By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
There is value favoring three visiting teams of the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 24 schedule. FC Barcelona Lassa, Olympiacos, and Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv need the “W” on the road, the former to strengthen its position within the playoffs zone, the Reds to maintain their spot in the Top 8 and the Israeli club to get back in the playoffs zone. All three teams are up for the challenge and will have our betting support.
FC Bayern Munich – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+4.5) / 1.80
It’s a big game for both sides in Germany. Whoever loses will fall behind in the playoffs race. We expect a tight contest that will go down the stretch. Bayern will have the home advantage, which has been decisive throughout the 2018-19 season. However, Maccabi with Giannis Sfairopoulos on the helm is progressing game-by-game with its players finding their roles and ready to fight to the end for a playoffs ticket. It’s most likely the winner of this crucial game will determined in the final minutes, even within the two or three last shots. We’ll bet on the visitors to win with a handicap cover, which seems large.
Anadolu Efes – FC Barcelona Lassa 2 (+3.5) / 1.75
Efes and Barcelona are gunning for the fourth spot and the playoffs home-court advantage it provides. Both have improved in a big way this season showcasing productive basketball on the court. The hosts are striving offensively while the visitors seem more balanced being very effective on the defensive end. This will also be a game which we expect to go down the wire. A bet on a win for the Spanish club covered with a handicap is worth the risk, especially after Barcelona’s two recent triumphs versus Real Madrid.
Buducnost VOLI – Olympiacos 2/2 / 1.75
Olympiacos no longer has fifth or sixth place in close range, but has to try to secure a playoffs spot after its losing streak. The Reds’ remaining matches aren’t among the hardest of the Regular Season on paper, but will get in real danger of elimination if they lose in Montenegro. We expect David Blatt’s side to finally react and take control of the match from the get-go. The 1.75 betting value on the visitors leading at halftime and winning the game is worth the risk.
Picks:
1. FC Bayern Munich – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+4.5) / 1.80
2. Anadolu Efes – FC Barcelona Lassa 2 (+3.5) / 1.75
3. Buducnost VOLI – Olympiacos 2/2 / 1.75
Photo Credit: EuroLeague