On Friday night, ASVEL Villeurbanne (8-17) welcomes Olympiacos (17-9) at Astroballe. The French side may lack motivation for playoff qualification, but they will fight to protect their home.
On Wednesday, they defeated Zalgiris in Lithuania (68-72). Elie Okobo scored 21 points and Victor Wembanyama had a huge impact (14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 blocks).
On the other hand, Olympiacos will be facing the biggest challenge of the season. The “Reds” will secure the home-court advantage in the EuroLeague playoffs, should they win in France.
To do so, Georgios Bartzokas’ guys need to forget their performance in the devastating defeat against Monaco (92-72).
Moustapha Fall and Sasha Vezenkov have to maintain their offensive levels up. The 30-year-old French center (averaging 11.8 points over the last six games) faces his former team. February MVP Sasha Vezenkov is now scoring more than 15 points in nine consecutive games with Olympiacos.
My first prediction is that Moustapha Fall will score more than 9 points (odds at 2.00). Second pick will be Elie Okobo (averaging 15.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists) to record more than 21 points, assists and rebounds in total (odds at 1.78), which I consider a pretty safe bet. Adding more value, I predict that he will score more than 16 points (odds at 2.15).
Quality difference between Barcelona and Fenerbahce
At Palau Blaugrana, Barcelona (20-5) takes on Fenerbahce (9-14). The Catalan side seeks to finish strong at home (11-1 this season). Following the loss of Real Madrid to Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Thursday, they clinched the top spot in the standings.
Barcelona has won its last five games against the Turkish side. The last one happened in Round 6 in Turkey (74-76). They aim to extend their streak to 6-0.
On the other hand, Fenerbahce is performing pretty poorly away from home this season. Their only win took place against Armani Milano (60-71). They stand no chances to advance to the postseason.
The main focus for the rest of the season for Sasa Djordjevic’s guys is clearly the Turkish League. In addition, Nando de Colo (averaging 11.9 points) will miss tonight’s game.
My prediction is that Barcelona will come out victorious in their last home game. The handicap of -4.5 is a safe bet (odds at 1.47). Second pick will be Nick Calathes (averaging 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists) to record more than 5 assists (odds at 1.62). Lastly, I predict that Barcelona’s top scorer, Nikola Mirotic (averaging 17 points this season and scoring 53 over the last three games), will score more than 16 tonight (odds at 1.88)
Safe Bets
Villeurbanne – Olympiacos: Elie Okobo over 21.5 points, rebounds and assists (1.78)
Barcelona – Fenerbahce: Barcelona win -4.5 (1.47)
Nick Calathes over 5.5 assists (1.62)
Value Bets
Villeurbanne – Olympiacos: Elie Okobo over 16.5 points (2.15)
Moustapha Fall over 9.5 points (2.00)
Barcelona – Fenerbahce: Nikola Mirotic over 16.5 points (1.88)
