By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Here’s the analysis and the tips for today’s games.
Darussafaka – Fenerbahce
Darussafaka count three defeats in a row and, considering the heavy program that is coming up, they have to overstretch themselves in order to be able to get into the top eight. Fenerbahce are back for good with four consecutive wins, slowly consolidating their place in the top four. In the first game between them, Fenerbahce got a 79-78 win with difficulty and in the second Darussafaka won 71-64. The handicap of 3,5 points (@OPAP 1,75) is rather small and thanks to their experience, Obradovic’s players can exceed it and win by a bigger margin.
Olympiacos are in good form with six wins in the last seven games, they want to consolidate their position in the top three and the home game against Zalgiris is a very good opportunity to play in high spirits as well as a… high placement in the standings in Istanbul against Fenerbahce. Zalgiris are in excellent shape with three wins in a row and they’re hoping they can take the extra step and get in the playoffs. However, in the Peace & Friendship Stadium things are going to be pretty tough. Olympiacos have the best defense in the EuroLeague, conceding 74,4 points per game, and Zalgiris’s limit is at 73,5 points. At home, the Piraeus team has conceded more points only four times (in a total of eleven games). So, we’re betting on the Under (@OPAP 1,75).
Barcelona – Galatasaray
Barcelona are with their back against the wall and they’re going to have to make one hell of a final dash in order to make it in the top eight, as they are three wins behind eighth-placed Efes. Bartzokas suggested that the players and himself be fined in order to affect everyone’s ego, Munford is going to make his debut and the Catalans definitely have an advantage for the win. However, with Galatasaray, the handicap of 9,5 points seems rather big. The Turks have only two wins in the last nine games, but they certainly fight in most of those. The Turks have the second worst defense, conceding 84,5 points per game, and Barcelona, in their recent games usually have a big point total. With the limit at 156,5 points, the Over (@OPAP 1,75) is very likely.
Our tips
Darussafaka (+3,5) – Fenerbahce 2
Olympiacos – Zalgiris Zalgiris Under 73,5 points
Barcelona – Galatasaray Over 156,5 points