By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
In the big derby of this round, CSKA host Real in Moscow and are expected to take advantage of the defensive problems of the European champions and score over 86 points again.
The Muscovites scored at least 93 points in their last eight home games and against Real the will certainly try to run and the score will climb high. The limit is 87,5 points and it’s rather high, but CSKA can score more than that.
At home Panathinaikos are strong and in the Top 16 they shouldn’t have any losses in order to increase their chances of qualifying. Malaga only have two wins in their last six games and look like they’re not in good shape. The 6-point handicap is low and the home team will probably exceed it.
Olympiacos have the best defense in the Euroleague and they’re expected to keep Laboral low in the score and to seek to enforce a completely different rhythm on the game than the first round. Giannis Bourousis’s fatigue is expected to play a role in the game and the visitors can probably win the game.
Cedevita are in excellent condition especially after the win over Crvena Zvezda in the derby of the Adriatic league. Darussafaka on the other hand, have several ups and downs and don’t look like they can win with a lead greater than 5,5 points. Also, the Turkish team has never scored more than 76 points in the Euroleague. So we are going to bet on the Under 76,5 points.
The betting tips
CSKA-Real Madrid CSKA Over 87,5 points
@Sportingbet 1,85
Darussafaka-Cedevita (+5,5) 2
@Unibet 1,86
Darussafaka-Cedevita Darussafaka Under 76,5 points
@Coral 1,75
Laboral-Olympiacos (+1,5) 2
@Nesine 1,70
Panathinaikos–Unicaja (+6) 1
@Bet365 1,90