Panathinaikos OPAP Athens and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul each have players eager to bounce back in Round 2 and that should make this game even more attractive.
Keys to victory: Panathinaikos OPAP Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul
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4 mins read
Panathinaikos OPAP Athens and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul each have players eager to bounce back in Round 2 and that should make this game even more attractive. In Monaco, Kendrick Perry and Nedovic were held scoreless, combining 17 missed shots and a PIR of -19. Both Nedovic and Perry are experienced and resilient players who know how to overcome the pressure of a poor performance. Fenerbahce's Nando De Colo had 7 points, 4 turnovers and a PIR of 5 against Zvezda, but he has the talent, know-how and leadership to do much better, especially in a tough road game like this one.
Panathinaikos powered the offensive glass well in Monaco for 17 boards and committed just 8 turnovers, but must improve its shot selection to challenge in this game. The Greens made 23 of 50 shots inside the arc (46.0%) and 4 of 20 from downtown (20.0%). Preventing Pierria Henry from speeding up the game tempo should be a priority for Panathinaikos, as well as not allowing Fenerbahce to connect with Jan Vesely and Devin Booker, who can play above the rim and also hit outside shots. Fenerbahce must run its offense through De Colo and Vesely, expecting Achille Polonara and DyShawn Pierre to find advantages at the forward spots. Fenerbahce was outrebounded 32-42 in Round 1, allowing 15 offensive boards. It must box out against a great rebounding team like the Greens and it is up to the whole team to do so.