By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The betting week started with 2 out of 4 correct predictions and continues with the clashes of Olympiacos in Istanbul and Panathinaikos in Barcelona.
Darussafaka – Olympiacos
Darussafaka is a team full of stars that is starting to build up a name and tradition, but who still don’t have the character to win games that are decided in the end. All nine games of the Turkish team were decided by single-digit margins. Something similar is expected to happen in the game against Olympiacos. The red-and-whites are coming from the defeat at home by Maccabi, but certainly if they control the tempo they can impose themselves on Darussafaka or at least defend the handicap of 3,5 points (@Sportingbet 1,75) that is in their favor.
Crvena Zvezda have left excellent impressions with a 4-5 record, while Zalgiris too are highly competitive having celebrated a win less. At home, the Serbs are very strong, with the wins over Barcelona and Milan standing out. The Lithuanians, respectively, fight for most of their games and can defend the handicap of 5,5 points that is in their favor. However, it is preferable that we bet on Crvena Zvezda’s defense, which is the best in the EuroLeague and which in fact concedes only 69,5 points par game at home. The point limit for Zalgiris is 72,5 (@Stoiximan 1,95), so we are going to bet on the Under.
Barcelona – Panathinaikos
Xavi Pascual returns as a rival to the Palau Blaugrana and Barcelona are trying to return to winning ways after three defeats in a row. Panathinaikos have a win more (5-4) compared to the Catalans, but away they’ve only defeated Bamberg at the expiration. The two teams are the ones with the smallest number of possessions per game, so the point limit being low is normal. However, the total of 149,5 points is very low. Only one of Panathinaikos’s games had a lower point total, while Barcelona, in their last games, consistently exceed the limit. So, we are betting on the Over (@Bet365 1,71).
Baskonia have a 5-4 record and are within their objectives in terms of the standings, even though after the big win over Fenerbahce they seem to have lost their rhythm. Galatasaray, in contrast, despite the continuous turmoil within the team, are constantly getting better with three wins in the last four games. The Turks have improved in terms of defense and they can certainly defend the 8,5-point handicap (@Stoiximan 1,73) in their favor.
The choices
Darussafaka – Olympiacos (+3,5) 2
Crvena Zvezda – Zalgiris Zalgiris Under 72,5
Barcelona – Panathinaikos Over 149,5
Baskonia – Galatasaray (+8,5) 2