Olympiacos and Armani Milano face off in a really important game for their qualification for the playoffs and the home-court advantage.
This will be a game between teams with psychological advantage, as both sides emerged as Cup winners in their countries last Sunday.
On one hand, Olympiacos beat Panathinaikos (81-73) and welcomes the Italian side at Peace and Friendship Stadium averaging 81.2 in their home Euroleague games. On the other hand, Ettore Messina’s squad easily won the Italian Cup final by beating Tortona (78-61) and are averaging 71.8 points per away game this year.
Their last four games ended with a total score of higher than 150 points per game (72-93, 90-79, 86-75, 91-70) and their last meeting in Greece with less points is back on 2015 (73-63 win by Olympiacos).
Having that in mind, I’m expecting that the limit of 147.5 points can be easily covered once more. Betting companies are offering this choice between the odds of 1.65-1.76. A bigger odd around 2.50 for the limit of over 154.5 points is also considered a value bet, even if it’s more risky.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
EASY WIN FOR ANADOLU EFES
Earlier today at Sinan Erdem Dome, Anadolu Efes and Maccabi Tel-Aviv will battle for a win that will boost the chances for a playoff spot.
The Turkish side has been the better one during their last four out of five games with Maccabi. They will also have the psychological advantage after their Cup Final win over Fenerbahce (86-72). For its part, Maccabi will have to deal with their first EuroLeague game after Ioannis Sfairopoulos’ recent dismissal. The Israeli side is struggling in its road games this year, having won only 3 out of 12.
My prediction is that Ergin Ataman’s guys can easily get the job done, covering also the -5.5 handicap that can be offered in most betting sites in an odd around 1.45-1.52.
OLYMPIACOS – ARMANI MILANO -> Over 147.5 pts.
ANADOLU EFES vs MACCABI TEL AVIV -> 1 -5.5 handicap
Dimitris Georgiopoulos/Hedge Out
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