By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
It was in Round 29 when FC Barcelona became the first team to qualify for the playoffs. Two rounds later, the teams that have qualified for the playoffs remain one.
With another three rounds to go for the completion of the regular season, plus one (postponed) game for CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg, Eurohoops outlines how things stand for ten teams in one of the most shocking finales in the history of the EuroLeague, and not only with the existing format (2016-present).
2. CSKA MOSCOW 20-10
Despite having a negative record in 2021 (6-7), CSKA had toiled earlier in the season so that they could be in the top four consistently since Round 8, having a game less compared to almost all the teams that trail behind them. They’re looking like the favorites to finish in second place.
- @ Zenit St Petersburg, March 30, Round 32: It’s the toughest of the games that CSKA still has to play until the end, since for Zenit it’s more important in terms of their final placement in the rankings. In the first game between them, CSKA won 83-65 in Moscow.
- vs. Khimki Moscow Region, April 2, Round 33: Even though Khimki is looking more competitive in recent games, CSKA will most likely beat them the second time, too (87-96 in the first round).
- vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, April 8, Round 34: Nothing will make any difference in terms of placement for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, however, they will want to wrap up their commitments in the EuroLeague with a win and they can be dangerous. Even so, CSKA still has the upper hand for the second round (78-87 in the first round).
- vs. Panathinaikos OPAP Athens, April 14, rescheduled from Round 25: The game of Round 25 will drop the curtain of the regular season in the EuroLeague and until then, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens, who don’t really have anything to gain in terms of their placement, will have turned their attention on their domestic commitments. CSKA won 83-89 in Athens.