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The top two teams in Group C will meet for one final showdown on Thursday when Real Madrid hosts Panathinaikos in the Spanish capital. The game means something for both sides, as the defending Euroleague champs look to finish the regular season with the best record in the competition, while the Spanish champs look to make themselves a top seed for the upcoming Top 16 Draw. Madrid would essentially secure that top seed with a win. The Greek champs outscored Madrid 21-8 in the last five minutes to eek out a 92-85 win when these teams met earlier this season in Athens. A full roster, a perfect home record and more to play for make Madrid the favorite, however the defending champs aren’t ever really an underdog. Prestige alone makes this must-see basketball between a pair of teams that could very well clash again this season in Madrid for much bigger stakes in May.

I absolutely agree with this Euroleague.net match preview but if we talk about betting here is the perfect situation to back Real Madrid. All factors talking to their side:

- They were focused on a win preparing for game in Greece, and the more important that they were close to that win. Now they play at home with full roster and great motivation to win this game.

- They have perfect home record (16-0 so far this season). So why not to trust them when they are playing at home?

- PAO motivation? Do you see it? Agree that this team always playing for a win. But let's remind last Euroleague season. PAO lost a 4 games in a row when they achieved 1st spot in group (both at Top-16 (to Barca) and regular season (to Maccabi, Unicaja and Partizan). The same situation is here. PAO have nothing to lose but their concentration could stay in Greece. While for Real it is very important to be in first seed in Top-16 draw.

- PAO will play without Alvertis (not important), Tsartsaris (important for rotation) and Winston (starter). Prkacin will be available first time since his purchase and Obradovic main goal here in my opinion is to avoid injuries, test Prkacin and try to win if possible.

- Real looks very concetrated on this game and there is a huge interest for this game. It's important for Real as a structure to win this one and I am 100% sure that really want this one not only because of standings. They just want to win this one.

Prediction: I like to back Spanish teams when those are under pressure because they react very well usually in such situations. And Real is the one of the best teams in Spain (if not the best) so I see good chances for Real to win this one. I can't say that we have big advantage over the line but odds around 1.6-1.65 are enough for me to back Real before the match. I don't expect to see one sided game too. This game should be a close one especially in the first half or quarter. If PAO will make run - Real will find a way to cut the lead and win this game in the end, or more relaxed scenarion if Real will start strong in the first half (as they usually do playing at home) and will win this game (in the end PAO will probable reduce margin). All in one I expect to see Real scoring 5-12 points more than PAO.

Betfair trading tip: PAO is huge public team and 2.5 on them is too high. If this game will be close in the beginning of the match odds on Real should raise to 1.70-1.85 or even higher if PAO will build 5-7 points lead. I would (and probably will) take Real with odds over 1.80 to lay at 1.3-1.40 (fair line in my eyes).

Pick: Real to win @ 1.60 Betfair or PinnacleSports

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Maccabi looks good in last games and need to win this game to have better seed also they are still pretending for first spot (if Rytas will lose today in Zagreb). Huge public interest in Maccabi is great but I fear Aris. If I would be sure that injured Aris players would not play today I would back Maccabi because with their bench they should be better side here in all components. But if all injured players will play for Aris today this game could be much more complicated for Maccabi. With phatastic atmosphere in the gym everything is possible, but another factor is that Aris as team in not interested in this win.

Everything depends on team rosters and if Massey will be out of game we should expect Maccabi to take win here.

Prediction: Maccabi by 5 points

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Very important match for the Lithuanian team. The victory gives a ticket to the dream, because with the game Rytas currenly showing in the Euroleague they could reach playoff stage easily if they avoid falling into the second basket in Top-16 draw procedure like it happened 2 years ago when they lost last regular season game to Prokom. The main task of Lithuanian team is to stop Cibona's attack, and impose its positional contact basketball in which Lithuanians feel much more confident. Especially now when Nielsen injured they don't have many forwards who can score points. I think that Rytas will rely on their defense today to win this one.

Average Rytas nubers in Euroleague are 79,5-71, Cibona's 76,5-85. Based on these data fair line should 74-82 into Rytas side and such a line in my opinion would be a fair one. I expect to see Cibona scoring in 70-76 points range and Rytas will probably score 80-85. 163 points line is too much for me and also Rytas should win this one if they want to establish their positions in Europe but 5.5-6 points handicap looks more or less correct, however I would not be suprised to see Rytas winning by 8-12 points because of their defense. But it risky to bet on defense when Cibona is playing at home because sometimes they look unstoppable.

Prediction: Rytas will try to stop Cibona's shooters and will impose low tempo game where Cibona is not so comfortable. Step by step Rytas will build safe 7-10 points and will try to hold until the end. Hope they will win this. Expected total range is 152-158 points.

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Unicaja still have a chance to become best 2nd but it depends on other team results - Maccabi and Real should lose their games. If both scenarios will happen than Efes will need to win this game by 18 points to overcame Montepaschi points margin. Unicaja in my eyes all needed components to win this game by needed margin but there are too many factors to happen to leave them motivated. Also I am not sure how Berni Rodriguez injury will affect on spanish club game. Their bench is very deep and with so many athletes they should be capable to control this one easily.

Another question is that Efes sometimes unpredictable and won last 5 games between the clubs. But this time they could be even more relaxed than usually. This weekend they have important game against Turk Telekom and coach may save key players from injuries.

Prediction: I feel that Unicaja will try to make a revenge for that huge loss in Turkey. They were not motivated in that game and with fan support that could trash anyone (except PAO and CSKA) at home. Unicaja guards line should be capable of defending Penn and Nicholas, while spanish center looks capable to stop Woods and Co under baskets. If both tasks will be completed this game could be an easy one for Unicaja. My prediction is Unicaja by 12 points.

Pick: Unicaja (-6.5) @ 1.87 4/10 Expekt