Τip off (EL 4 g.) – Land of the unknown

By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net

The fourth gameday of Euroleague’s regular season is upon us and things are changing. For the first time in recent history, half the match ups of this week have no previous history. To be exact in six games we have first time couplings and in other two just two previous games between the same clubs. We also have a game in a few hours between Real Madrid and Dinamo Sassari.

Eurohoops game of the week: Fenerbahce/ Ulker – Barcelona

It’s a big game for more than one reasons! Fenerbahce (2-1) was plain bad one week ago in Athens and now has to bounce back against unbeaten in Euroleague Barcelona (3-0) which lost its first domestic league game on Sunday against Juventut Badalona. Of course the hosts want the win, but they also need a convincing performance in order to leave behind them the game at OAKA.

Barcelona has proven countless times that it can control every big game, even on the road, but things will not be easy in “Ulker Arena”. Fenerbahce has to improve drastically in defense, Pascual will probably try to get the advantage in the paint thanks to Tomic and Pleiss against an opponent which doesn’t have the same quality at center position.

Honorable mention: Panathinaikos – EA7 Milano

Group C is still the place to be. The Greens (2-1) after a good start, they need again to protect their home court and a win at this point will be a solid step towards the Top16. Coach Banchi’s team is at 1-2, has chemistry issues and comes from a bad game against Avellino. However a win in Athens, will erase the misstep against Barcelona at Milano.

We expect a game heavily decided on defense and also a key number will be the three points shots efficiency. After tying its own record with 18 made threes, Panathinaikos would like to continue this streak, while EA7 Milano is also a team depended on outside shooting. This game will also be a good test of progress for Marshon Brooks who hasn’t yet adapted his game in the European style of playing.

Brothers, but opponents: Crvena Zvezda – Olympiacos

Crvena Zvezda (2-1) and Olympiacos (3-0) will play against each other for the first time in Euroleague. That’s alone makes this game special as the fans of the two clubs are fraternized and have the best possible relation.

“Kombank Arena” is sold out and don’t be surprised if you hear cheers also for Olympiacos players, at least during the presentation of the teams. The possibility of a home win is more than possible, as Olympiacos will be missing due to injury Matt Lojeski – and also Printezis, Papapetrou and maybe Darden – and the defensive ability of the Serbs is proven. If they can stop Spanoulis, then they will be on the right track. On the other hand Olympiacos will have to contain the dynamic duo of Williams and Marjanovic.

Under the microscope: Zalgiris – Unics Kazan

Zalgiris already surprised everybody. With a 2-1 record, great defensive effort and a big road against Efes, the Lithuanian club is on track to make it to Top16. Their reaction at home against the loaded roster of Unics Kazan (1-2) will be a good sign of things which may come.

The Russian club needs the road win in order to get near the top of the group standings and has a much more dangerous back court, compared with the guards of Anadolu Efes. That’s the big challenge for Zalgiris. They have to control the game via their perimeter defense. The hosts have proven already that they are tough, they have chemistry and winning spirit. If they can do it against Unics, then they can make plans for the second phase.

The question: Valencia – Laboral Kutxa

Among the many Spanish Euroleague match ups, this is probably the most crucial for Valencia. Having a 3-0 start, the host have to react against Laboral Kutxa (2-1) which has registered already two wins, despite its issues and roster changes.

So far the team of coach Perasovic is a great disappointment, specially in offense – only 65 points per average – and they need a new start. If Valencia can get into some kind of offensive rhythm after the return of Dubljevic, then the chances for a reboot are good. On the other hand, the addition of Sasha Vujacic made Laboral Kutxa a much more dangerous team.

Euroleague 2014-2015 – 4th Day