By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
In terms of betting in Euroleague we are doing more than fine, since Eurohoops counted six out of six hits on the last game day and wants to carry on accordingly.
CSKA Moscow – Unics Kazan
In the Russian “civil war” CSKA are the undisputed favorites for the win against Unics. The Muscovites beat Efes easily in Istanbul without making a huge impression, but their task against the team from Kazan is expected to be quite easy. EvgeniyPashutin hasn’t had Coty Clarke at his disposal for a week and now Ponkrashov is out as well. Unics’s already decimated roster doesn’t seem capable of keeping the difference under 16,5 points (@Sportingbet 1.83) no matter how big the handicap is.
Darussafaka – Efes
In the second “civil war” of the day, a closed game is expected. Darussafaka had a great start with two wins and a loss by one point. Efes on the other hand, had a pretty bad start with 0-for-3, with numerous gaps in their performance and a lack of chemistry. They do have, however, the quality in the roster to react and this seems like the ideal game to do that. In theory, the home team has the advantage for the win. And the 4,5-point handicap doesn’t rule out anything. However, it would be better for you to avoid betting on this game.
Milan – Real
Milan lost to Olympiacos at the Peace & Friendship Stadium for the first time this season, while Real were also defeated by Baskonia for the first time in the EuroLeague and the Spanish championship. The Italians must show a different face and they are called to withstand the fast pace thatReal usually set. The Madrilenos have more quality and their setback against the Basques will surely provide them with extra motivation. The score will probably climb to high levels, but the total of 175,5 points is too high. So it’s preferable to go with the away win for Real with a handicap of 4,5 points (@Bet365 1.83).
Baskonia are coming off the biggest win of the season so far, over Real, having presented excellent “writing samples” overall. The Basques, however, have to play their second game in a row without their best player so far, Andrea Bargnani. The roster is small (essentially only 9 players competed against Real) and it’s hard to come back in less than 48 hours. Olympiacos have a good momentum going, they can get the win and go over the 2,5-point handicap. However, it’s safer to bet on the Over 162,5 (@Stoiximan 1.80) since the Piraeus team consistently look for points on the open court and Baskonia are competitive only in a high tempo rhythm.
Eurohoops’ betting tips
CSKA Moscow – Unics Kazan (+16.5) 1
Milan (+4.5) – Real Madrid 2
Baskonia – Olympiacos Over 162.5