By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos will host CSKA Moscow, Panathinaikos OPAP will be on the road against Herbalife Gran Canaria, FC Barcelona Lassa will face Real Madrid in a replay of the controversial Copa del Rey final and Fenerbahce Beko will grapple Anadolu Efes in another domestic matchup. They’re big and crucial games indeed within the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 24 action.
Fenerbahce Beko – Anadolu Efes 2 (+7.0) / 1.71
Anadolu Efes is the team in real need of the “W” in the Turkish matchup. Ergin Ataman’s side is gunning for the fourth spot and the home court advantage in the playoffs, while Fenerbahce is on top of the standings and is already planning for the playoffs. A bet on a win for the visitors is risky because Zeljko Obradovic’s side won’t give up a game to anyone. However, an Efes win covered by the handicap is a safer route. The two clubs have faced each other numerous times this season and have always remained tight on the scoreboard except in the Turkish Cup final.
Buducnost VOLI – FC Bayern Munich 2 / 1.71
We will bet on the visitors in this game aligning ourselves with the team with the team that needs the “W”. This is one of the games FC Bayern must win to remain a part of the playoffs race. Its crunch time in the Regular Season and the German side understands that home wins alone won’t be enough to advance. Bayern is searching for a victory on the road. Dejan Radonjic’s club is the favorite against Buducnost, the better team and the one with the motivation to win.
Olympiacos – CSKA Moscow 1 (+5.0) / 1.70
Olympiacos can fight for the win against CSKA Moscow at home. The handicap provided is high and combined with the recent history of tight games between the two clubs in Greece leads us to this bet despite the injury woes of the home side. The Russian club hasn’t been steady on the road, Nando de Colo and Cory Higgins aren’t at 100% blended with Vassilis Spanoulis return for David Blatt’s team leads us to bet on the handicap-covered home win.
FC Barcelona Lassa – Real Madrid 2 (+2.5) / 1.71
Real Madrid wants revenge for its defeat in the Copa del Rey final and usually answers in a big way after losing to their rivals. Looking back at Clasicos after a Barca triumph, Pablo Laso’s team generally responds with emphatic victories. However, the Catalans are improved this year and have earned the respect of their foes. Betting on the visitors to win is tricky, but the 2.5 points handicap is enough to get in our betting tips. The hosts shouldn’t be the favorite and their betting value is dropping.
Picks:
1. Fenerbahce Beko – Anadolu Efes 2 (+7.0) / 1.71
2. Buducnost VOLI – FC Bayern Munich 2 / 1.71
3. Olympiacos – CSKA Moscow 1 (+5.0) / 1.70
4. FC Barcelona Lassa – Real Madrid 2 (+2.5) / 1.71