By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The beginning of the betting column for this season was successful, as four for five predictions about Euroleague’s opening week were right, and now we have our sights set on the big matches of the weekend in Greece and Turkey.
Regarding the national championships, the predictions are still difficult, because most teams are not 100% ready yet. However, the Under/Over choice is more secure in the beginning of the season.
In Turkey, Darussafaka welcome Fenerbahce in a big derby and the hosts will try to retain a low tempo in the game, as they have done in each of their matches so far. Logically, Zeljco Obradovic’s squad will not find a way to play up-tempo basketball, so it’s not likely that the 154,5-point limit will be surpassed.
In the second big derby in Turkey, Galatasaray has made a great start to the season and seems to be capable of fighting until the end to remain high on the table. On the other hand, Anadolu Efes looks to have a different playing style this season, under Dusan Ivkovic, based on energy. It’s difficult to predict the winner, so we will use the Over choice, as both teams play in an up-tempo style.
In Greece, Panathinaikos welcome Olympiacos, 10 days after the Greens’ great victory in the Greek Cup’s quarter-final at Piece and Friendship Stadium. It will be a close derby, but it is also expected to be of low quality. Both teams prefer to play low-tempo basketball, so the 142,5-point limit, although it’s low, will probably not be surpassed.
Real Madrid has made a bad start to the season, losing all their opening games in all competitions (Euroleague, Liga Endesa, Supercopa) and should enhance their performance immediately. Against Gipuzkoa, it’s the right time for them to return to the winning track. There is a big handicap (14,5 points), however Real may surpass it.
AEK Athens are facing many injuries, however they are fully capable of beating Lavrio, which is one of the league’s weak links. Although Dragan Sakota’s players may be tired because of the consecutive matches, AEK Athens can overcome the 12.5-point handicap.
The betting suggestions
Lavrio (+12,5) -AEK Athens 2
@Sportingbet 1,90
Darussafaka – Fenerbahce Under 154,5 points
@Stoiximan 1,90
Gipuzkoa (+14,5) – Real Madrid 2
@Coral 1,91
Galatasaray – Anadolu Efes Over 152,5 points
@Unibet 1,88
Panathinaikos – Olympiacos Under 142,5 points
@ William Hill 1,91