By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
This round has started pretty well for Eurohoops’ betting column with 3 out of 4 successful predictions for Thursday’s games. Let’s take a look at the analysis of tonight’s games.
Unics Kazan – Efes
Unics Kazan have six defeats in a row, but only one of those was by a wide margin. They are trying to be constantly competitive and at home they were, until recently, even better. Efes, on the other side, are “burning” for the win, as they are on the verge very of the top eight. The Turks have three wins in a row by playing basketball with many possessions and high tempo. Efes have scored more than 81,5 points (@OPAP 1,75) in four of their last five games and they can certainly do the same in Kazan as well.
Darussafaka – Panathinaikos
Darussafaka are now out of the top eight, staying a win behind Efes and they want to win this game no matter what, as their schedule ahead is very difficult. Panathinaikos have only three wins in eleven away games and they have to stretch themselves in Istanbul. The Greens have a handicap of 2,5 points in their favor and can get the win or at least lose in the details (@OPAP 1,75). For the more daring, in fact, a straight win for Panathinaikos with a 2,02 payoff is worth it. Regarding special bets on players, it’s worth betting on the Over 12,5 points for Chris Singleton (@OPAP 1,75). Panathinaikos’s American forward/center is pretty athletic and is an ideal matchup for Darussafaka’s big men who usually have trouble with players like him.
Barcelona – CSKA Moscow
Barcelona are chasing their last hopes for qualification mathematically, but their image doesn’t convince that they can go the extra mile. The motivation in the game against CSKA is going to be greater, but the European champions are complete again, they have improved and they can get the win. The handicap of 5,5 points is relatively small based on the image of the two teams and CSKA can exceed it.
Also quite likely is the option of the Under 11,5 points (@OPAP 1,75) for Ante Tomic. Barcelona’s Croatian big man has scored more only once in the last six games and 8 in a total of 23 games in this year’s EuroLeague. Tomic can score a lot especially when he’s playing against heavy centers. CSKA, with Hines and Augustine, don’t look so vulnerable defensively and so we’re betting on the Under.
The picks
Unics Kazan – Efes Efes Over 81,5 points
Darussafaka – Panathinaikos (+2,5) 2
Chris Singleton Over 12,5 points
Barcelona (+5,5) – CSKA Moscow 2
Ante Tomic Under 11,5 points