By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos are facing Milan in Italy and based on the form the two teams are in, the greens look like they can get the away win. What are the prognostics for the rest of the games?
Fenerbahce – Darussafaka
In the Turkish derby, Fenerbahce have the advantage over Darussafaka because of their material and roster. The Turkish champions are coming from the defeat by Panathinaikos and they’re definitely thinking about the upcoming battle against CSKA in Moscow. Darussafaka are looking for a follow-up after their win over Real, but the rumors about Bagatskis and Maccabi definitely disoriented the team. Because of the game that is coming up and Fenerbahce’s small rotation in their backcourt, the 7,5-point handicap is rather big for the home team. So, we are betting on the away win (@Bet365 1,76).
Milan – Panathinaikos
EA7 Emporio Armani Milano count five defeats in a row and have distanced themselves from the top eight. They have by far the worst defense (they concede 88,9 points on average) and Panathinaikos have the third best. The Italians don’t have cohesion yet and the greens are certainly in better shape in recent games. Panathinaikos are rendered as the favorites, but with a very small advantage (2,5 points). Thanks to the way they function as a team and the form they’re in, we’re going to bet on the away win (@OPAP 1,75).
Maccabi – CSKA Moscow
Maccabi are going to have to appear with a different coach once again and the mood in the team is definitely not the best following Hadar’s departure. CSKA travelled to Tel Aviv without De Colo and Teodosic, but as they proved in Milan, they can win without them too. The Muscovites have only one defeat, but the derby after 48 hours against Fenerbahce is undoubtedly already on the back of their minds. Maccabi’s point limit is at 82,5 and is rather high. In the last seven games they’ve scored more only once (in the win over Fenerbahce). So, we are betting on the Under (@Stoiximan 1,75).
Baskonia – Barcelona
In the Spanish derby, the in-form Baskonia are hosting Barcelona, who only have one win in their last six games. In theory, the Basques have the advantage according to the betting companies, but games between teams from the same country are certainly not easy to predict. The defensive commitment of the Catalans and the low tempo they usually set can lead the game to a low score line, but with the limit at 153,5 points, it’s better not to risk it.
The choices
Fenerbahce – Darussafaka (+7,5) 2
Milan (+2,5) – Panathinaikos 2
Maccabi – CSKA Moscow Maccabi Under 82,5 points