Euroleague Picks for Round 16: 3 Expert Picks for Thursday, December 21st

After a day of rest, the Euroleague action returns for Round 16. Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Crvena Zvezda, Valencia and Virtus Bologna will face off, and Real Madrid will settle scores with in-form Partizan—all in the first gameday of Round 16.

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

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In this article:

• Euroleague Week 16 Expert Picks: 21st December 2023.
• Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Crvena Zvezda: The Hosts Show Dominance
• Valencia vs Virtus Bologna: Virtus Continues Strong Run
• Real Madrid vs Partizan: Real Keep Rolling
• Safer Gambling

Euroleague Week 16 Expert Picks: 21st December 2023

• Maccabi Tel Aviv -5.5 at 1.83 odds
• Virtus Bologna +1.5 at 1.85 odds
• Real Madrid -7.5 at 1.83 odds

Odds available as of 20th December 2023. Odds may now differ.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Crvena Zvezda: Hosts Show Dominance

Maccabi Tel Aviv demonstrated their defensive prowess in a hard-fought 89-81 home victory against Baskonia. The team showcased a balanced effort, with James Webb and Josh Nebo contributing 17 points each, while Roman Sorkin added 14 with an impressive shooting performance. Despite a subpar display from playmaker Lorenzo Brown, Maccabi secured the win and improved their record to 9-6, winning four of their last five Euroleague games.

On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda enters this clash following a 72-58 loss to Real Madrid, marking their third defeat in four games. Struggling this season, they currently sit third from the bottom with 10 losses. Maccabi has been formidable at home, losing only to Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Olympiakos, while winning six home games. Additionally, Maccabi has a favourable history against the Belgrade sides, winning eight of the 11 games played at their venue. Their impressive statistics include averaging 86.7 points (2nd), leading in 2-pointers made (23.1, 1st), 37.1 rebounds (2nd), 14.1 offensive rebounds (1st), 20.7 assists (2nd), 7.9 steals (2nd), 3.1 blocks (3rd), and 96.6 PIR (2nd) in the Euroleague.

• Expert Pick: Maccabi Tel Aviv -5.5
• Best odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: Coral
• Stakes: 5/10

Valencia vs Virtus Bologna: Virtus Continue Strong Run

Virtus Bologna staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat Olympiacos 69-67 in Round 15. This victory propelled Virtus to an 11-4 record in the Euroleague standings. Isaia Cordinier led the way with 13 points, while Marco Belinelli contributed 12, and Ognjen Dobric scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter.

Virtus Bologna has gained popularity among fans with a recent winning streak, securing victories in their last four Euroleague games. This impressive run has elevated them to the second position in the league, surpassing Barcelona, who suffered a loss in Round 15. Virtus Bologna boasts solid statistics, averaging 83.5 points (4th), 33.7 rebounds, 19.9 assists (3rd), 5.8 steals, 2.3 blocks, and a PIR of 92.4 (6th) in the Euroleague.

In contrast, Valencia heads into this clash following a 72-67 home loss to Partizan, marking their seventh defeat of the season. Valencia’s struggles are reflected in their PIR of 75.9, the worst in the Euroleague, and an average of 73.7 points per game. They also rank as the third-worst team in field goal percentage at 44.1%. With Virtus Bologna in top form, they are poised for a favourable outcome against the Spanish side as they aim for their third win in four games against Valencia.

• Expert Pick: Virtus Bologna +1.5
• Best odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: Coral
• Stakes: 5/10

Real Madrid vs Partizan: Real Keep Rolling

Real Madrid continues to dominate the Euroleague, maintaining an impressive 14-1 record in the 2023-24 season. In their recent victory against Crvena Zvezda with a score of 58-72 at Stark Arena, Real Madrid showed who they truly are. Mario Hezonja stood out with a game-high 17 points, while Vincent Poirier contributed 14 points, with 12 of them coming in a convincing second quarter.

Eli Ndiaye also made a solid impact, finishing with 10 points, 8 of which were scored in the first quarter. Real Madrid currently averages 87.9 points, 37.1 rebounds, 21.7 assists, 6.4 steals, 3.7 blocks, and a PIR of 107.9.

Partizan, while enjoying a six-game winning streak, faces a daunting task against the Spanish giants. Real Madrid’s hunger for more points and their consistent dominance make them a formidable opponent.

• Expert Pick: Real Madrid -7.5
• Best odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: Coral
• Stakes: 4/10

SAFER GAMBLING

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