We have waited long enough now – finally the Euroleague is back with its first elimination round. Today we will already see how CSKA Moscow and Panathinaikos Athens will perform.
We got some predictions in from our journalists, though, some were not in the office this past week so there won’t be any predictions for Lottomatica Roma, Efen Pilsen and also not For Tau Ceramica. Maybe you want to tell us what you think?
Here is what the Greek web site doubleteam.gr thinks about Panathinaikos performance in the Top16:
TOP 16 is a different story and this is were the men are distinguished from the boys.
Panthinaikos, running a 12-2 record in the Euroleague, starts the TOP 16 Round with probably the most challenging couple of weeks of the whole Season. As if Efes (away), Partisan (home) and Siena (away) were not enough, they will also have to fight for the first place in Greek League’s regular season in two consecutive matches against Olympiakos and Aris, both away from OAKA Arena. Four “hot” games away from their home in two weeks is an extremely rough schedule for the defending Euroleaue Champions and gets more rough as they can’t rely on the help of Tsartsaris (injured – 2 months out) and Tomasevic (injured – 2 to 6 months out), therefore lucking on inside game and strength in the paint. But apart from the problems the team in general is in good morale, finding their way to attractive basketball again and hopefully and in a very optimistic mood they will end this round with a 5 wins / 1 loss record and will get the first place in the Group.
Prediction: 5-1.
Julien Debove made his prediction for CSKA Moscow short and clear:
Siskauskas on his way to the MVP Award.
Prediction: 5-1.
Seems like the two teams will perform just as in the regular season. We will see.
For Lietuvos Rytas Christophe Ney thinks this:
In probably the easiest group of the Top16, Lietuvos Rytas should be able to qualify for the quarterfinals. By opening this round at home against TAU as this could the the beginning of an unbeaten record at home.
Prediction: 4-2.
Lets get it on!
