headline sport around the world. They are doing so with a superb slate of games, which no doubt piques my interest when it comes to finding value in a bet.
The one that stands out to me the most is Austin Reaves to go over 30 PRA during their big holiday primetime matchup with Houston. Reaves has quickly become a star level player for Los Angeles, and with a game under his belt after a short period out with injury, he should be closer to full fitness this afternoon.
On the season, Reaves is averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, which comfortably clears the threshold for this bet. The question, however, is whether Los Angeles will have their full complement of stars available, with LeBron and Luka potentially set to play. For Reaves, the key in this one is opportunity. If he gets enough minutes and maintains a high usage rate, I can easily see him going over 30 PRA.
The Melbourne Stars have had a core nucleus over the years, with a couple of Australian internationals leading the group in Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. The all rounders are back for yet another season together as the leaders of the team.
When looking at the early season form, it is Stoinis who appears to be setting the tone with the bat in hand. The Stars captain is unbeaten so far this season, with scores of 62 and 32 not out, showing he certainly has not lost any of the explosive talent from his prime years.
This round against the Sixers, who have a bowling attack still struggling to find its identity, the Stars skipper looks lined up to once again deal some damage with the willow. Meaning Stoinis scoring 20+ shapes as a solid chance.
A huge game in Chelsea’s season awaits this weekend as they are set to host Aston Villa, who at this stage of the campaign remain one of the most underrated sides in the league and continue to push hard for Champions League places.
One of the biggest issues Chelsea have endured this season has been injuries, particularly to key players. Chief among them is their talisman Cole Palmer, who after being one of the best players in the world over the past 24 months, has been sidelined by a groin injury during the early portion of the season.
However, reports suggest Palmer is back and fit enough to play a full 90 minutes this weekend against Villa, and I expect him to return to his normal mercurial self. With this being a vital game, which Palmer is known for stepping up in, it would not be surprising to see him generate a goal or assist.
To close this one out, we have our pick for Monday Night Football in Week 17 of the NFL season. The game will take place at Mercedes Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons, as they host a fired up Los Angeles Rams side coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Seahawks last time out.
As we have mentioned before, when big games appear on the schedule, coaches ensure their best players get plenty of touches. For the Rams, they of course have MVP favourite Matthew Stafford, but one of the biggest problems in the league for any opposing defence is his number one target, Puka Nacua.
The third year pro has taken the league by storm, and without being the biggest or fastest receiver in the competition, Puka continues to win, and win often. This has been evident in his past three games, where he has gone over 167 yards in all of them, including a remarkable 225 yards against Seattle.
With the division crown still in sight, a big win on Monday Night Football would mean a lot to this Rams franchise, and if that is to happen, I expect Nacua to be right at the heart of it.
