In one of the biggest rivalries in sports history, Olympiacos (17-10) welcomes Panathinaikos (7-19). The “Reds” want to protect their home (11-1 this season), after defeating Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania (73-84) on Tuesday.
Five players scored in double figures, led by Kostas Papanikolaou, who had a season high of 18 points. February MVP Sasha Vezenkov added 16, making this his eighth game in a row scoring more than 15 points.
Olympiacos aim to continue their defensive approach on their home court, as they are allowing only 67.1 points per game this season. Kostas Sloukas (averaging 11.3 points and 4.8 assists) told reporters that they “are leaving all the other games behind to focus on a special game against Panathinaikos that is the eternal rival”.
This game is crucial for Georgios Bartzokas’ team, should they maintain their chances for a top three push in the standings. On the other hand, Panathinaikos rested last week and had more time to prepare for tonight’s game. Ioannis Papapetrou (averaging 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists) will miss this game, making it harder for the “Greens”.
Their last match-up in Euroleague was a home loss to Armani Milano (75-76). For its part, the first game of the season against Olympiacos at OAKA ended in a heavy loss (65-84).
However, it’s always hard to predict the winner in the Greek Derby, no matter what the circumstances are. Passion and spirit contribute as equally as the physical condition.
Panathinaikos lack playoff qualification chances, but they have motivation to win. First prediction is that Sasha Vezenkov will again score more than 15 points (odds at 1.80), as his form is just great this time of the season.
Second pick is Georgios Papagiannis (averaging 10 points and 7.6 rebounds this season) to grab more than 6 rebounds (odds at 1.65). My fun bet for tonight is Georgios Papagiannis to end the game with a double-double (odds at 4.50), as he did so against Olympiacos in the Greek Cup Final (10 points and 12 rebounds).
Real Madrid expected to win against ASVEL Villeurbanne
At Wizink Center, Real Madrid (21-7) host French side ASVEL Villeurbanne (9-18). Real seek their second straight home win, after defeating Armani Milano last week (92-88 in OT).
The previous game ended a four-game losing streak for the Spanish side. They dominated the rebound section, having 40 in total, while Sergio Llull (averaging 8.1 points this season) scored 20 points.
Head coach Pablo Laso said pregame that they “will have to do a good job to make this work out. Thompkins could not practice and Tavares, Abalde and Hanga are not at 100 percent. But, I am optimistic about them being available for the game”. It is notable that Guershon Yabusele (averaging 11.6 points and 4.5 rebounds) will face his former team.
For their part, ASVEL Villeurbanne are in a pretty bad form, having won only one Euroleague game out of 10 in 2022. Their last victory away from home took place on November 26 (84-85 against Monaco).
Leading scorer Ellie Oboko (averaging 15.8 points this season) is expected to miss tonight’s game. Therefore, my prediction is that Real will get the job done easily. They did so in France against Villeurbanne (74-87). The handicap of -11.5 points (odss at 1.80) is my safe pick.
Safe bets
Olympiacos – Panathinaikos: Sasha Vezenkov over 14.5 points (1.80)
Georgios Papagiannis over 6.5 rebounds (1.65)
Real Madrid – ASVEL Villeurbanne: Real win -11.5 (1.80)
Fun bet
Olympiacos – Panathinaikos: Georgios Papagiannis double-double (4.50)
