Maccabi Tel Aviv didn't make it last week at OAKA. They lost from Panathinaikos 81-63. The hosts rolled in the first quarter to lead 25-9, but Maccabi managed to trim the deficit to only 3 points at the end of the third. But Panathinaikos with a strong defensive effort held the visitors scoreless for 5 minutes and ended the game. Scottie Wilbekin was the best of Maccabi at Athens with his 14 points, but the sad thing about the visitors was that no-one else tried to help him.

Efes is just not second in the league in scoring (82.5 points per game) but also high in assists (18.4 per game) and the second-fewest turnovers per game, just 11.2. So it goes without saying that Maccabi has to be committed in defense if they want to take the win tonight. In addition, Maccabi needs to be better in assists and turnovers to improve its chances against Efes's high-scoring attack. And of course, controlling the glass won't be a bad idea for the Israeli side.

Anadolu Efes hosted Zalgiris Kaunas last week and gave another exceptional performance. Efes finally won 89-62 and reached seven straight wins, which put them in a better position concerning finishing in the first four teams.  The hosts made a blistering start to take a double-digit lead inside the first quarter. That advantage exceeded 20 early in the second and Zalgiris never got close. Shane Larkin led the way with 18 points, Vasilije Micic was for another game amazing with 17 points and Rodrigue Beaubois added another 12. Efes improved their record to 18-10 and at this point, they seem unstoppable.

The overall record in Euroleague since 2000, is Valencia - Fenerbahce 9 - 10. 

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

• FullTime Result : 4.50 (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - 1.22 (Anadolu Efes)
• Over/Under 152.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 2.55 (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - 1.47 (Anadolu Efes)

*bet365 odds are correct at time of publishing (16/03, 15:00 CET) and are subject to change | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Tyler Dorsey even though he is mostly coming off the bench this season he has a very important role in Maccabi's game. Besides his 11.2 points per game, he also contributes with 2.8 rebounds and dishing 1.6 assists. And he is the one helping Wilbekin in the offense. Efes star Shane Larkin has a completely different role this season. He is not only the offensive machine we get used to him, but he is also assisting Vasilje Micic in organizing Efes' game. Those two can help their team to get the much-needed win and give us something to talk about.