What Maccabi did at Valencia was a fantastic win to keep them in the top-4 till the end. Maccabi won 85-82 in Spain, remains in 4th place with CSKA, and shows that he can respond despite many absences.

Wilbekin stopped at 20 points, while Dorsey had 19. Othello Hunter was excellent with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Just one defeat at home, one from Real Madrid.

They remain injured, the leader Casspi (12 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists), the American playmaker Nate Wolters (7.5 points, 2.7 assists), and guard Dibbartolomeo (7 points). American center Tarik Black (9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds) returned from the US, where he was recovering and is expected to return next week.

The talented forward Zoosman (5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists) will reasonably respond to the next game. Doubtful is the high-powered Quincy Eisie (5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds average) coming from a three-week absence due to injury.

Olympiacos took a significant win against Villeurbanne 77-68 at home. They were playing in an emergency composition, and Milutinov was injured during the game, but they still found a way to win.

Barzokas has changed many things in Olympiakos' plays. Vezenkov and Ellis were the protagonists, while Printezis and Baldwin were also double figures. They even hope to get into the playoffs, but it's not easy.

Leader Spanoulis (11.3 points, 4.6 assists.) is out again due to injury. The same counts for forward Charalampopoulos. American guard Rochestie is available again, with forward Paul and Rubit recover.

Center Nikola Milutinov (10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds average) did not travel due to a sprain. The new comers Dwight Buyks and Shaquielle McKissic will make their debut.

The overall record in Euroleague since 2000, is Maccabi Tel-Aviv - Olympiacos 10-10.

In the first round, Maccabi Tel-Aviv beat Olympiacos 90-65.

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

• FullTime Result : 1.23(Maccabi) - 4.25(Olympiakos)
• Over/Under 158.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 1.47(Maccabi) - 2.55(Olympiakos)

*bet365 odds as offered at  27/02, 15:00CET (subject to change without prior notice) | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Both teams have many absences. So, the key-battle may be the fight against Othello Hunter and Giorgos Printezis.

The two ex-teammates will fight in the paint, and their battle may be the key for the final winner of the big derby.