By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague has started again after the break with 2 out of 4 predictions being confirmed, while several teams seemed like they’ve lost their rhythm.
Efes – Baskonia
Efes are coming from three wins in the last four games in the EuroLeague, but they were defeated in the final of the Turkish Cup. They are on the verge of the top eight and they can’t withstand any losses at home if they want to be in the playoffs. Baskonia, in contrast, have only one win in the last six games in the EuroLeague, they were beaten with difficulty by Real in the Cup semifinal and they have only one win more than eighth placed Efes. In the game of the first phase the Basques had won by one point. Both teams, however, are inconsistent. So it’s better not to bet on this game.
Bamberg – Zalgiris
Mathematically, Bamberg still haven’t lost all hope, but in reality it’s going to be difficult to cover the difference of three wins they have from the teams in the top eight. Something similar is happening with Zalgiris as well, even though they are now two wins away from the top eight. The Lithuanians are coming from a good streak of games and in order for them to be able to be effective they are going to try to slow down the game’s tempo. The limit is at 155,5 points (@OPAP 1,75) and the two teams aren’t likely to exceed it.
Panathinaikos – Unics
Panathinaikos have the momentum after winning the Cup, they are in form having six consecutive home wins in the EuroLeague and they certainly have a strong advantage against Unics. The Russian team counts five defeats in a row in the competition and has no hope of qualifying. Despite this, during this time, they’ve been beaten by more than 8 points only once (by Olympiacos). Will they manage to defend the 10,5-point handicap without Kaimakoglou in the Olympic Sports Center in Athens? It’s going to be difficult. But maybe it’s worth betting on the Under (@OPAP 1,75) in the Lithuanians’ points, with the limit being at 72,5 points. In their last six home games Panathinaikos conceded more points only by Efes…
Real – Darussafaka
Real are at the top of the table, they have eight wins in a row and their only defeat in Madrid was four months and seven victorious games ago. Darussafaka, on the other side, have many ups and downs in their performance but are extremely dangerous. They want to make the extra step in order to keep themselves on track for the top eight, as they are on the verge of the playoffs. The Turks have been defeated by a double-digit margin just two times and so the handicap of 10,5 points (@OPAP 1,75) in their favor makes us bet on the away win.
The picks
Bamberg – Zalgiris Under 155,5 points
Panathinaikos – Unics Unics Under 72,5 points
Real – Darussafaka (+10,5) 2