One team wants home court. The other just wants to stay alive. We wrote the exact start for our other preview this week as well. It’s the Istanbul derby as Fenerbahce take on Anadolu Efes in Euroleague Basketball
Fenerbahce ended the hopes of Anadolu Efes in Euroleague Basketball last season. They have the chance to all but do the same again when they meet on Friday
Key details
Who: Fenerbahce (20-12) vs Anadolu Efes (15-17)
Where: Ulker Sports Hall
When: Friday 5 April at 19.45 CET/18.45 UK & Ireland/13.45 EST
Last time out
Nigel Hayes-Davis made history in Fenerbahce’s dominant win over Alba Berlin. Hayes-Davis set a Euroleague Basketball single game scoring record with 50 points. That’s the type of big game performance the Istanbul club needs at this time of year.
Anadolu Efes delivered a really impressive performance on the road against Baskonia. Their 76-97 win gave them command of their future in the play-in race.
Key battles
While Hayes-Davis understandably took the headlines, there’s a lot more to Fenerbahce than just him. Nick Calathes is their creator in chief. The Greek veteran guard has a lot of options to work with as the Turkish giants like to go deep into their bench. This gives him plenty of options.
For Anadolu Efes, it’s the Shane Larkin experience. It has been a down year for them in Euroleague Basketball but Larkin’s numbers are immense. They ride or die with the always thrilling guard.
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Need to know
Fenerbahce ended the Euroleague Basketball campaign for Anadolu Efes with a big win late last season. That knocked Efes out of the playoff race after winning the two previous titles. Now, Fenerbahce have the chance to do the same.
The only way Efes will be certain of making the play-ins is by winning out. One defeat in their last two games may be enough to be eliminated. Fener meanwhile know that two wins from their last two games might be enough to secure home court in the playoffs.
What the bookies think
The oddsmakers are going with the home side in Euroleague Basketball betting. Fenerbahce check in as 37/100 favourites while Anadolu Efes are 11/5. This is a nice balance for punters and gives them plenty to work with.
The spread has Fenerbahce as -6.5 favourites. I really like that line. This has, on the whole, been a good value week for Euroleague betting.
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What we think
This is must-watch basketball. It’s two teams with enormous history. Throw in the stakes. Then add in the talent. It all combines to guarantee drama for anyone watching. It’s as safe a neutral’s choice of game as you are going to get before the Euroleague Basketball postseason.
In terms of the action. I would be shocked if Hayes-Davis is the focal point to the same degree for Fenerbahce. I expect them to lean heavily on the variety of offensive options at their disposal. That’s the key asset they have over Anadolu Efes.
The prediction
This is a good Anadolu Efes side but it’s not the championship calibre one from the recent past. I expect a Herculean effort from Shane Larkin. I just don’t think it’s going to be enough.
Pick: Fenerbahce at -6.5
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