Panathinaikos BC - Maccabi Tel-Aviv predictions and free betting tips [07/05/2024]

In the fifth game of the Men's EuroLeague quarterfinals, 'Panathinaikos' will clash against 'Maccabi'.

'Panathinaikos'

Panathinaikos opened its EuroLeague journey with an intensely fought derby against rival 'Olympiacos', losing in overtime (77:87). The team managed some redemption by notching a victory against 'Bayern' (78:71), but subsequently suffered successive defeats at the hands of 'Fenerbahce' (83:69) and 'Maccabi' (81:86). The Greeks turned things around by triumphing in their home encounter against 'Baskonia'(95:81), albeit losing again to 'Barcelona' (80:72).
Thereafter, the Athenian club strung together a quartet of consecutive victories, propelling it back among the EuroLeague's elite eight. Notwithstanding a trough of three straight losses, the Greeks ended the calendar year on a high note, enjoying the spoils of three victories.

This year, 'Pao' started on the wrong foot, suffering 2 losses but quickly making up for it with 5 wins. During February and March, the team put together an impressive run of 8 wins out of 10 matches, thus securing their playoff spot from the second position. The Greeks caught many off guard with their loss in their opening home playoff game, thus relinquishing home court advantage (87:91). In the second encounter, 'Pao' had their revenge (95:79). Further, the opposing teams traded victories in Belgrade (85:83; 88:95). Now, the critical decision for one of the last two berths in the Final Four rests upon the outcome in Athens. 

'Maccabi Tel Aviv'

The Israelis initiated their run with a comfortable home win against 'Partizan' (96:81). However, in the second leg, 'Maccabi' surprisingly capitulated against 'Valencia'. In their following away game, the Tel Aviv side secured a hard-fought win against 'Panathinaikos' (81:86) in overtime. Victories against 'Olimpia' (90:98) and 'Bayern' (93:90) helped the Israelis ascend to 7th place in the overall ranking. This ascent occurred in spite of suffering defeats against 'Olympiakos' (74:79), 'Barcelona' (90:92) and 'Real Madrid' (70:99). In subsequent matches, 'Maccabi' vanquished the EuroLeague's weakest side, 'Alba' (102:81), and 'Villeurbanne' (91:94), as well as Turkish side 'Anadolu Efes'. However, they unexpectedly stumbled against 'Virtus' (100:90).

Post international break, 'Maccabi' defeated 'Zalgiris' (83:76) and 'Red Star' (80:84). The team subsequently marched to victories in four out of five matches, thus entering the play-in zone. In the mini-tournament for entry to the playoffs, the Israelis overcame 'Baskonia' (113:85) and 'Milan' (92:86). What's striking is that 'Maccabi' spent almost the entire season playing home matches on neutral turf, a feat that commands respect. In the quarterfinals' opener, 'Maccabi' remarkably outdid 'Pao' (87:91). However, they lost the second match (95:79). In a neutral court in Belgrade, both teams once again traded victories.

Head-to-Head

In regular-season EuroLeague matches, 'Maccabi' came out on top (81:86; 90:75). In this series, both teams have recorded two victories apiece.

Match Forecast

Maccabi's reaching a fifth match is testament to the team's resilience. Given the uncertainty surrounding Juancho Hernangomez's participation, coupled with the Greeks' possible lack of advantage under the shield, I surmise that the Israeli team might just fight its way into the closing stages.