Fenerbahce vs CSKA Moscow prediction for Wednesday’s Euroleague Quarter-Final playoff third game clash at Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul. Fenerbahce after losing the first two games find themselves in need of a win to stay in the tie against CSKA Moscow. Read on for our free prediction and betting tips.
Fenerbahce need improvement under the board
After a very good midseason run in the Euroleague, Fenerbahce have lost momentum in recent matches and especially when it counts the most in the playoffs Quarter-Final as they miss their main center and star, Jan Vesely, through an ankle injury. The Czech center has an average of 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in the Euroleague this season and his team have suffered under the paint in the series so far without him.
One of the main reasons for coach Igor Kokoskov’s defeats is the rebounding. The Turkish side are trailing to CSKA in that department by 62-46 in both games. Fenerbahce have let their opponents grab 23 offensive rebounds of which 21-second chance points were converted by the Russian side. They are close to their season leading shooting percentage of 52% as they are shooting 48.5% but they can improve in that aspect as well.
CSKA Moscow to maintain their good form in the playoffs
Needing just one win from three available attempts, CSKA will hope to finish the series early and keep their advantages over the Turkish side in their first two matches and reach their ninth consecutive Euroleague Final four. Greek coach Dimitri Itoudis’s team did a great job in the first two matches winning both matches at their own Megasport Arena in Moscow.
The Russian side have improved their ball circulation for the playoffs which resulted in an increase in their assists percentage from 15.8 per game in the regular season to 20.5 in the playoffs. That in turn has led for the CSKA players to find easier shots which in turn allowed the Russian team to cash in 28 of 64 (43.8%) on three-pointers, which is a big improvement from their season’s average of 38%.
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Fenerbahce vs CSKA Moscow Prediction
Fenerbahce are expected to show a big fight as Turkish teams are known for their fighting spirit but they will still be without Jan Vesely. Coach Kokoskov must find a solution for his team’s rebounding problems and not give their opponents second chances.
CSKA will play the same system as they were very successful in the first two matches and that is good ball circulation and dominate the board.
We will focus on CSKA’s scoring for our bet and we think they are capable of scoring up to 79.5 total points in this match.
Fenerbahce vs CSKA Moscow Betting Tips
CSKA to score Under 79.5 Total Match Points 1.83 at bet365
Fenerbahce to win 1.76 at bet365