The first round of the playoffs of the Greek championship was completed with the first 4 of the standings, easily or with difficulty, qualifying. The pairs that were formed are Olympiakos - AEK and Panathinaikos - Aris with the first games being held in SEF and OAKA respectively on May 4 and the qualification is given to the team that will arrive on 3 wins. The teams will have Easter on the field but that is how professional sports are.
OLYMPIAKOS - AEK
The Reds did not have difficulty crossing the obstacle of Rethymno and with two professional victories to be found at 4. Eliminating from Euroleague did not like anyone but gave the players of Spheropoulos the chance to take the necessary breaths to show themselves strong in the critical games that come.
AEK was on the canvas after the defeat in O.A.K.A by PAOK but managed to win in Thessaloniki and make it 2-1 the day before yesterday at its stadium. Mavrokefalidis is particularly important for AEK as if Zdovs wants to have hopes for a double in Piraeus, Lucas will have to catch high levels of performance. The work of AEK is difficult but it will not fall unscathed ..
The Bucks opened the set at 1.05-11.00 while the handicap at 14.5 points. I judge it very high, I would prefer to abstain. What I like is the under 148.5 at odds of 1.90 since we are talking about two teams that rely on their defense.
PANATHINAIKOS - ARIS
Loboral's blocking of hands meant the end of the co-operation with Dzordjevic and the resumption of Argyris Pedoulakis. Pappas was automatically re-activated, punished by the Serbian coach, while the co-operation with Kuzmice and Pavlovic was ended, which, in any case, had no right to participate in the Greek Championship. Colossus of Rhodes was a small obstacle, but the injury of Jankovic, who loses the rest of the season, was a big blow.
Aris advanced to the next phase thanks to the crazy energy of Marshall who with the basket he achieved sent the second match of the series with Kifissia in overtime. There, the Thessalonians were calmer and secured the victory and the qualification. Haggins' injury came at the worst possible point as no replacement can be found, in a position that already hurt Mars. I considered Priftis' team to be the favorite for the 3rd place, but the tall man's injury changes the balance.
The set was opened in 1.07-9.00. The handicap opened at 12 points, but I find it low as the wounded Mars hardly succeeds in defeating PAO in O.AK. The ace with over 12 points in 1.90 performance is particularly eye-catching in my eyes.
Happy Easter to everyone. Opportunity to recharge our batteries these days and spend time with the people we love. Good rest!