By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
And that brings us to our betting picks of the week, which include many “safe” bets.
Maccabi Tel Aviv – Real Madrid
Despite Ayon’s absence, Real has the quality to beat Maccabi in Tel Aviv. Randolph is now playing at 100% having already played two games – against Khimki for the EuroLeague and Tenerife for the ACB – after his injury. The home team hasn’t been very convincing so far, but they are always a tough opponent in Israel. The 1,45 on a win for the Spanish powerhouse can be included in one of our bets, as can – with a little bit of risk – the away win with the handicap (-3,5 at 1,75).
From the player bets, Doncic can emerge as the top scorer since he’s in great form, plays a lot and takes on a lot of shots. The Slovenian guard can score in many ways, either on the break or in set plays from close- or long-range. The top scorer will be close to 20-22 points and the 1,90 is a good option and might be placed. Another option is the over 12,5 for Randolph at 1,70. With Ayon and Kuzmic out due to injuries, Randolph will play more and in smaller line-ups, we might even see him play in ‘5’. He’ll probably play close to 30 minutes, so the over is worth it since the chances of this bet paying off are on our side.
Khimki – Baskonia
Baskonia is a different team with Pedro Martinez on their bench. Of course, it’s still very early for the changes in tactics to become visible and for the players to absorb the philosophy of their new coach. Despite this, we’re already seeing the Basques having a new kind of direction in their game and their coach making better use of and rotation with the roster he has. The Spaniards are coming off two big wins against Panathinaikos for the EuroLeague and Malaga for the domestic league, and they can fight to the end of this game against Georgios Bartzokas’s Khimki. The away win with the handicap (+6,5 at 1,75) will be our choice from this clash.
Olympiacos – Panathinaikos
For this Round’s big derby, it’s not possible to predict the winner. But there are several interesting options for this game, the first being the under 145,5 points at 1,75. In the derbies between eternal rivals, the teams are often nervous and shoot with bad percentages, while both can play good defense. A good option is also the under 71,5 points for Panathinaikos (at 1,75), since Ioannis Sfairopoulos’s team is excellent defensively, a part of the game that is one of the Reds’ strongest points.
From the player bets, we’re holding onto two options. The first is for Rivers to score as many or more points than Thompson in the game, at 1,85. Panathinaikos’s American has an excellent tradition against Olympiacos, whether playing at home or away, while, on the other side, Thompson will experience the atmosphere of a derby against Panathinaikos with fans in the stands for the first time, and this might play a part. Our next choice from this game, is the under 10,5 for Nikos Pappas. The Greek guard is in excellent form, leading Panathinaikos offensively, together with Nick Calathes. However, the Peace and Friendship Stadium is always a tough away court for the Greens and the 10 points are enough for the Greek ace. Ioannis Sfairopoulos has the defensive tools to stop Pappas and the under 10,5 are worth being included in our bets.
Bamberg – Fenerbahce
The Germans have been in pretty good shape lately, with the addition of Wright at ‘4’ making the difference. On the other side, Fenerbahce has also raised their game, playing beautiful basketball, while Bobby Dixon is also coming back, in his first game in the EuroLeague this season. A clash that is particularly interesting and that is probably going to be close. The Turks have more quality in their team and they will get the win, the easy way or the hard way. Hackett’s absence for the home team might prove to be crucial for the outcome of the game since the Italian guard is very important for Trinchieri’s team, both in the defensive as well as the offensive part. The 1,32 for the away win is our choice for this clash.
Picks
Olympiacos – Panathinaikos Panathinaikos Under 71,5 points
Pappas under 10,5/ @1,75
Bamberg – Fenerbahce 2/ @1,32
Doncic 1st scorer of the game/ @1,90
Randolph over 12,5/ @1,70
Maccabi Tel Aviv (+3,5) – Real Madrid 2/ @1,75