Semifinals predictions: Fenerbahce vs. Panathinaikos

The Euroleague.net writers explain who they think will reach the championship game

In just a few hours' time, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens meet in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. While Fenerbahce is attempting to advance to its first championship game since 2018, the Greens are looking to defend the title they won in Berlin last year.

With that in mind, which team do the Euroleague.net writers think will come out on top?

Geoff Gillingham: Panathinaikos

I'm sorry, Fenerbahce fans. I liked a lot of the things Fenerbahce did this year, but I think Panathinaikos's stars will rise to the occasion – just like they did in Berlin one year ago. For starters, Kendrick Nunn is ready to put on a show in Abu Dhabi. I'm also predicting big games from Juancho Hernangomez and Konstantinos Mitoglou. Mathias Lessort could even get called upon, although he's well aware that he doesn't "want to come in and just f*ck up everything that they’re doing". But do you want to know I think will be the key to it all? Jerian Grant. Anyway, I'm going with the Greens in this one. My prediction: Panathinaikos by 8+ points.

Javier Gancedo: Fenerbahce

I had to think this through as it is a very unpredictable game. I like Fenerbahce's chances due to the fact that there are a lot of hungry players on the team, just Panathinaikos during its run to the title last season. Nigel Hayes-Davis, Wade Baldwin, Errick McCollum, Bonzie Colson and Nicolo Melli are some of the Fenerbahce stars that have never won the EuroLeague, and you never know when chances like that can present again. Saras Jasikevicius is also looking for an elusive first title as head coach. Granted, Panathinaikos features the reigning MVP (Kendrick Nunn), last season's Final Four MVP (Kostas Sloukas) and a three-time coaching champion (Ergin Ataman), but if Fenerbahce keeps its eyes on the prize it should win the game. My prediction: Fenerbahce by 4-6 points.

Igor Petrinovic: Fenerbahce

Panathinaikos beat Fenerbahce twice this season and in the semifinals last year. The Greens are the defending EuroLeague champions led by head coach Ergin Ataman, who has won the last three Final Fours he participated and the last four semifinal games he coached. Panathinaikos features MVP Kendrick Nunn, has a four-time champ in Kostas Sloukas and might even have help from big man Mathias Lessort. However, Fenerbahce has been clicking on all cylinders, not just in the playoffs but for months – ever since January. They overcame backcourt injuries without missing a beat, and I think they are in Abu Dhabi on a mission. My prediction: Fenerbahce by 7.

Frankie Sachs: Fenerbahce

I can't say I feel too confident in the pick; I wouldn’t be surprised to see either team win. But forced to choose between them, I feel like Fenerbahce is in better form and a little hungrier. There are several players on the Fenerbahce roster who have been around the league for awhile and this may be their best chance to win. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos has not always played to its full potential and the Greens are doomed if they don’t have their A-game tonight. My prediction: Fener in a game decided late.