After failing to get past the Top 16 last season, 2009 champions Panathinaikos had plenty to prove entering 2010/11 priced at 5.75 to be Outright Winners. They immediately made their mark in Group D, winning four of the first five games en route to a 7-3 record and top spot.
Victories over Lietuvos Rytas and Unicaja got Panathinaikos off to the perfect start in the Top 16 and the odds of them lifting the Euroleague trophy shortened to 5.50. A seven-point defeat to Caja Laboral in Spain proved decisive though as their rivals took the top seeding from Group E, despite holding the same 4-2 record.
Finishing second in their group meant a tough test versus 2010 champions Regal Barcelona and the Greens were pushed out to 7.50 in the Outright betting. With the chance to play on their home court at the Final Four, the Catalans were red hot favourites to qualify, with Panathinaikos priced at 3.80. However, after a one-point defeat in Game 1, the team from Athens shocked punters as they won three-straight to progress.
Panathinaikos are 2.25 favourites to reclaim the crown they have won four times already in the 21st Century. The Greens are keen to reclaim their status at Euroleague’s top team, but will the favourites tag weigh heavy on their shoulders?
Star man: Dimitris Diamantidis
Sportingbet Outright Winner Odds: 2.25