EuroLeague reaches a critical moment. After an unprecedented playoff start with all four series dominated 2-0, Tuesday and Wednesday could decide the spots for the Final Four in Athens. But the teams on the ropes refuse to surrender and will seek to extend their hopes in Game 3s loaded with tension.
Tuesday, May 5
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Real Madrid Baloncesto (18:00 CEST)
Hapoel faces a true must-win game to stay alive in the series against a Real Madrid that arrives strengthened after two convincing home victories. However, the Israeli side clings to one fact: Real Madrid's performance as a visiting team has not been particularly solid throughout the season.
In the second game, Hapoel failed to capitalize on the absence of Walter Tavares, largely due to the strong response from Usman Garuba, who delivered his best performance of the season (13 points and 9 rebounds). Dimitris Itoudis could seek new solutions, with the option of giving more playing time to Johnathan Motley to complement the interior work of Dan Oturu.
On the perimeter, the reaction of Vasilije Micic, who was ejected in the second game, and his connection with a solid Chris Jones will be key. But the major challenge will be on defense: stopping a Facundo Campazzo in peak form, well supported by Andrés Feliz and Theo Maledon.
Real Madrid's plan will focus on limiting the impact of Antonio Blakeney, very active from three-point range, and Elijah Bryant. If they manage to control those threats, Sergio Scariolo's team will have the ticket to Athens within reach.
AS Monaco vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:45 CEST)
Monaco returns home forced to react after two clear defeats in Piraeus. Manu Markoishvili's team has shown character throughout the season, but needs its best version to stop an Olympiacos that has imposed its law with authority.
The key lies in recovering Mike James, ejected in the second game, and raising the level of their perimeter players, with Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel also far from their best form. Additionally, three-point shooting must improve urgently after a poor 17.2% in the first two games.
Defensively, containing Sasha Vezenkov will be a priority, though Olympiacos has shown it has multiple resources. Alec Peters and Evan Fournier have been key pieces, reflecting the depth of a roster that is justifying its favorite status.
To stay in the fight, Monaco will need to match the intensity and pace of its rival for all 40 minutes.
Wednesday, May 6
Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Fenerbahce (19:00 CEST)
Zalgiris trusts in the push from its fans to change the course of a series that has become complicated after two defeats in Istanbul. The Lithuanian team needs to take a step forward in all aspects, starting with physical toughness, after allowing too many offensive rebounds in the second game.
Moses Wright is called upon to lead the interior comeback, while the perimeter defense will need to improve to stop the accuracy of players like Wade Baldwin, Nando De Colo, or Tarik Biberovic.
On offense, Zalgiris has shown too many inconsistencies, especially from three-point range, with very low percentages. Sylvain Francisco, one of their key players, also needs to regain his touch.
Across the way, Fenerbahce has found in Biberovic and the solidity of Nicolo Melli fundamental pillars. Preventing the Turkish team from imposing its pace will be key for Zalgiris to extend the series.
Panathinaikos vs. Valencia Basket (20:15 CEST)
Panathinaikos has the opportunity to close out the series at home after two very tight victories in Valencia. The atmosphere in Athens will be a determining factor, though the orange team already knows what it takes to win in that setting this season.
The Greek team arrives boosted by the performances of Nigel Hayes-Davis, Kendrick Nunn, and Cedi Osman, who shouldered the offensive load in the last game. Valencia will need to stop at least one of them and try to impose a high-tempo pace.
Jean Montero will be key to that approach, following a very solid series, well accompanied by Brancou Badio and Kam Taylor. Additionally, improving from the free-throw line will be crucial after the problems shown in the second game.
If the matchup is decided again by small details, Valencia will need to fine-tune those aspects to have real chances of forcing a fourth game.
Four series, four possible outcomes… and eight teams playing to keep dreaming of Athens or saying goodbye for good. EuroLeague enters its most dramatic phase.