Efes Pilsen vs. Real Madrid: Match Preview

Written by Alleks

Wednesday, 26 November 2008

Efes Pilsen VS Real Madrid

Efes Pilsen vs. Real Madrid

MATCH PREVIEW

A head-to-head duel for second place in Group D takes place in Istanbul, Turkey, where Efes Pilsen welcomes Real Madrid on Wednesday evening. The two teams are part of a four-way tie for second at 2-2 along with Partizan Belgrade and Panionios On Telecoms, two wins behind undefeated group leader CSKA Moscow. Efes Pilsen released center Dwayne Jones this week and does not have Mario Kasun back yet, but still counts on a powerful frontcourt ready to stop Madrid’s star power forward Felipe Reyes. Kerem Gonlum may be the right man to stop Reyes due to his rebounding skills and timing, while center Kaya Peker and versatile forward Michalis Kakiouzis are set to see extended playing time in this game. Head coach Ergin Ataman also uses small lineups at times, with Preston Shumpert at power forward. Kakiouzis will test his shooting skills against Axel Hervelle, while Peker will have a strong matchup against Jeremiah Massey, as center Lazaros Papadopoulos is at the end of coach Joan Plaza's rotation right now, seeing very limited playing time. It will be a special game for Efes small forward Charles Smith, who won the Spanish League and the ULEB Cup titles with Madrid in 2007. Smith is a key piece for Efes's perimeter game along with swingman Bootsy Thornton and scoring guard Milos Vujanic. Vujanic could be involved in a key matchup with Raul Lopez, back in action right in time to replace injured playmaker Pepe Sanchez.

BETTING ANALYSIS

Efes after Euroleague break could start producing again like it often happens with them in Euroleague. They won when you don't expect this and they loss when you expect them to win. Since their last Euroleague they get 3 wins in Turskish basketball league and improved their confidence. But against Real it would not be easy for sure. Real on other side looks like solid team on the paper which is starting to click in last few weeks but I still can't say that they are ready for a favorite role in away Euroleague matches.

I think that this game would be very close with both teams able to win it but as for me Real as 2.5 underdog could have some value but I will not take them until the game will start. Game for live-betting only.

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