NBA News - Page 25

Injuries will dictate the outcome of this matchup. The Indiana Pacers are in crisis mode after a devastating series of losses to their core lineup. Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles surgery, out for season), Obi Toppin (metatarsal stress fracture, out 3 months), Bennedict Mathurin (toe sprain), and Andrew Nembhard (shoulder strain) are all sidelined.

The Raptors (6–5) are fighting to solidify playoff position and have performed decently on the road (2–3 away). The Cavaliers (8–4), despite a 4–1 home record, may prioritize player rest again—suggesting another “development-focused” approach.

Backed by the gulf in quality, a near-full squad, and supportive market odds, Hungary is poised to take all three points away from home. Barring significant reverse signals from rising water levels close to kick-off, the away win combined with the Over remains the primary direction.

Bookmakers actively lowering the home win odds and raising the draw odds aims to balance the heavy flow of money towards the home win, overall reflecting increased confidence in an England victory.

France is ranked 3rd in the world and leads their World Cup qualifying group with 10 points from 4 matches (3 wins, 1 draw), demonstrating absolute dominance at both ends of the pitch – averaging 2.25 goals scored and 0.75 goals conceded per game. Key players Kylian Mbappé (3 goals, 2 assists) and Antoine Griezmann (2 goals, 3 assists) are in excellent form.

The most memorable recent encounter between these clubs came in the 2025 Gagarin Cup playoffs, when they faced off in the second round. Dynamo Moscow triumphed in that series, winning 4–2. Interestingly, all games ended in regulation time, and both teams displayed strong offensive play—fewer than five goals were scored in only two of those matches.

Kazan’s Ak Bars will host Dynamo Moscow in a highly anticipated KHL matchup. Both sides enter this game in search of vital points after recent inconsistencies. The hosts have finally snapped a long losing streak but remain far behind the Eastern Conference leader, while the visitors have stumbled for the first time in weeks, suffering two straight defeats.

The two teams met for the first time in September 2025, when Curaçao claimed a 3-2 victory at home in a competitive encounter that showcased their superior individual quality.

While England remain heavy favorites, Tuchel may choose to rotate his squad and test new combinations now that qualification is secured. Serbia, on the other hand, will fight desperately to stay in contention for second place. This could lead to a more open and attacking match.

In the last five head-to-head encounters, Ireland managed to hold Portugal to a goalless draw (0-0) once, but otherwise struggled to match the visitors’ class and creativity.

A repeat of the thrashing may not occur, but even in Baku, Gudjohnsen and his teammates should win convincingly. Prediction: Iceland to win with a -1 goal handicap (odds 1.93)

It’s hard to imagine the clearly stronger team slipping up here. Considering form and previous results: Prediction: Hungary to win (odds 1.6)