Adam Williams presents his prediction for the EuroLeague match.
Olympiacos appear to have taken their foot off the gas towards the end of the regular season and now run the risk of surrendering their position at the top. There is no margin for error, yet they face a fearless underdog in Maccabi Tel Aviv, a team unafraid to take on the league’s top contenders.
Olympiacos
Olympiacos have managed just one win in their last four EuroLeague outings, and even that came against bottom-placed ALBA Berlin (100:92). They struggled against relatively modest opposition like ASVEL (70:81) and Crvena Zvezda (73:81). The root of the problem lies in a clear lack of urgency and a sense of overconfidence among key players, who have been playing well below their potential, seemingly assured of superiority. Such complacency is something Maccabi Tel Aviv are unlikely to overlook.
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Last round, Maccabi Tel Aviv surprised many once again with a win over the in-form Bayern Munich (93:90). Before that, they narrowly lost to high-calibre opposition such as Anadolu Efes (88:90) and Panathinaikos (92:99). Maccabi Tel Aviv play an up-tempo style that can trouble even the strongest teams. Seven players are currently averaging over 10 points per game, while the team overall is putting up 85.7 points and 18.9 assists per contest this season.
Olympiacos vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction
Pundits are leaning towards a comfortable home win, but Maccabi Tel Aviv have consistently proven they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. With the regular season nearing its end, this match presents a genuine opportunity for the visitors to make a statement. A one-sided result seems unlikely.
