By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
In the extremely crucial game in Barcelona, Olympiacos can win or at least fight to the end. Lokomotiv Kuban are much more dynamic than Cedevita and are expected to get an easy win.
Barcelona are not in very good condition as it was revealed in the first round of the Top 16 and the Copa del Rey. Olympiacos are also in a difficult position with the same record (3-4 wins), but are going to be reinforced with Papanikolaou and they can win or at least fight to the end. The 7-point handicap is big for a game like this and that’s why we’re going to bet on a win for Olympiacos.
Lokomotiv Kuban were reinforced with Janning, got some impressive – in terms of range – wins in the VTB and look like they’re in excellent shape, capable of defeating Cedevita easily. The Croats have been having ups and downs and they probably won’t be able to keep up with the Russian team’s brand of basketball. This is why it’s worth betting on the Over for the home team. Cedevita have conceded more than 86 points in the four of their last five away games. Lokomotiv Kuban then, can score more than 82.
Laboral are the big favorites against Zalgiris, but the handicap is huge and so it’s safer to bet in favor of the Over for the Basques. The limit is at 87,5 points and, based on their image at home in this year’s Euroleague, they’re going to make it. In five of their seven games they’ve scored more than 90 points, while Zalgiris have also conceded more than 88 points in all five of their last away games.
Crvena Zvezda and Efes are coming from blunders in the Cup and they want to make a comeback on this particular game. The Serbs have the home advantage but the game is expected to be close. It seems safer to bet on Crvena Zvezda’s Over. The limit is at 79,5 points but, except for the two games against Fenerbahce, there has been no home game in which Zvezda have scored less than 80 points. Efes, respectively, have conceded more than 80 points in two of their four away games.
Real won the Copa del Rey and are in a good place mentally despite the problems they faced throughout the season. Bamberg are a very good team defensively and they’ve done their homework. They will try to slow down the tempo and throw Real off rhythm, but the European champions are expected to manage to score more than 84 points. In their last ten Euroleague games they weren’t able to do so only against Laboral.
Eurohoops’ betting tips
Kuban – Cedevita (+12,5) 1
@Nesine 1,70
Bamberg – Real Madrid Real Madrid Over 84,5 points
@Sportingbet 1,85
Laboral – Zalgiris Laboral Over 87,5 points
@Stoiximan 1,91
Crvena Zvezda – Efes Crvena Zvezda Over 79,5 points
@William Hill 1,85
Barcelona – Olympiacos (+7) 2
@Coral 1,75