Olympiacos didn't make the start they planned in their clash against AX Olimpia Milano last Wednesday, and so they trailed 36-42 at halftime. In the second half, Kostas Sloukas and Shaquielle McKissic launched the counter-attack.  With the help of Georgios Printezis and Aaron Harrison, they scored 16 each, and with a very tough defense, the Reds took a well-deserved win. 

Tonight Olympiacos are facing at home Maccabi Tel Aviv and their former coach Giannis Sfairopoulos. After the shocking home defeat in round one from Zalgiris Kaunas, the Reds know that if they want to go far in the competition they have to protect their home. And this is what they are expected to do tonight.  

They didn't see it coming. And when they did it was far too late for them. Maccabi Tel Aviv. Their home defeat 82-85 from Bayern Munich was the second in a row for the Israeli side and caused skepticism, especially about the way their offense works. They only scored 25 points in the first half and even though they came too close to winning in the end, they didn't have what it takes to make it.

Giannis Sfairopoulos is returning once again to the place where he made his first steps as a Euroleague coach. And tonight's clash is very crucial for his team. Another defeat will leave them behind far too soon in the season. Furthermore, he knows that he has to improve his team offensive performance. Will he manage to do that against a solid defense team?

The overall record in Euroleague since 2000, is Olympiacos v Maccabi Tel-Aviv 10-11.

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

• FullTime Result : 1.60(Olympiacos) - 2.45(Maccabi Tel-Aviv)
• Over/Under 155.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 1.71 (Olympiacos) - 2.00(Maccabi Tel-Aviv)

*bet365 odds as offered at  10/10, 15:00CET (subject to change without prior notice) | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

It is a guard world. No matter how essential the role of other players could be, only the point guards can give their team the winning pace. And tonight we are going to watch two of the very best in this position. Kostas Sloukas and Scottie Wilbekin are expected to shine in the Pireus sky on Friday night. Sloukas was the one that launched Olympiakos counter-attack against Armani Milano Wednesday night, while at the same time Wilbekin paced Maccabi with 27 points and 7 assists, but that wasn't enough to beat Bayern Munich. Key players with key roles in a fun to watch clash.