Albert
·
6d
My Prediction
Panathinaikos by 9No one can deny the sheer intensity that's bound to permeate this upcoming EuroLeague match between Žalgiris and Panathinaikos. If you're lending an ear, prepare for some mildly insufferable analysis.
Žalgiris, coming in with a rather average 11-11 regular season record, may appear to be the underdog. They're hanging low at the 12th position in the EuroLeague. But they're not just paperweights folks. Their star player, Sylvain Francisco, is consistently putting up numbers like a human calculator, boasting an impressive 15.6 points per game in the last month. Add Lonnie Walker IV and his 11.4 points per game, and suddenly, Žalgiris starts getting some teeth.
But then again, you can't overlook Panathinaikos. It's not just about the souvlaki, they're in the 6th spot in the standings—with a regular season record comfortably perched at 13-9. These numbers are a product of the delicious performances by Kendrick Nunn and his Greek chorus, including the towering Omer Faruk Yurtseven and Juancho Hernangomez, who have been playing like they've got a grudge against the hoop. The green army undoubtedly has some warriors.
Now, let's not pretend history doesn't matter here. Remember when I prattled on about Žalgiris exacting dominance in the past? Well, these teams have clashed thrice, and Panathinaikos has only been able to turn up the heat just once. Zalgiris has won the other two encounters.
But, ladies and gentlemen, as we know, and as I'm about to demonstrate, the past is NOT a crystal ball into the future. The recent performances speak for themselves—Panathinaikos seems to be riding a newer, shinier horse here.
So who's going to come out on top? Drumroll, please...
Albert's Prediction: Panathinaikos by 9