By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
For the first time since 2011 there are no sweeps in the EuroLeague playoffs, so expect some pretty intense matches in Game 4 where some teams will seek to punch a Final Four ticket and others will fight to force a Game 5 in “do-or-die” battles.
Zalgiris Kaunas – Olympiacos
There many interesting choices in this game, especially when it comes to “Player Bets”. Jamel McLean’s under 12,5 easily won in Game 3 and we will once again include it in our choices. Only this time, we will pick the Under 11,5 that yields 1,65. Vangelis Mantzaris’ Under 6,5 is also quite probable since there’s a win even if he makes two 3-pointers. This bet also yields 1,65.
From Zalgiris‘ side, Vasilije Micic’s line and the Under 8,5 with a 1,65 output will be added to our picks. The Zalgiris guard seeks to distribute the ball and organize the game rather than score.
Jan Vesely looks invincible under the rim and has comfortably confirmed the Over 13,5 (1,75) in Game 2 and 3 between the two teams. The Czech big can make, easily or not, seven shots in the games from Kostas Sloukas and the assists the latter provides.
Khimki Moscow – CSKA Moscow
We expect that CSKA will react after the loss in Game 3 and finish the series in order to avoid a potentially stressful Game 5. Easily or not, Dimitris Itoudis’ team will find a way to win the game even without Nando De Colo and Kyle Hines. The road win is offered at 1,38 and is included in our picks.
Real Madrid has the homecourt and the current momentum but everything is open since the two teams show no major differences on the floor and everything will be decided on details. Panathinaikos lost a great opportunity to win in Game 3 and now things become even more difficult for them. The hosts have the first say in Madrid and easily, or not, they will reach victory in Game 4. The 1.25 can be among our choices.
Picks:
McLean under 11,5/@1,65
Mantzaris under 6,5 / @1,65
Micic under 8,5 / @1.65
Vesely over 13,5 / @1,75
Khimki – CSKA 2 / 1,38
Real – Panathinaikos 1 / @1,25