At Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, Anadolu Efes and Armani Milano meet for the third time in their playoff series (currently tied at 1-1). Last week in Italy, we witnessed two similar games with a different result.
In Game 2, Shavon Shields performed really well (21 points and 8 rebounds). Sergio Rodriguez also contributed the most (17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists).
However, he was injured in the fourth quarter and is listed as questionable to participate in Game 3. Even if he plays tonight, his condition may not be the best possible.
On the other hand, the Turkish side gained the home-court advantage and will give everything to qualify for the Final Four this week.
Head coach Ergin Ataman seemed optimistic before the game, saying that “we have achieved a great synergy in this hall, we have succeeded together and we will succeed again. We will be champions! 4 left!”
Efes will depend on the offensive skills of Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin once again. It is remarkable that they combined for 69 of their team’s 130 total points in the first two games.
Therefore, my betting prediction is that Efes will win tonight and even cover the handicap of -4.5 (odds at 1.55). My second betting pick is that the top scorer of the regular season, Vasilije Micic, will score more than 19 points (odds at 2.12).
Safe bet: Efes win -4.5 (1.55)
Value bet: Vasilije Micic over 19.5 points (2.12)
At Menora Mivtachim Arena, Maccabi faces the danger of being swept by Real Madrid (series currently at 0-2).
Last week was a nightmare for the Israeli side, as they lost both games in Spain (84-74 and 95-66). Especially in Game 2, Avi Even’s guys were unable to keep up with Real’s explosive performance offensively.
For the Spanish side, the sooner they qualify for the Final Four, the better. Real Madrid has dominated almost every category in the first two games. This fact shows desire and determination to succeed.
The whole team bounced back in the right moment, after some bad performances in the last regular season games.
Undoubtfully, tonight’s game is really hard to pick a winner. Therefore, I am predicting that both teams will score more than 154 points (odds at 1.75). They have done so in their first two playoff games.
Safe bet: Over 154.5 points (1.75)
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