23/24 European basketball discussion: Euroleague/BBL/ACB/LegaA/LNB/TBL..

[LTU_btc]

Euroleague playoffs is back to action with 3rd games of series. Maccabi continue to play without Baldwin, but so far it wasn't big problem. It was another great game, it looked that Maccabi can win easier as they were leadingalmost whole game, but in the end PAO made comeback. Despite it, Maccabi survived and lead series 2:1
Didn't saw much from Olympiacos - Barcelona game as my attention was on UCL semifinal. It was another very close game. It's incredible how Barca survived in 4th quarter after Olympiacos run, mainly with Abrines 3-pointers. And then in overtime Oly lost game in most stupid possible way - foul on last second. I think it may be crucial game in series.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Euroleague playoffs is back to action with 3rd games of series. Maccabi continue to play without Baldwin, but so far it wasn't big problem. It was another great game, it looked that Maccabi can win easier as they were leadingalmost whole game, but in the end PAO made comeback. Despite it, Maccabi survived and lead series 2:1
Didn't saw much from Olympiacos - Barcelona game as my attention was on UCL semifinal. It was another very close game. It's incredible how Barca survived in 4th quarter after Olympiacos run, mainly with Abrines 3-pointers. And then in overtime Oly lost game in most stupid possible way - foul on last second. I think it may be crucial game in series.

Yeah these 2 games were wild.
Maccabi was up big midway through the 3rd quarter and when I checked again some minutes later is was suddenly a 6 or 8 point game. Anyway, they managed to win so now they really have it in their own hands. Wouldn't be surprised though if Pana would have a strong response in game 4.

About Olympiacos vs Barcelona, I was surprised Oly was favored this much. Sure they have a stacked roster this season but still, Barcelona shouldn't be underestimated as well. And we have seen why.
So both Greek teams are down 2:1 now, it's gonna need a lot of fight to turn these series around.

[karabiber]

In the first two games of the series, Fenerbahce Beko executed the strategy they wanted and took the court advantage. In fact, if they had paid attention to small details in the last period of the second game, they would have won the second game as well. With two games in a row at home, Fenerbahce is close to reaching the Final-Four.
Fenerbahce can use Motley, who didn't play in the first two games, in these games with the home court and crowd advantage, but his status will be known at game time. In Game 2, Monaco's John Brown suffered an injury and his status will be clarified at game time. Fenerbahce has let its opponents off the hook with its effective defense in many games at home this season and this time, unlike the first two games, I think it will be the team that will win with a good start. The team in yellow and blue is the team that is close to the Final-Four.

[CLS63]

We did it!    We managed to win home in Game 3 to lead the series by 2-1. As we are the seeded team we have a valuable advantage in our hands from now on. Even if this series extends to Game 5 I believe in my team to defeat Monaco to reach Final Four stage.

By the way I must say that I'm surprised with Maccabi Tel Aviv's performance so far. Despite Panathinaikos' much better regular season performance we can't see the same impact in this series. Maccabi Tel Aviv are only 1 win away from winning the series.

[LTU_btc]

Oh, I already thought that Baskonia can win this game and not end series 3:0. But Real is Real, similar like in football. It was enough for them to play 1.5 good quarters to win game and reach Final 4 in shortest possible way.

We did it!    We managed to win home in Game 3 to lead the series by 2-1. As we are the seeded team we have a valuable advantage in our hands from now on. Even if this series extends to Game 5 I believe in my team to defeat Monaco to reach Final Four stage.

Congrats! Even tough 78 points doesn't looks something special, this game was about defense. It's one of lowest scoring games for Monaco this season. When Monaco made a run in 4th quarter, Fenerbahche managed to respond. And finally, at least one game without any contraversies, unlike yesterday

[alani123]

I had a discussion with a colleague the other day about Euroleague and how uneventful it is. Let me explain...
He claimed that since it's a closed league, it's in their interest to participate in some minor match fixing so they earn more from tv rights and licenses. For example, with matches at this stage running at a best of three, if any team was to win within the first three matches, it would have left the last two matches never played with their opponent already knocked out.

