By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
It’s probably the most anticipated playoffs series and there are more than one reasons for that. Fenerbahce started the season as the most probably host of the Istanbul Final Four, but with the home court advantage slipping away, Panathinaikos now has the upper hand.
While nobody would like to bet against Fenerbahce, Panathinaikos was defeated just once at home during the regular season in the game against Olympiacos. Considering the fact that the games between the two Greek “eternal rivals” have many intricacies that don’t apply to other games, it’s safe to say that simply Panathinaikos is virtually unbeatable at home.
Even against the legendary coach who was among the key figures that made Panathinaikos a powerhouse you ask? The answer is yes. Fenerbahce and Obradovic have not beaten yet Panathinaikos on the road and they count four failed attemps so far.
The Greens have the advantage, but the pressure is on for both sides. While you may argue that Panathinaikos already exceeded expectations, specially after the mid-season hiring of coach Xavi Pascual, a club which such a pedigree is obliged to use the home court and get to the Final Four.
Key match-up: Calathes vs Sloukas
There are many big names involved in this series, with Ekpe Udoh and Chris Singleton emerging even as candidates for the MVP award. Still Nick Calathes and Kostas Sloukas have pivotal role in the way both teams operate.
Simply put, those are the two guys that make things click, create for others and make their teams better, specially at half court sets. They are both the best passers of their teams with Calathes averaging 5,7 and Sloukas 4,5 assists per game.
And while Fenerbahce has also Bogdan Bogdanovic (3,8 ASP) who cover in some cases for Sloukas, things are much worse for Panathinaikos, as the next best passer is Mike James with 3 ASP. There’s simply no other play-makers of equal level on both teams.
I know what you did in the Regular Season
As usual Panathinaikos beat Fenerbahce at home (81-70) with Calathes having his best game of the season (16 p. 8 r. 11 as. 5 st.) and James Nunally with 21 points trying to save the day for the guests.
The tables were totally turned in Istanbul with Fenerbahce beating Panathinaikos by 21 points (84-63) thanks to a solid team efforts, while the Greeks had one of their worst games of the season. Mike James with 25 points tried his best but it was far from enough.
Τhis was a pattern for Panathinaikos until the win at Baskonia, as the Greens simply couldn’t get any important road win during the season, but they also beat everyone at home.
Prediction of the series: No bet!
This is a series in which you simply can’t predict what will happen. If things go down as usual, then Panathinaikos will get three home wins and the ticket to the Final Four. However, Obradovic is not used to losing and he will have at least two chances to finally get a win in Athens against his old team.
This is the most balanced and the most interesting series, so be ready for anything.