By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The 8 teams, however, that will take part in the quarterfinals have become known after Baskonia’s win over Maccabi in the previous round. It makes sense that, this week, the column will deal with the teams that still have an incentive in terms of the standings and thus the games where we can find betting opportunities.
AX Armani Exchange Milan – Panathinaikos
In Italy, we have a game between a team that is indifferent (Armani Milan) and one that’s not (Panathinaikos), so the away win will be included in our choices, especially when we’re talking about a team that is much better than the other and has a greater incentive to win. Xavi Pascual’s team wants the win and is hoping for a stumble by Olympiacos at the Peace & Friendship Stadium against Zalgiris in order to get the home court advantage in the quarterfinals of the EuroLeague. The 1,32 on the away win can be included on a bet with similar odds.
Olympiacos – Zalgiris Kaunas
Despite what is being said about the Reds and whether they will get to choose their opponent, in reality it’s Real Madrid who will get to choose as they play after them. The easy way or the hard way, Ioannis Sfairopoulos’s team will get the win at the Peace & Friendship Stadium and will not deal with scenarios. The 1,20 on the home win can be combined with Panathinaikos’s win in Italy.
Barcelona – Khimki Moscow Region
The away win doesn’t really work for us since Khimki are in bad shape. Despite this, the incentive in terms of the standings and Barcelona’s indifference lead us to the handicap on the away win (+2,5 on 1,75). In betting terms, it’s clearly worth it since, with a defeat, the Russians will run straight into CSKA Moscow in the quarterfinals, which means that their chances of qualifying for the Final Four in Belgrade are basically zero.
PICKS
Armani Milan – Panathinaikos 2 / @1,32
Olympiacos – Zalgiris 1 / @1,20
Barcelona – Khimki (+2,5) 2 / @1,75