By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague teams know that margin for error is perishing. The Regular Season is almost over and teams with aspirations hope to create the best possible situation.
Anadolu Efes – Olympiacos 2 (+6.0) / 1.90
Vassilis Spanoulis won’t travel with Olympiacos to Istanbul, but after the break and having left the Greek Cup Semifinal situation in the past, the reds have cleared their minds. Up next is Anadolu Efes, a fatigued team with three consecutive Turkish Cup games, which ended with a loss to Fenerbahce Beko. It’s likely the hosts will be tired. An Olympiacos victory powered by a handicap is worth the bet, because David Blatt’s team will fight for the “W” up to the end.
AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+5.0) / 1.70
Milan and Maccabi are teams that will battle for a playoffs spot. The Israelis won the first time around and sweeping the series in Italy will pack them with a significant advantage. The same goes for the hosts, because a victory will bring them two wins over their opponents with seven Regular Season games to go. It’s a crucial contest for both sides, which we expect to go down the stretch. We hope Giannis Sfairopoulos’ club won’t be held to a showing similar to its previous important road game against KIROLBET Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Real Madrid – FC Bayern Munich 2 (+13.5) / 1.70
This bet isn’t safe at all. Real Madrid is on a level of its own. However, we will go with the fresher side. The hosts are coming off three straight games and an overtime loss against FC Barcelona Lassa. Pablo Laso’s team is experienced in these situations and could rotate its way through its fatigue, but the Germans have made us believers with their 2018-19 performances both at home and on the road. The big line in the handicap makes the bet worth the risk.
Panathinaikos OPAP – Khimki Moscow Region U 74.5 Khimki / 1.70
Khimki’s trouble offense could be held low by Panathinaikos at Athens. The Greens are effective defensively at home and won’t face a challenge provided they avoid a negative showing. The Russians don’t have real playoffs clinching chances, but the hosts still have hope, especially if they later take down Darussafaka Tekfen and Herbalife Gran Canaria on the road. Firstly, the Greeks must protect their house, so we expect a good performance and a convincing “W” over Khimki.
Picks:
1. Anadolu Efes – Olympiacos 2 (+6.0) / 1.90
2. AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+5.0) / 1.70
3. Real Madrid – FC Bayern Munich 2 (+13.5) / 1.70
4. Panathinaikos OPAP – Khimki Moscow Region U 74.5 Khimki / 1.70