Dave1962

After three legs of this playoff, the BOS Celtics are in the driving seat, having won twice. The last win was away at PHI 76ers, so I'm backing them to once again prove to be the better team.

Trailing in this play-off, PHI 76ers will be looking to get something out of this game. They only lost the last game by eight points. If they can show some improvement, then there is every chance they may be able to get closer to BOS Celtics, who have won four of their last five visits to PHI 76ers.

The last three meetings between these two players have all been won by Ronnie O'Sullivan. One of those victories was in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Championships. On that occasion Ronnie O'Sullivan won by six frames. I'm taking him to do the same again in 2026.

All previous meetings between these two players have been in best-of-five or best-of-seven frame matches. Only one of those matches went to a deciding frame. Over this much longer format, a win by at least three frames for Selby looks very possible.

Mark Selby has a good record against Wu Yize, winning all six previous meetings. They were all over much shorter distances than the length of this match. Given Selby's superiority and record at the Crucible, a win by six frames is not beyond the realms of possibility.

These two players met in the first round of last year's World Championship, and Neil Robertson won by two frames. They have met once this year in a best-of-eleven match, which Robertson won by four frames. So, over this longer format it could be another win for Robertson against Chris Wakelin in the World Championship, but this time by six frames.

Three legs into this payoff between OKC Thunder and PHX Suns, and it is OKC Thunder looking set to reach the next stage, having won all three legs. With the smallest winning margin being twelve points, it's difficult to see PHX turning things around enough to get the win.

Having lost the first two legs away at OKC Thunder, PHX Suns put in a better performance at home which was still not good enough to get the win. They lost that game by twelve points. Being in such dire straits, PHX Suns will have to go for it in this game. The superiority of OKC Thunder is clear for all to see, but PHX Suns wouldn't have to improve much to get the win starting with this points advantage.

Both these players won their last match by four frames. Their previous three meetings have all been won by Barry Hawkins. The last match was in November 2024, which Hawkins won in the deciding frame. Allen put in a very good display in beating Kyren Wilson in the last round. If in the same mood, he could run out a comfortable winner against Hawkins.

Leeds are six points ahead of Tottenham, who currently sit in the last relegation spot, with West Ham and Forest immediately below Leeds. All three of those clubs won their last match, whilst Leeds drew away at Bournemouth. Leeds won their last home game, which was against relegated Wolves. They face another relegated team in the form of Burnley, who have lost their last three away games. With nothing to lose, Burnley are sure to make a game of this, but Leeds will likely get the necessary three points.

This season Jack Lisowski finally won his first ranking tournament. If he can find that level of form and consistency in Sheffield, then Jack Lisowski could prove to be a lively outsider to lift the trophy. At the time of writing, he still has one more qualifying game to play. Providing he is successful in that match, I cannot see his price being as big as this once the World Championship starts at the weekend.

With first-time defending champions having a bad record at the Crucible, it could be Judd Trump who once again lifts the world crown. Provided he is happy with his cue and tip and finds consistency in his play, then the Ace in the Pack could go all the way.