EuroLeague Top 8: Real Madrid vs. Partizan Game 2 Preview, Predictions, Picks

Partizan stole the home-court advantage from Real Madrid in Game 1 of the EuroLeague Top 8 playoffs. A staggering 89-87 victory with Kevin Punter‘s dagger shook Europe, but things are far from over in this series. Real is the most successful team in Europe with 10 EuroLeague titles, and be sure that Los Blancos won’t step back at any cost. They have some of the best players in Europe, which is why everyone thinks that this series is just about to begin. On the other side, Partizan has Zeljko Obradovic, the mastermind, one of the biggest names ever to lead the game, who has been a role model for NBA head coaches. And they have Kevin Punter. 

Preview

Real Madrid (-295) was near a win in Madrid, but the last few minutes saw them struggling in the attack. Dzanan Musa was not in his best shape, and that’s the reason for Tuesday’s defeat. Bosnia and Herzegovina player scored just 10 points and was out of the game, not finding the rhythm and unsuccessfully trying to buy the fouls with flops and acting.

Gabriel Deck was the unstoppable force for Real, with the Argentinian scoring 24 points and grabbing 8 boards. He was all over the place, using mismatches and stuffing Partizan’s defense with fouls. 

The big problem for the hosts will be Edy Tavares‘ knee. The best center in Europe played for full 20 minutes because the backup, Vincent Poirier, wasn’t ready, and that took a toll. After leaving the game early in the third period, Tavares didn’t come back, and he is questionable for this event.

Partizan (+210) had Kevin Punter, who was solid in the first half, then disappeared before shining in the finish. With 0.4 seconds to go, the Bronx, New York-born, dropped a three over Guerschon Yabusele to claim Game 1. Punter had 26 points in this event and was the guy with the most assists six.

The former Utah Jazz star, Dante Exum, had just 11 points, but his role in stopping Musa and his defensive effort in the finish needs to be mentioned. We also need to mention Alen Smailagic, who had 11 points but three three-pointers, and his role in disrupting Tavares’ usual game and draining his energy bar.

Partizan made 13 threes in 26 attempts, which is an excellent shooting percentage, but what is more important, they were very calm and versatile in the key moment, which is Obradovic’s influence. 

Head-to-Head Games

The result during the regular part of the season was 1-1, with both teams using their home-court edge. Real was better in the first meeting on November 24, when they won 105-97, while Partizan responded four weeks ago in the overcrowded Stark Arena, 104-90.

Predictions

Tavares’ status has a massive impact, but his minutes will be lower than usual, even if the gigantic center plays. That’s why Real’s ball movement will be much faster. On the other side, without Tavares to protect the rim, things should be easier for Partizan, who had problems with him on the floor. Over 169.5 points in this event is our pick due to the above-mentioned. With or without Tavares in the lineup, this game will be much faster than Game 1.

Pick: Over 169.5 points -110