Euroleague
Maccabi Electra - Union Olimpija
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Maccabi Electra - Union OlimpijaThe 2009-10 Euroleague season begins with a bang on Thursday when Maccabi Electra hosts Union Olimpija in the traditional opening game before a sellout crowd at Tel Aviv's Nokia Arena. A five-time European champion, Maccabi looks to start a new dynasty with head coach Pini Gershon leading a new-look squad into the season. Out to spoil Maccabi's party, however, is an upgraded Olimpija roster full of young talent and a coach that knows something about winning, Jure Zdovc
Both teams have had plenty of fine moments in the preseason, though they have at times been inconsistent as new lineups come together. The story for Maccabi has been the backcourt. Swingmen Chuck Eidson and Alan Anderson are shaping up as the team’s prime offensive weapons, while the point guard rotation of Andrew Wisniewski, Gal Mekel and Doron Perkins always gives Gershon plenty of options. In the paint, D'Or Fischer looks ready to resume the standout campaign he delivered last season, Maciej Lampe is coming off his best game in a Maccabi uniform yet in an exhibition win over Eurocup hopeful Panellinios and Stephane Lasme's athleticism and blue-collar work ethic complete a promising frontline.
Olimpija's strength is also in its guards, where the tandem of superstar Sani Becirovic, who is expected to play despite some back problems, and scorer Saso Ozbolt could be something special. Teaming them with sharpshooter Matt Walsh makes all of them even more effective. Olimpija will miss veteran playmaker Vlado Ilievski, out with an injury, but young Jaka Klobucar will get a chance to show his stuff on a big stage. The foursome of Gasper Vidmar, Edin Bavcic, Uros Slokar and Vladimir Golubovic – who are among six Olimpija players aged 26 or younger and listed at 2.09 meters or more – can wreak havoc on the boards at both ends of the floor.
While the wild atmosphere at Nokia Arena always works in Maccabi’s favor, there is a window for the visitors to take advantage of as nine players are set to wear yellow in a Euroleague game for the first time. If Olimpija comes out aggressive using its size in the paint and its experience at guard to its advantage, Maccabi's newcomers may start to feel the pressure of pleasing a home crowd used to winning on big occasions. However, if the Israeli champs get on a roll, it will be the visitors who will have their hands full with a home crowd that often functions as sixth man.
BETTING ANALYSIS
Maccabi roster looks very solid at all positions and it suits Geshon needs very well. Maccabi is capable of scoring 90+ points especially at home and defensively they are suprisingly good. During Israelian basketball cup they defended in the 65-75 points range and it should give them some "trashing power" they lacked last 2 seasons.
Olimpija will play without Ilievski who did not traveled with a team, Becirovic is injured too but could see some minutes but more important problem is that other team members are completely out of form. And Jure Zdovc know this pretty well and understand that at this moment his team is not yet ready for big games in Euroleague: "We go to Israel in order to play a good game and to show everyone that we have built a good team that within a month will have an important role in the Euroleague."
I am not sure about the total outcome but I think that this game have good chances to end 154-164 points range so 158.5 looks like a fair line. As for handicap I think that Maccabi will opens its new Euoleague season with pretty confident win by 17-25 points. Olimpija would not be able to play 40 minutes of Maccabi-basketball and will lose this one by big margin.
Prediction: Maccabi 87 - 69 Olimpija
Pick: Maccabi (-13.5) @ 1.84 4/10 Betfair
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