Adam Williams presents his prediction for the EuroLeague match.
Barcelona have been in a slight slump recently. In their last outing, they suffered a disappointing defeat to Olimpia Milano (81:94), handing the game over in the third quarter (17:36). This time, they face inconsistent Fenerbahçe, which should present an easier challenge.
Barcelona
Based on the leaders’ interviews following the loss to Olimpia Milano, Barcelona are eager to get back on the winning track as soon as possible. They have all the tools to do just that. Firstly, they boast the fifth most potent offence, averaging over 86 points per game. Secondly, Kevin Punter is regaining form, having scored 21 points and provided 4 assists in the last game. Jabari Parker should also find his shooting rhythm—missing five times in the previous match was more of an anomaly. Moreover, Barcelona excel in aggressive defence, leading the league with 8.1 steals per game.
Fenerbahçe
It's clear to see that Fenerbahçe are dealing with a lot of issues, both on and off the court. Their star players, Nigel Hayes-Davis and Wade Baldwin, have yet to form a cohesive duo. Currently, their offence ranks among the bottom three in the league, scoring just 78.9 points per game. Their defence isn’t impressive either. All these problems were laid bare by AS Monaco, who thrashed Fenerbahçe (99:69) even while playing away last round.
Barcelona vs Fenerbahçe Prediction
Šarūnas Jasikevičius has seemingly lost control of the team, and no dramatic changes are expected anytime soon. Conversely, Barcelona are full of energy and determination to bounce back.