So, at the stage where matches are a best of three, we see teams go head to head with each other and appear to win just barely enough so it seems believable that they might lose next match. This is a very different story to what we normally see on competitive leagues that aren't seeded from a closed list like Euroleague is. Do you think this accusation makes sense?

Of course this isn't the outright match fixing like we see it in football where teams can also determine the exact score, but rather only who wins certain matches. The rest of the league might very well be legit because certain matches in a best of three don't make a difference, they can just decide who wins/loses for two matches based on the first two and still keep the rest competitive. Maybe it's true but will we ever really know.

[LTU_btc]

Wow, it's unexpected that Olympiacos destroyed Barcelona so easy when previous games were so close. 17-0 run in 1st half decided game and it looked that Barca gave up early, already thinking about Game 5.
We will have game 5 between Panathinaikos and Maccabi too. In 4th quarter there was moment when it looked that Maccabi controls the game and will win this series. But in the end, PAO took control over and won the game.
Euroleague playoffs couldn't be better than this. Now we only need Game 5 between Monaco and Fenerbahche.

I had a discussion with a colleague the other day about Euroleague and how uneventful it is. Let me explain...
He claimed that since it's a closed league, it's in their interest to participate in some minor match fixing so they earn more from tv rights and licenses. For example, with matches at this stage running at a best of three, if any team was to win within the first three matches, it would have left the last two matches never played with their opponent already knocked out.

-snip-

I don't want to believe in similar conspiracy theories. And AFAIK, money from TV rights doesn't belongs on how many games they play, they have fixed contracts

[Joca97]

Wow, it's unexpected that Olympiacos destroyed Barcelona so easy when previous games were so close. 17-0 run in 1st half decided game and it looked that Barca gave up early, already thinking about Game 5.
We will have game 5 between Panathinaikos and Maccabi too. In 4th quarter there was moment when it looked that Maccabi controls the game and will win this series. But in the end, PAO took control over and won the game.
Euroleague playoffs couldn't be better than this. Now we only need Game 5 between Monaco and Fenerbahche.

I had a discussion with a colleague the other day about Euroleague and how uneventful it is. Let me explain...
He claimed that since it's a closed league, it's in their interest to participate in some minor match fixing so they earn more from tv rights and licenses. For example, with matches at this stage running at a best of three, if any team was to win within the first three matches, it would have left the last two matches never played with their opponent already knocked out.

-snip-

I don't want to believe in similar conspiracy theories. And AFAIK, money from TV rights doesn't belongs on how many games they play, they have fixed contracts

That hardcore win by Olympiacos is just huge and now anything can happen in game 5 and their confidence must be huge after this heavy win. Panathiankos same with game 5 and i think they will win at home and go to the final 4. While the Oly vs Bar match anything can happen. This season we have some intresting matchups in the playoffs and cant wait to see the results of the game 5

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Wow, it's unexpected that Olympiacos destroyed Barcelona so easy when previous games were so close. 17-0 run in 1st half decided game and it looked that Barca gave up early, already thinking about Game 5.
We will have game 5 between Panathinaikos and Maccabi too. In 4th quarter there was moment when it looked that Maccabi controls the game and will win this series. But in the end, PAO took control over and won the game.
Euroleague playoffs couldn't be better than this. Now we only need Game 5 between Monaco and Fenerbahche.

Barca really was a disgrace after the 1st quarter.
I mean really, just scoring 35 points in 30 minutes after scoring 23 in the first 10min is beyond crazy. The stats for this game also are quite crazy. You would think the winning team get way more shots off, or more free throws, or less turnovers, but no.
They both shot 65 shots and Olympiakos even had 1 more turnover in this game, AND 6 less free throws .

The stat of the game though for me the the free throw % by Barcelona, shooting 7/17, hahaha.
If you can't even make these how do you want to be competitive.

Now it's a deciding game 5 in Barcelona, guess it's an even matchup for this on.

