By Stathis Trapezanlides / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid is not coming to Athens for holidays, Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv has a big challenge ahead in Istanbul against Anadolu Efes and here are our tips for this week of action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Panathinaikos OPAP – Real Madrid 1 / 2.10
It’s obvious that Real Madrid is the favorite. However, if you want to risk a bit, there’s a good chance to pick Panathinaikos in this duel. Sergio Llull is out, home-court advantage is always a factor and Panathinaikos needs a big win after the return of Rick Pitino in order to aim higher than just entering the playoffs. After all, nobody gets an easy win in Athens. Betting is a game of odds and once we have the odds above 2.00 for a home win, then we should take them.
Anadolu Efes – Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 2 (+7.5) / 1.71
Efes is the favorite, especially since they play at home and they come from a defeat also at home to CSKA Moscow. So, losing two on a row seems far fetched. On the other hand, we expect at least a big battle for Maccabi, which has the tools to pull an upset. And that’s why the +7.5 handicap for Maccabi seems like a really safe bet. The game is expected to be decided on details and the only thing which really can give second thoughts is the fact that Maccabi is coming off a double-overtime game and has injury woes.
LDLC ASVEL – Khimki Moscow Region 1 (+4.5) / 1.71
Khimki has the quality to get the road win, but the French side at home transforms for the better. Plus the Russian team seems to be on a slump, especially after losing their first VTB United League game to Lokomotiv Kuban. That’s why a +4.5 handicap for ASVEL seems to be an ideal bet since, in theory, Khimki remains the favorite in this game.
Fenerbahce BEKO – Valencia Basket 1/1 / 1.66
Fenerbahce has been disappointing so far in the season, but still losing at home to Valencia seems unlikely. Plus the addition of Malcolm Thomas is expected to help and Obradovic and co are not giving up that early in the season. Even if Valencia is performing well during the last few weeks, a home advantage at halftime and a home win seem to be a must bet. Plus you can use the -6.5 handicap and get better odds (1.71).
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