By Lefteris Moutis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Unicaja Malaga being out of shape recently, Panathinaikos can easily win in Spain. Meanwhile, Olympiacos has the chance to grab a life saving victory over Laboral Kutxa.
The Andalusians have been defeated with their last four games. In some of them, with a rather large point difference. Unicaja Malaga is at the ninth place in the standings of Liga Endesa and they don’t exactly treat Euroleague as a priority. On the other hand, Panathinaikos has made an upturn in his performance, chasing the fifth consecutive victory in the Top 16. Since they are constantly improving, they can win in Malaga and with a relatively big point difference.
As for Olympiacos, the game versus Laboral Kutxa, is a matter of “life and death” for the Reds that appear much better in their home court. Given the probable absence of Giannis Bourousis, a key player for Baskonia, the scale is tipped in favor of the Greek champions even more. In any way, they look as they favorites to win the game, perhaps easily too. The Reds have recorded ten straight victories in its home court against the Basques
Now the first game of the Week takes place in Madrid, where Real Madrid hosts CSKA Moscow in a match that might decide a lot when it comes to which teams will have the home court advantage in the playoffs. CSKA has been in great condition throughout the whole season, especially on offense where it prides on an average of 88.5 per game. Of course, this might seem little against a team not really famed for its defense. CSKA Moscow has scored less than 88 points only once in the last 13 Euroleague games.
Zalgiris Kaunas hosts Bamberg. Although the Lithuanians want to win their second game at home in Euroleague, they only fight for reasons of prestige now. Meanwhile, the Germans are in much better shape, have a qualitative roster and can get the road victory. Sure, Brose Baskets have been destroyed on the road by Laboral kutxa, CSKA Moscow and Khimki Moscow, but they made the life of Real Madrid difficult in Spain, and have even won Olympiacos in Greece. So, you can understand why they have the advantage, at least theoretically, against Zalgiris.
After an impressive beginning with four victories in the first give games of the Top 16, Khimki Moscow has fallen short recently, losing three straight games in Euroleague and suffering two defeats in a row in VTB League. The Russian team has definitely seen better days so Barcelona can get the road win, especially considering the fact that the Catalans have been greatly improved with the addition of Joey Dorsey.
Eurohoops suggests:
Real Madrid – CSKA Moscow – Over 88.5 points
@Unibet 1.88
Khimki Moscow – Barcelona (+2) 2
@Coral 1.87
Unicaja Malaga (+3) – Panathinaikos 2
@Bet365 1,90
Olympiacos – Laboral Kutxa (+5.5) 1
@Sportingbet 1,88
Zalgiris – Brose Baskets (+2.5) 2
@Stoiximan 1,80