The last round of Euroleague regular season starts tomorrow. Four matches will determine final table of Group A. Although all 5 teams that will play in Top 16 are already known in this group, some interesting games are to be played tomorrow. Olimpija (points difference -106) could go through if they defeat Prokom Trefl by a very high difference and if Partizan (points difference -8) lose heavily against Fenerbahce. Results this season suggest that this is impossible.
Virtus VidiVici Bologna – CSKA Moscow 20:30 CET
One-sided game is expected. CSKA will stay in the 1st place despite the result. Etore Messina will not let his team relax for at least one reason – he is playing against his former team which Messina led to Euroleague titles in 1998 and 2001. However, current Virtus squad is nowhere near the former Kinder Bologna. Virtus should be motivated to rise from the bottom of table but that is very unlikely as they would have to defeat CSKA Moscow, Euroleague runners-up. First meeting of the clubs ended with Russian champs celebrating 79-53 victory.
Prokom Trefl – Olimpija Lubliana 20:30 CET
Even though the chances of going through for Olimpija very slim to say the least, they are playing against a team that had many squad troubles recently. However, the required points difference should not be achieved. Defeating Prokom Trefl by more than 50 points would mean setting new Euroleague record. Moreover, Polish champs are starting to find their game under the new boss Tomas Pačėsas.
Olympiacos – Montepaschi 20:30 CET
Pini Gershon is under pressure, so is the whole Olympiacos team. Losing this game means finishing 5th. That kind of result would not please anyone – neither Olympiacos fans, nor the club board. Greek league runners-up are playing at home and that gives them an advantage since they play better at home than away from home. Montepaschi are without their leader Rimantas Kaukėnas. That should make the job slightly easier for the defence of Greek club. Montepaschi have secured their 2nd place in Group A but if they win this game and both Real Madrid (they meet Panathinaikos) and Maccabi (against Aris) lose, they would be the best 2nd placed team which means being in the 1st pot in Top 16 draw. Everything is set for a thrilling game
Tau Ceramica – Žalgiris 20:30 CET
Žalgiris must win to finish 3rd, so do TAU Ceramica and that already makes a very interesting game. Michael Bradley is expected to return to the court for Žalgiris while Pete Mickeal is out for TAU. Lithuanian champs won the first meeting in Kaunas 95:92. However, they have trouble playing away games. TAU Ceramica have more chances and are the favourite of this game but this should be a fight till the last second.
