Anadolu Efes vs Barcelona: Analysis and Prediction – Anadolu Efes will host Barcelona in the EuroLeague Round 22.
Anadolu Efes vs Barcelona Odds
Anadolu Efes Team News
In the last EuroLeague round, Anadolu Efes ended a streak of seven consecutive losses by demolishing Virtus with a score of 99:75, bringing their record to 8-13. While still far from the play-in zone, it’s not impossible for them to get there if they embark on a winning streak.
The reason for Anadolu Efes’ crisis was a significant number of injured players. The situation is now quite different, with only Will Clyburn still sidelined, but his return is expected very soon. Shane Larkin is playing at an impressive level, and recently, Elijah Bryant has found consistency. Tibor Pleiss has also found his role under the basket, providing head coach Erdem Can with several different options in frontcourt now. Darius Thompson scored 26 points against Virtus, and Efes hopes this is a sign of better performances to come.
Despite Barcelona being one of the top teams in the EuroLeague, Anadolu Efes must focus solely on securing a victory. A win would boost their confidence for upcoming challenges, while a loss would again put them in a tough position in the standings.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona experienced a significant crisis in December, but everything changed after a big win in El Clasico. They currently have a four-game winning streak in the EuroLeague, defeating Olympiacos and Zalgiris last week.
Barcelona achieved both wins without Nicolas Laprovittola, who has a minor injury. Jabari Parker and Willy Hernangomez played crucial roles in those games, while Jan Vesely and Nikola Kalinic took on leadership roles on the court. Their experience is invaluable, and they have been crucial assets for head coach Roger Grimau in recent times. Dario Brizuela also impressed, showing that he can be counted on even more in the future, along with Joel Parra, who sank Tenerife in the Liga Endesa with a last-second three-pointer.
Throughout the season, Barcelona has demonstrated a capability to play a much more serious defense than Anadolu Efes. That will likely be their strategy for success in Turkey, aiming to slow down the opponent’s perimeter play as they have an advantage under the basket.
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Anadolu Efes vs Barcelona H2H
In their first EuroLeague encounter this season, Barcelona won by 91:74. Out of the last ten matchups, Anadolu Efes won six.
Absences and Injuries
Will Clyburn is the only injured player for Anadolu Efes, but his return is expected, possibly even this week. Alex Abrines is sidelined for Barcelona, while Nicolas Laprovittola will not play either.
Anadolu Efes vs Barcelona Prediction
The victory against Virtus indicates that it might be time for a positive streak for Anadolu Efes. Even in some losses, such as against Real Madrid, they delivered good performances, but luck was not on their side. Barcelona has four consecutive victories, but all were achieved at home. They have not been equally strong away from Catalonia, and that might be evident in this duel.
Tip-off Time: Thursday, 18.01.2024, 18:30 CET
Prediction: Anadolu Efes to win
Odds: 1.90
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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