It’s a must-win game for Olympiacos in Euroleague Basketball action as they host an Alba Berlin team determined to spring the upset
It’s proving to be a dangerous game for Olympiacos as they seek to secure their spot in the playoffs of Euroleague Basketball. Can Alba Berlin prove unpleasant visitors and pull the upset?
Key details
Who: Olympiacos (12-11) vs Alba Berlin (5-18)
Where: Peace and Friendship Stadium, Piraeus, Greece
When: Tuesday 30 January at 20.15 CET, 19.15 UK/Ireland, 14.15 CET
Last time out
A mighty rally by Olympiacos was enough to cover the spread but not to get the win away to Real Madrid last week. That ensured they stayed stuck in the play-in positions in Euroleague Basketball as things currently stand.
Alba Berlin recorded their second win in their last three games as they stunned a visiting Crvena Zvezda side to take just their fifth win of a tough campaign.
Key battles
A familiar face might haunt Alba Berlin in this one. Luke Sikma posted an impressive double double in Madrid last week for Olympiacos. Having long been beloved in Berlin, he may be a big factor in getting the Greek side over the line this week.
Matt Thomas and Gabriele Procida both stepped up big time for Alba in their win over Crvena Zvezda. Their improving form will be vital if the German side is to pull the upset on Tuesday night.
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Need to know
Olympiacos have the talent but struggle terribly in terms of consistency. Their run of four straight wins over the turn of the new year is an outlier in a season where they seem to alternate results with each round.
Alba Berlin meanwhile have understandably struggled with the standard of Euroleague Basketball this season. I picked them to finish where they currently stand, 17th, at the start of the season. This is a team living up, or rather down, to expectations.
What the bookies think
The Reds are enormous favourites in Euroleague Basketball betting. They are as short as 1/8 on some markets although they can be found at 8/50 as well. Alba Berlin meanwhile are way out at 9/2 on most markets.
The point spread is where this game is interesting with Olympiacos -12.5 point favourites. That is the market most worth attention here.
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What we think
Oddly, had Olympiacos won in Madrid then this would scream of a trap game for them. As their Euroleague Basketball form shows though, they tend to bounce back with something good following a loss.
The prediction
The Reds are going to win and I think they will win big. That point spread is big but I’m going to bite. Give me Olympiacos to cover.
Pick: Olympiacos -12.5 points
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