By Stathis Trapezanlidis/ info@eurohoops.net
For most teams, we already have an initial impression through both the friendly preparation games and from the first matches in the domestic leagues that have tipped off. On our betting board, we already have some pregame options, while one bet from earlier in the year stayed active.
The winner of FIBA Champions League – Burgos / 19.00
At the moment we took a chance on San Pablo Burgos, the Spaniards were far from the favorites, at the odd of 19. However, fast forward to this moment and they ended up being the second favorite to go all the way behind only the hosts in AEK .
The reality is not exactly like that, of course, but I think it makes sense that the market has been greatly affected by Burgos’ excellent performances in both the friendlies and – even more so – in the Spanish league. In any case, we will see during the course of the tournament if we will manage to get some coverage to ensure a very good profit.
Prometheus – Gran Canaria 1 (+3.5) / 1.71
Continuing with the Eurocup, Promitheas seems to be standing solid this season and maybe the betting companies underestimate the squad, making it an outsider. We will go with the Greeks this time along with the 3.5 handicap just to be safe.
Gran Canaria is still looking for chemistry and proper roles in its game plan. Clearly, we expect a lot from the Spaniards in the future, but at the moment, based on the image of the two teams, the Greek team has a good chance of taking the game down to the wire, even taking it.
Olympiacos – Zalgiris U157.5 / 1.71
Olympiacos is the favorite for this matchup as the quality difference between the two teams is big. However, no premiere is easy. Especially in the strange conditions at the start of the 2020-21 season, since many teams will not have fans in their arena while some others will have a small number depending on the laws of each country in dealing with COVID-19.
The Greek team can keep the Lithuanian champions under control and stop the from scoring as they showed in the friendly preparations, where defensive performance was quite encouraging. On the other hand, Zalgiris enters a new era without Sarunas Jasikevicius on the bench. It will not be the team we have known in recent years and this will be seen early in the tournament.
Fenerbahce – Crvena Zvezda U158.5 / 1.71
The lack of people in the stands does not help the teams find their rhythm. Fenerbahce won’t be good defensively at home while facing a team that has no other choice but to play defense.
In the preparation friendlies, Crvena Zvezda scored in high numbers but I do not think that will happen in Turkey. After all, Sasa Obradovic is a coach who focuses greatly on the defensive part of the game and his teams have always stood out in that area.
The Serbian expert is aware that, in order to have a chance at overcoming Fenerbahce, his team will have to play defense on a high level.
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