By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Barcelona was once again the most consistent team of Top16 and the only question about its condition in the play offs are the “shadows” from its last two games. Two defeats by Milano and Laboral Kutxa and specially with the Catalans letting 94 points on their defense, is not something usual.
Was it just a normal relaxation after securing the top spot of Group E, or the team lost its rhythm? We will know for sure in the first two play offs games, but we still consider Barcelona the big favorite in a series which will probably end after four games.
The data
The triangle which decides the offensive efficiency of Barcelona is the trio of Huertas, Navaro and Tomic. They create and execute the bulk of the plays in a roster full of supportive offensive players.
Τhose are Oleson, Abrines, Papanikolaou, Nachbar, Lampe, even Pullen. If the defense of Barca is the usual and not the one we have witnessed in the last two Top16 games – which were practically indifferent – against an opponent which rarely plays uptempo, then we expect games which will be decided on five on five situations. If that’s the case, then the advantage of the Spanish club is more than huge in quality and quantity.
The defending Turkish champions pulled through a series of injures and they are clearly depended on Carlos Arroyo, Zoran Erceg, Markoishvili who is back in action and Pops Mensah Bonsu when he will be ready to play again. Players like Hairston, Arslan and Macvan can provide depth, but not take the team on their shoulders.
The exit poll
Barcelona has the first and last word. The big advantage of coach Pascual’s unit is that even in a bad offensive night, defense can save the day by shutting down Arroyo, control the paint through Joey Dorsey and impose its tempo. Galatasaray has demonstrated a great fighting spirit, its players are expected to do the same, but in a five game series with just a two days break between them, we consider a long-shot to do better than get a win. We expect Barcelona to be present in the Final Four.