Crvena Zvezda lost to Efes 78-85 at home after their defense could not stop Larkin. After four consecutive wins, they have made four defeats in a row. It has been left out of the top-8, and the truth is that they can hardly stay in it.

In the Adriatic League, he got the big derby with Partisan and is back in the bay for the title after a poor start. Sakota said the priorities are now changing, and the number one in his and his players' minds is the Adriatic League and not the Euroleague.

We doubt a lot if Sakota means what he stated. The Serbian is an experienced coach, and capable enough of playing with opponents' mind. So, are these mind games or the truth.

It will be evident when we see the teams performing on the court. James Gist will play for the second time against the team that he experienced glorious days in his career.

Despite Nick Kalathis' excellent performance, Panathinaikos suffered a 94-87 defeat at Valencia. Pitino's team once again, for the most part, it coud be said, did not defend in good level.

The problem of Panathinaikos is that its roster is top-quality in the offense, but there is no intention for tough defense. In European basketball, a team can't achieve its targets if they don't play defense.

In the Greek League, Panathinaikos has no problem to be at the top of the table. Pitino stated that this team had been built to win the games in a high score. That is his philosophy, that is what Panathinaikos can do with this roster.

So, it looks to be too difficult to have a place at the top-4. A possible scenario is to get in the playoff zone, having no home advantage. That makes the final-4 target to be more challenging to be achieved.

The overall record in Euroleague since 2000 is Crvena Zvezda - Panathinaikos 4-7.

In the first round, Panathinaikos beat Crvena Zvezda 87-82

Let's take a look at main and special odds markets offered at bet365 website :

• FullTime Result : 2.35(KK Crvena Zvezda) - 1.64(Panathinaikos)
• Over/Under 167.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 2.00 (KK Crvena Zvezda) - 1.71(Panathinaikos)

*bet365 odds as offered at  05/02, 15:00CET (subject to change without prior notice) | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Lorenzo Brown is an athletic point guard able to drive to the basket and finish with a dunk, create good shots for his teammates and also score from downtown.

He will have to face Nick Calathes, the competition's assists leader with high levels of court sense and basketball IQ.