The Euroleague.net writers explain who they think will reach the championship game
Semifinals predictions: Olympiacos vs. Monaco
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Later tonight, Olympiacos Piraeus and AS Monaco face off in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Semifinals at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. In a repeat of their 2023 semifinal matchup, Monaco is aiming to reach its first-ever championship game whereas the Reds are hoping that this is the season they end their 12-year wait for EuroLeague glory.
With that in mind, which team do the Euroleague.net writers think will come out on top?
Igor Petrinovic: Olympiacos
Monaco has a massive edge in terms of coach Vassilis Spanoulis really knowing Olympiacos well. He was not only a teammate with many players there, but he played under Coach Bartzokas and has coached against him and Olympiacos many times during his time coaching in Greece. However, I believe Olympiacos has the deepest roster. They might be under the most pressure, now in their fourth straight Final Four after coming up short, and unlucky, the previous three times, but I don’t think that will play a role. I'd rather think Olympiacos will use that experience to get past Monaco. It will be a tight game, but I believe Olympiacos pulls away late in the game. My prediction: Olympiacos by 12.
Geoff Gillingham: Monaco
Unlike my colleagues, I am trusting Mike James and co. in this one. James has had an incredible EuroLeague career, earning a spot on the All-25 EuroLeague Team and leading the league all-time in scoring, and he knows that a EuroLeague title would further cement his legacy. This feels like a game for James to dictate the offense, focusing as a playmaker, and readying himself for the clutch moments when they arrive. It'll be another frustrating night for Olympiacos as its former son, Vassilis Spanoulis, gets one over the love of his life. My prediction: Monaco by 2-4 points.
Javier Gancedo: Olympiacos
It is Time for Piraeus, as Olympiacos fans' T-shirts state. Olympiacos has the perfect mix of experience and energy to reach the championship game. Nigel Williams-Goss and Luca Vildoza are good on-ball defenders to help Thomas Walkup against Mike James and Elie Okobo. Saben Lee and Shaquielle McKissic are set to bring loads of energy, plus the Reds are extremely deep at power forward and center. In that sense, Sasha Vezenkov and Alex Peters should make the difference against Jaron Blossomgame and Alpha Diallo. All that without mentioning Evan Fournier, who is ready to deliver in his first-ever Final Four game. My prediction: Olympiacos by more than 7 points.
Frankie Sachs: Olympiacos
Fans of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast may be surprised to see me picking Olympiacos after I spoke so strongly about Mike James, who I will use as my team captain. I also will have Nikola Milutinov and Sasha Vezenkov in my lineup and Georgios Bartzokas as my coach. With all due respect to Monaco – and there is much respect – I believe that Olympiacos is the better team and is laser focused on the prize. My take: Olympiacos wins by 8-12 points.