Posted:
#1
I'm not sure if this thread will get much traction but the FIBA Qualifiers are commencing tonight and I for one am excited. Should be a great Olympics with what looks like a very second-tier, albeit still powerful, team fielded for the USA.
I love me some international basketball. Let's make some money 
Futures
Croatia to win Italy Qualifying Tournament @ $4.20 (Sportsbet) 1.25 units
Serbia to win gold at Olympics @ 36 (Sportsbet) 2 units
No explanation required. We are winning it.
Game Day One
Got quite a few leans but not liking too many of the games enough to bet those leans.
Greece v Iran
Greece post an all-star starting five here while Iran will rely heavily on Haddadi inside. Giannis has been in fine form while Koufos might just be Greece's most important player - dude is a beast on the glass.
Take Greece -24.5 @ 1.85 (Ladbrokes). Line may seem large but it suggests the Greeks win each quarter by about 6. I think they do at least that and will win 2 quarters by double digits.
France v Philippines
I have no idea why this line is only -17.5. Batum is confirmed and he'll join a team with Parker, Diaw, King Joffrey, all of whom he gels with so well. Throw in arguably Europe's best player De Colo and this is a blowout.
France -17.5 @ 1.83 (Bet365) Easy Money.
Turkey v Canada
Loving this Turkish value. Yes, Canada has some decent NBA players and arguably one star in Thompson but I think they are giving up far too many points here. Years of watching Turkey win clutch European basketball games has taught me they are a competitive, strategic team that won't be a pushover.
Looking at their roster, they have by far the biggest player on the court in Asik, who tends to step up for his nation. How he is played with Erdeh will be key, as will the play of Muhammed who is a legitimate European star. Kind of like a good Nate Robinson. Combined with decent wings who can shoot the ball, I like Turkey here.
Turkey ML @ 3.75 (Ladbrokes)
Turkey +8.5 @ 1.83 (Sportsbet)
Leans (not going on record)
Latvia -21.5 v Japan
Tunisia +30.5 v Italy
Peurto Rico +18.5 v Serbia (never bet against Serbia)
Good luck if you're betting 
..get up early 330 am and 6 am
Hot Forum Topics
