Adam Williams presents his prediction for the EuroLeague match.
For many, Panathinaikos reaching the Final Four as reigning champions seemed inevitable — but the same cannot be said for Anadolu Efes. With the series locked at 2:2 after four games, everything hinges on the decider, and Anadolu Efes look poised to pull off a surprise.
Panathinaikos
Offensive inconsistency has come as a genuine shock for Panathinaikos. One of the highest-scoring teams during the regular season is now averaging just 81.5 points per game. The main factor behind this decline has been the underperformance of Kendrick Nunn, who has only once surpassed the 15-point mark across four fixtures. Most notably, the team came dangerously close to defeat in Game 4 (82:85), salvaging the win thanks to an exceptional 45.5% success rate from beyond the arc — a level of shooting that appears unsustainable.
Anadolu Efes
Anadolu Efes are playing without fear. Their continued focus on offensive unpredictability is proving effective. The key figures remain Shane Larkin, Vincent Poirier, Elijah Bryant, and Rolands Šmits, each capable of taking charge when it matters. In Game 3, Shane Larkin put up 17 points, while in Game 4 he tallied just nine but chipped in with an equally impressive nine assists. It’s becoming increasingly evident that Panathinaikos lack a cohesive plan to neutralise all of them simultaneously. At the same time, Anadolu Efes have found a way to shut down both Konstantinos Sloukas and Kendrick Nunn.
Panathinaikos vs Anadolu Efes Prediction
Panathinaikos have been labelled favourites in all four games so far, but that status has been shaky at best: they’ve suffered two defeats and their two victories came by just three-point margins. As the decisive game looms, Panathinaikos are evidently feeling the pressure. What was once assumed to be a straightforward series is now teetering on the edge. Anadolu Efes must take advantage and push this clash to its absolute limit.
