By Stathis Trapezanlidis/ info@eurohoops.net
EuroLeague will tip off on Thursday and competition between Europe’s top teams is expected to be as tough as it gets. The first week of action will not determine any playoffs seeds, but will offer an initial positive note for the winning sides. The eight games provide several betting options as well.
Eurohoops’ betting tips for EuroLeague Round 1:
Khimki Moscow Region – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+3.5) / 1.90
Khimki is considered favorite despite Alexey Shved’s injury woes. However, Giannis Sfairopoulos is able to pull more bench options that can be important in a balanced affair. The Greek head coach implemented his basketball style building a strong defensive attitude for his side. Effective defense can be crucial in Russia. We expect a tight game and are attracted by the 1.90 value on the 3.5 points handicap on the visitors. A straight win for Maccabi at 2.55 can be a riskier option.
Real Madrid – Fenerbahce Beko 2 (+6.5) / 1.90
Real Madrid is widely considered favorite versus Fenerbahce Beko. The home win is valued at 1.35 with the opposite result valued at 3.30. The visitors must indeed be effective in the paint and defend the opposite shooters to prevail. However, the 6.5 points handicap at 1.90 is high enough for such a strong side. Several Real stars went all the way in the recent World Cup and despite the team’s deep rotation might bring fatigue issues.
Anadolu Efes – FC Barcelona 1 / 1.71
Barcelona seems stronger on paper, but in the early stage of the season chemistry between players and rhythm can prove superior advantages. Even without Shane Larkin, Efes can secure the “W” against Barcelona in the first week of EuroLeague action. The visitors still have to work on their chemistry and rhythm, but the Turkish team retained most of its important players from last season. Efes’s roster stability helped Ergin Ataman’s side capture Turkey’s Presidential Cup with a win over a team in a similar position, Fenerbahce Beko.
ALBA Berlin – Zenit Saint-Petersburg 2 (+4.5) / 1.90
Our other betting tip stems from Berlin where ALBA will host Zenit. The home side will likely reintroduce itself to EuroLeague carrying better chemistry between the players, but Peyton Siva’s absence will be tough to overcome. The 4.5 points handicap on Zenit is valued at 1.90 and is an appealing option, so is the 2.75 on a straight win. Joan Plaza’s underrated coaching attributes can help the above betting options. We expect another tight game and the 4.5 points handicap can prove enough for betting success.
Picks:
1. Khimki Moscow Region – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+3.5) / 1.90
2. Khimki Moscow Region – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 / 2.55
3. Real Madrid – Fenerbahce Beko 2 (+6.5) / 1.90
4. Anadolu Efes – FC Barcelona 1 / 1.71
5. ALBA Berlin – Zenit Saint-Petersburg 2 (+4.5) / 1.90
6. ALBA Berlin – Zenit Saint-Petersburg 2 / 2.75