[karabiber]

Fenerbahce Beko had a great performance against Monaco in the last game and did a great job both on offense and defense. With these results, Fenerbahce is now 2-1 in Game 3 of the series. Fenerbahce is the closest team to the Final-Four with Game 4 to be played today.

Guduric's expected contribution to the team, Calathes good play throughout the series, Biberovic and Wilbekin's shooting contributions at critical moments were the factors that led to the win. The Yellow Navy team is the favorite in this match with a huge fan support on its home court. The advantage of being in front, the support of the fans, the pressure on the opponent and the success in the last three games will make Monaco's guard drop. Fenerbahce will have the upper hand especially in the first half and will win the game. Thus, they will welcome back the Final-Four after a five year hiatus.

[LTU_btc]

Another series reached Game 5 Tonight we saw another great playoff game. It was very low scoring game, but that's true beauty of playoffs. Such defensive game is something what Fenerbahche preferred, but Monaco won even without playing their typical basketball.
Sad that such great game was ruined by accident in the end. Fenerbahche fans attacked Monaco players. It wasn't  shown on TV what exactly happened, but it looks that Monaco players aren't saint too as they allegedly provoked fans.
https://twitter.com/BasketNews_com/status/1786482732433920144

[püsür]

Another series reached Game 5 Tonight we saw another great playoff game. It was very low scoring game, but that's true beauty of playoffs. Such defensive game is something what Fenerbahche preferred, but Monaco won even without playing their typical basketball.
Sad that such great game was ruined by accident in the end. Fenerbahche fans attacked Monaco players. It wasn't  shown on TV what exactly happened, but it looks that Monaco players aren't saint too as they allegedly provoked fans.
https://twitter.com/BasketNews_com/status/1786482732433920144

Of course there is no justification about fans attacking the players no matter what. It was just a barbaric act. Monaco's defence was exceptionally good. Psychological superiority is now with Monaco. Fenerbahce are losing games where they don't have high three-point percentage. They are playing with a narrow rotation. The thing is Calathes was great for the whole series about defending Mike James. James' FG percentage is quite low. I wonder what he will do in the next game.

[CLS63]

Another series reached Game 5 Tonight we saw another great playoff game. It was very low scoring game, but that's true beauty of playoffs. Such defensive game is something what Fenerbahche preferred, but Monaco won even without playing their typical basketball.
Sad that such great game was ruined by accident in the end. Fenerbahche fans attacked Monaco players. It wasn't  shown on TV what exactly happened, but it looks that Monaco players aren't saint too as they allegedly provoked fans.
https://twitter.com/BasketNews_com/status/1786482732433920144

This is unacceptable behavior by that Monaco player. If he didn't provoke the fans there wouldn't be any problem at the end of the match. When it comes to the match I wasn't expecting us to play this defensive. While we had the court advantage in our hands we should have taken advantage of it with a dominant game.  

Guduric's 3-pointer in the last moments revived our hopes. But we couldn't prevent the last 2 points by Monaco. We should have been able to go for a foul there.

[Joca97]

Another series reached Game 5 Tonight we saw another great playoff game. It was very low scoring game, but that's true beauty of playoffs. Such defensive game is something what Fenerbahche preferred, but Monaco won even without playing their typical basketball.
Sad that such great game was ruined by accident in the end. Fenerbahche fans attacked Monaco players. It wasn't  shown on TV what exactly happened, but it looks that Monaco players aren't saint too as they allegedly provoked fans.
https://twitter.com/BasketNews_com/status/1786482732433920144

Didnt expect such a low scoring match also didnt think that Fenerbahce would drop a win at home and now another match goes into game 5 and this is what we like about basketball. Both teams missed o most everything and barely were able to score. Mike James didnt play good at all but got that clutch 3 in the end. Turkish fans continue to make stupid decisions and cause problems in football and now in basketball.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Another series reached Game 5 Tonight we saw another great playoff game. It was very low scoring game, but that's true beauty of playoffs. Such defensive game is something what Fenerbahche preferred, but Monaco won even without playing their typical basketball.
Sad that such great game was ruined by accident in the end. Fenerbahche fans attacked Monaco players. It wasn't  shown on TV what exactly happened, but it looks that Monaco players aren't saint too as they allegedly provoked fans.
https://twitter.com/BasketNews_com/status/1786482732433920144

