By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are hosting Unics Kazan and Galatasaray respectively, and Eurohoops.net gives out its predictions for the games of the “eternal enemies,” but also for the other two games of the night.
Efes – Barcelona
Anadolu Efes are clearly improved in their recent games with three wins in the last four games, playing with a great number of possessions. Barcelona, on the other hand, is the team with the fewest possessions and the best defense. In whose favor is the balance going to tip? The limit is low at 156,5 points and it will probably be difficult for Barcelona to be able to keep the overall points any lower. In theory, Efes have a small advantage for the win in the game Navarro might make his return, while Perperoglou is definitely going to be absent, but it’s preferable to bet on the Over (@OPAP 1,75).
At home Panathinaikos have lost only to Olympiacos, and after the three defeats in the last four games, they want to launch their counteroffensive. In contrast, Galatasaray have have gotten their only wins – three in number – in the last five games, but at the Olympic Sports Center in Athens they are once again going to appear with a different roster. Daye is out, Dentmon was left out of the team, Russ Smith was upgraded, while Pleiss and Tyus are doubtful. The Turks have improved considerably in their defense, but the point limit is low and it’s preferable to trust the home win for Panathinaikos by a margin greater than 7,5 points (@OPAP 1,75).
Olympiacos – Unics Kazan
Olympiacos have the advantage for the win over Unics with three wins in the last four games, but the defeat at home by Maccabi shows that they cannot feel secure. The red-and-whites have an advantage to impose themselves on a team that has a smaller rotation, but they usually don’t win by wide margins. The handicap is set at 7,5 points (@Sportingbet 18,3) and aside from Efes and Milan, the red-and-whites haven’t defeated any other team by a wider margin. Even though Mantzaris is not 100% ready, Olympiacos can impose their game and win by an even bigger margin, since defensively they can adjust against teams with few quality players.
Baskonia – Darussafaka
Baskonia are in an advantageous position with their 6-4 record, they have 4-1 wins at home, and Prigioni’s signing has boosted the team’s confidence, but it’s not yet certain whether it also disoriented Sito Alonso’s players. Darussafaka are going through a bad spell with three defeats in a row, but based on their talent they can fight for the game. However, based on the Basques’ last home games, it’s better to go with the Under at 162,5 points (@Stoiximan 1,75).
The picks
Efes – Barcelona Over 156,5 points
Panathinaikos – Galatasaray (+7,5) 1
Olympiacos – Unics Kazan (+7,5) 1
Baskonia – Darussafaka Under 162,5 points