Euroleague Picks for Round 18: Free Euroleague Picks for Wednesday, January 3rd

Euroleague Round 18 Expert Picks: 3rd January 2024 

• Panathinaikos Moneyline at 1.86 odds
• Virtus Bologna -5.5 at 1.90 odds
• Real Madrid -2.5 at 1.86 odds

Odds available as of 3rd January 2024. Odds may now differ.

Go with our tips at bet365

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Euroleague Round 18, Matchday 2, will feature some great clashes. Baskonia will entertain Panathinaikos at Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Virtus Bologna will hope to seek revenge when they host Bayern at the PalaDozza in Bologna, Italy. Perhaps the biggest game of the round will see Barcelona take on Real Madrid at the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, Spain – the third El Clásico of the season.

Basketball expert Agbeniga Ayobami offers her insights on some of the games scheduled for round 15.

For more daily basketball tips, visit the bettingexpert community, and for more expert predictions, visit Expert Insights.

In this article:

• Euroleague Week 18 Expert Picks: January 3rd 2024.
• Baskonia vs Panathinaikos:  Panathinaikos Continue Fine Form
• Virtus Bologna vs Bayern: Virtus Get Deserved Revenge
• Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Real Win Again in the El Clásico
• Safer Gambling

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Baskonia vs Panathinaikos: Panathinaikos Continue Fine Form

Baskonia’s recent struggles in the EuroLeague, marked by three defeats in their last four appearances, indicate a challenging period for the team. Despite Milano playing without five key players in their last match, Baskonia was unable to secure a victory, falling short with a 76-67 defeat and leaving them with a 9-8 record. 

In contrast, Panathinaikos has been on an impressive run, securing four straight victories and climbing to the 4th position on the EuroLeague table with a 10-7 record. The team’s success has been attributed to strong defensive performances, particularly from guards Kendrick Nunn and Jerian Grant, who have proven effective in slowing down opposing guards. Panathinaikos boasts averages of 82.1 points, 33.4 rebounds, 16.5 assists, 7.5 steals, 2.7 blocks, and a 93.8 Performance Index Rating (PIR).

Given Panathinaikos’ recent form and defensive prowess, they enter the matchup against Baskonia with confidence and things are shaping up to see them get a fifth straight win here.

• Expert Pick: Panathinaikos Moneyline
• Best odds: 1.86
• Bookmaker: Unibet
• Stakes: 5/10

Go with our tip at bet365

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Virtus Bologna vs Bayern: Virtus Get Deserved Revenge

Virtus Bologna, currently in second place with a 12-5 record, aims to kick off the new year in style with a home game against FC Bayern Munich (8-9). FC Bayern Munich has secured two victories in its last three games, while Virtus has demonstrated strong form, winning five out of the last six games and maintaining an impressive eight-game winning streak at home.

Virtus displayed a multifaceted performance in their recent 77-75 victory against Partizan. The team’s ability to limit one of the league’s best offences to fewer than 20 points in a quarter highlighted their quality defence. Players such as Isaia Cordinier and Daniel Hackett played crucial roles in making things difficult for Kevin Punter.

In addition to their on-court performances, Virtus Bologna has been active in the transfer market, signing centre Ante Zizic from Anadolu Efes Istanbul to replace the injured Devontae Cacok. They also inked guard Rihards Lomazs for the remainder of the season. Virtus Bologna boasts averages of 82.4 points, 32.6 rebounds, 20.0 assists (ranking 3rd), 6.5 steals, 2.2 blocks, and a 91.2 Performance Index Rating (PIR).

While both teams enter the matchup in winning form, how they secured victories is crucial. Virtus’ challenging away win against Partizan likely boosted their confidence, while Bayern narrowly overcame Valencia, who was hampered by injuries. The home team, motivated to prove their strength following a weaker performance in Munich, is expected to secure a victory by a margin higher than the offered handicap. 

• Expert Pick: Virtus Bologna -5.5
• Best odds: 1.90
• Bookmaker: Bet365
• Stakes: 5/10

Go with our tip at bet365

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Real Win Again in the El Clásico

Barcelona is currently facing a significant crisis, marking one of the most challenging periods in the past couple of seasons. The team has suffered losses in three of their last four EuroLeague games, with a particularly painful defeat against Monaco by a score of 91-71 in the previous week. 

Over the past 10 games, Barcelona has experienced seven losses across all competitions, falling to teams like Virtus Bologna, Alba Berlin, Milano, Manresa, Zaragoza, and Unicaja. The team is grappling with issues on both defensive and offensive fronts. Defensively, they are not performing at their usual level, and aside from Nicolas Laprovittola, there are few players creating opportunities in the offence. Tomas Satoransky is not in his best form, and Willy Hernangomez has taken a backseat.

On the other hand, Real Madrid has had an impressive season, asserting dominance in European basketball. They have lost only one game overall, which was against Fenerbahce in the EuroLeague. There are no signs of them slowing down, and they boast averages of 87.5 points, 36.6 rebounds, 21.7 assists, 6.6 steals, 3.5 blocks, and a 107.7 Performance Index Rating (PIR).

Given Barcelona’s significant crisis and ongoing gameplay problems, Real Madrid will be highly motivated to capitalise on the situation. The difference in form between the arch-rivals is striking, and it appears that Real Madrid will only need to play their normal style to secure a victory in this matchup.

• Expert Pick: Real Madrid -2.5
• Best odds: 1.86
• Bookmaker: Bet365
• Stakes: 6/10

Go with our tip at bet365

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