Didnt expect such a low scoring match also didnt think that Fenerbahce would drop a win at home and now another match goes into game 5 and this is what we like about basketball. Both teams missed o most everything and barely were able to score. Mike James didnt play good at all but got that clutch 3 in the end. Turkish fans continue to make stupid decisions and cause problems in football and now in basketball.

Well that's nothing new in a late games in a series situations, you also see that in the NBA in game 7 situations. When the pressure is on both teams it's hard to make baskets, that's why they day defense wins championships.

I somehow still think Fener with prevail though, even though the final game of the series will take place in Monaco again.

[LTU_btc]

Interesting face that so far in Euroleague history there was 19 Game 5 andso far all decisive games were won by home teams. Now I have feeling that new history will be written. And if I have to guess, I think that Fenerbahche will make it against Monaco.
Tonight we have Panathinaikos - Maccabi, for me it's 50/50 game completely, not going to predict it. BTW, great thing that all 3 games will be played on different time.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Interesting face that so far in Euroleague history there was 19 Game 5 andso far all decisive games were won by home teams. Now I have feeling that new history will be written. And if I have to guess, I think that Fenerbahche will make it against Monaco.
Tonight we have Panathinaikos - Maccabi, for me it's 50/50 game completely, not going to predict it. BTW, great thing that all 3 games will be played on different time.

Yeah, I am thinking the same actually.
I believe that Fener as wells as Olympiakos have legitimate chances to win game 5 away from home. Olympiakos dominated Barca in game 3 and they have the full momentum. Sure, Barcelona is playing at home and especially in the EL it's difficult to win away games, but for some reason I think these 2 teams might do it.

If you think that Pana is a 50/50 game you should bet it, you would get great value because Pana odds are really low. Betting Maccabi should have total value then. 

[CLS63]

Interesting face that so far in Euroleague history there was 19 Game 5 andso far all decisive games were won by home teams. Now I have feeling that new history will be written. And if I have to guess, I think that Fenerbahche will make it against Monaco.
Tonight we have Panathinaikos - Maccabi, for me it's 50/50 game completely, not going to predict it. BTW, great thing that all 3 games will be played on different time.

The current odds for Game 5 are like above. Bookmakers give Monaco a bigger chance after they captured the court advantage. But I also believe that we have a good chance to win the last match to qualify for Final Four. We beat Monaco away once in the series. It is quite possible to do it again. Defensive game didn't work in the previous match. Sarunas Jasikevicius is a really good coach and I believe in his tactical choices in this critical game to bring the win. 

[alani123]

I'm watching the Panathinaikos vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv game now and it's almost intolerable how much each team utilizes strategic fauls to gain an advantage. We're at the fourth quarter now and I'm sure we could have easily been eyeing a 100 each match game if the teams weren't playing in such a technical way.

Thankfully seems like Panathinaikos is just a little better at forcing their opponent make hasty decisions and take rebounds from them. But the big contradiction here is that while both teams have been utilizing technical fauls, neither is performing well in free throws.

Odds were heavily favoring panathinaikos even at the time both teams had the same score. Now in the fourth quarter Panathinaikos is leading by 8 points, which is a nice turnaround for Panathinaikos. Let's see if they keep it that way.

[LTU_btc]

Panathinaikos returns to Final 4 after 12 years. You shouldn't expect beautiful basketball in such kind of games and as expected it was defensive game. But what we saw in 4th quarter, Panathinaikos completely locked Maccabi, they even struggled to make normal attack. Great series, respect to Maccabi, but someone has to lose there. And after game in OAKA it looked that Panathinaikos already won Euroleague already.