Anadolu Efes SK - Fenerbahce predictions and free betting tips [08/06/2024]

Tonight, Anadolu Efes will take on Fenerbahce in the second match of the Turkish Basketball Championship Final series.

Anadolu Efes

In the Turkish Basketball Championship Final series, Anadolu Efes faced a challenging start. The team confidently passed Türk Telekom and Pinar on their way to the final, but their performance in the first match against Fenerbahce was lackluster. Erhan Osmani, who scored 18 points, was one of the few bright spots, but this was not enough to change the course of the game. In the end, Efes lost 74:85.  Key players for Efes, Will Clyburn and Shane Larkin, fell short in critical moments. Clyburn made only 2 shots out of 7 and scored just 4 points, while Larkin, with the worst efficiency rating, missed 8 times, ending up with 16 points at 6/14. Their weak performance in the 1st and 3rd quarters, where the team failed to score more than 17 points, critically affected the overall result. Despite good ball control and activity in rebounds, their low shooting percentage (44% against 57% for the opponent) hindered them.  

Now, Anadolu Efes faces the task of analysing the mistakes of the first game and adjusting tactics for the second match. Despite the defeat, the team retains its favourite status in the series, expecting improvements in the attack and better shooting accuracy to help turn the tide. The interaction between Larkin and Osmani, who combined for 34 points, will be a key factor in the upcoming games. Fans are eagerly awaiting a dynamic performance from Clyburn.

Fenerbahce

In the first game of the Turkish Basketball Championship Final series, Fenerbahce demonstrated high efficiency, defeating Anadolu Efes 85:74. Nigel Hayes's excellent performance, scoring 28 points, and successful three-point shooting (12 out of 22) confirmed the team's excellent form. A high shooting percentage – 57.5% – helped the "Canaries" maintain their unbeaten streak in the playoffs, where they have not yet experienced defeat, dispatching Petkimspor and Besiktas with a 3-0 series score. Coach Sarunas Jasikevicius effectively adjusted the team's tactics, allowing Fenerbahce to dominate, especially with mid-range and long-range shots. Nigel Hayes played a crucial role not only in scoring, hitting 4 threes out of 6 attempts, but also as a playmaker.

Veteran Nick Calathes recorded 11 assists in 30 minutes of play, while fellow Greek Georgios Papagiannis contributed with 5+4+5. Continuing their successful playoff run, having already defeated Besiktas in the semifinals, Fenerbahce is affirming their status in the tournament. Hayes's play and Jasikevicius's tactical adjustments allow Fenerbahce to maintain an edge in the final.

Head-to-Head

During the regular season and throughout the current year, Fenerbahce and Anadolu Efes faced each other four times. Each team won twice. In December, in the EuroLeague, Fenerbahce won 89:84. Then, in February, Fenerbahce also prevailed in the Turkish Cup with an 80:67 victory. However, in April, Anadolu Efes took revenge by winning two games: first in the EuroLeague 82:80, and then in the Turkish Super League 90:80.

Match Prediction: Efes vs Fenerbahce

Anadolu Efes can expect a better performance from their leaders in the second match. Clyburn had a disappointing first game, but in his time at CSKA, Will always showed character in critical matches. I am anticipating a home win and a draw in the final series. Fenerbahce will not sustain such high shooting accuracy throughout the entire series as they did in the first match.