Olympiakos – Panathinaikos
Traditional rivalry continues. Two legendary teams of Greece and Euroleague come face to face once again in Athens. Both teams have already been qualified for the playoffs but this game is decisive for the 3rd position of the group. The tickets of the game were sold out just in 3 hours and even this fact shows the significance of the game for the supporters.
Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos was the MVP of the last week thanks to his excellent performance (13 points, 4 rebounds & 6 assists) against Unicaja Malaga and Olympiakos needs to find a way to stop him. He will be sharing the point guard duties for the Greens together with Zack Wright and Roko Ukic against Vangelis Mantzaris and Mardy Collins of Olympiakos. On the other hand Panathinaikos has to stop Vassilis Spanoulis as this Euroleague star can decide any game with his talent and creativity. Spanoulis will share playing time at both wings with Kostas Sloukas, Matt Lojeski and Ioannis Papapetrou. Stratos Perperoglou is doubtfull to take part in this game due to injury.
Panathinaikos has also many options at the wings. Jonas Maciulis, Mike Bramos and Ramel Curry are all great players who can make the difference at any time of the game. Moreover the battle in the painted area is also going to be very crucial for this game. Georgios Printezis might still stay sidelined and in this scenario Brent Petway, Bryant Dunston and Giorgi Shermadini will experience long playing time around the baskets.However front court of Panathinaikos is also very experienced led by James Gist, Stephane Lasme, Mike Batiste and Antonis Fotsis.
We are expecting a great basketball atmosphere and a very tough game tonight. Olympiakos will use the supporters advantage and get the victory at the Euroleague’s game of the week.
Prediction: Olympiakos to WIN (handicap -5,5 points)
Highest Odds: Pinnacle @ 1,95 – William Hill @ 1,91 – bet365 @ 1,90
