By Stathis Trapezanlidis/ info@eurohoops.net
This week we are going to take our chances with some road wins. We picked four specific teams that can take some important victories away from their homecourts to improve their position in the standings.
Khimki Moscow – CSKA Moscow 2 /1.90
We will go with CSKA Moscow since we don’t agree with how the yields are apportioned in bet companies. Despite Khimki Moscow playing at home and CSKA having many changes on its roster, Dimitris Itoudis’ team remains superior on every level. Don’t forget that CSKA is also fighting to keep its place in the top 4 in the standings and the spots that give homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Of course, Khimki wants to keep its playoff chances alive but, overall, they have been performing below expectations.
ASVEL – Zalgiris Kaunas 2 /2.00
In theory, the two teams are fighting for a playoff spot. But I think that only Zalgiris has chances to reach the top 8 and if they want to make it happen, beating ASVEL is a “must-do.” In any case, the visiting side has been on an uphill course for a couple of rounds, while the hosts have gone to a completely opposite direction. ASVEL looks tired and isn’t used to a heavy schedule, with many consecutive trips and games against the top teams in Europe. It’s worth betting on Zalgiris’ win.
Valencia – Panathinaikos 2 / 1.90
The Greek team is better than Valencia while it has gotten rid of the syndrome of not being able to win games on the road. The hosts are always dangerous and an opponent that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially at home. Yet they have neither the depth nor the quality of Panathinaikos. Also, they have injury problems and face fatigue due to the demanding EuroLeague schedule. Panathinaikos has character and knows how to win this kind of games. Maybe they’ll win easier than expected.
Alba Berlin – Fenerbahce Beko 2 (-4) /1.71
With all due respect to Alba Berlin, there’s no comparison between the two teams at this moment. Fenerbahce has been back on its feet for good and has been winning the games necessary to clinch a playoff spot. They lost to Gaziantep in the Turkish League but had a lot of players out and everyone’s mind was in the EuroLeague game. After all, Obradovic didn’t use Nando De Colo and Kostas Sloukas. Fenerbahce shouldn’t face any problem and the 4.5 points in handicap are few considering the quality difference between the two teams.