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Galatasaray getting more dangerous, Darussafaka have to win

Schilb is back for the guests, and they've got 2-1 against the hosts this season, including 77-71 Cup quarterfinal. They've got 4-2 in the Euroleague in the last month and a half, beating Barcelona, Real, Olympiacos and UNICS

Even though they won only three of the last nine games, Darussafaka are still fighting for the eighth place. Seven teams are known for the playoff, Efes secured their position last night, with a lot of struggle, and now there's the fight between Crvena Zvezda, Darussafaka and Zalgiris for the eighth place. Zvezda's score is 15-12, Darussafaka's 13-14, and Zalgiris's 13-15. What should be pointed out is that Zvezda and Darussafaka decide their own fate. Zvezda are in Barcelona today, and then they have to play UNICS, and they're coming to Darussafaka in the last round. Darussafaka won their first duel in Belgrade. If Zvezda lose today, then Darussafaka don't have to worry about them anymore and they'd be in with three wins. Their draw is favorable, with Galatasaray coming today, and then them going to Brose. 

The Turks didn't stand any chance in Moscow two days ago. Their players were selfish a bit, and that just won't do against the teams who base everything on their system, so CSKA easily got points, and Darussafaka's players were so selfish that the center Žižić basically didn't get the ball through the entire game, and hit no points. After that loss, they can't afford another blunder, and everyone knows they failed already, considering the millions of Euros that were invested.

- We're fighting for the playoff and we have to bring that passion and hunger in every remaining game - Blatt said.

- Galatasaray showed quality, they can play anyone and this is definitely going to be a hard matchup.

Blatt isn't just polite in saying that. This is their fourth duel this season. Galatasaray won the Cup quarterfinal game recently, 77-71, they won the first Euroleague duel at home 85-81, and they lost the Turkish championship duel 87-72.

- They're playing very good basketball in the last rounds. We definitely have to play better on our floor, we're aware that we've got the quality and the strength for it - Birkan Batuk claims.

- We know how much this game means in the battle for the playoff. We didn't have time to prepare, but we'll be ready to play our best game.

Galatasaray are coming with no pressure, and very dangerous. They won three of the last four Euroleague games, beating Barcelona and Olympiacos on the road. Ataman would be thrilled to make life miserable for the rich guys from across the city. They have an easy championship game for the weekend, so no doubt they'll come here to win.

- We're focusing on playing well and winning the remaining games. We beat them in Abdi Pekci. We'll try to play well today and beat them on their own flor. I think it's going to be a good game - Ataman was humble.

They left UNICS at six and 12 points in the second and third quarter two days ago. They got another man in their rotation, with Blake Schilb back with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists. Micov only had 1/7 shots from the floor, Daye 4/14, and their win was never questionable. Also, Ataman lead the game cleverly, sparing the players for today, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue.

Preldzic is out, as well as McCollum who can't play this. 

- I think the pressure is on them. They still have a chance for the playoff. We'll do our best for sure - Vlado Micov said.

- We already won big games, I think we can disrupt the standings. I think we raised our game level and made a big progress. 

Blatt is out of all cards, Darussafaka have three games until the end and they have no right to lose. If they lose this, they can reach the playoffs only if Zvezda get defeated in Belgrade against bottom-table UNICS, who are on a 10-game losing run.
The odds on Darussafaka of 1.25 is more as a 'must' factor, than the real situation. Galata won in four out of last six games, including Real, Barca and Oly, and if you ask me, that's not realistic because last month they beat Daru in the Cup in the knock-out phase with 77-71.
What I like here is 36.5 on Galata's first half. They press hard, especially at home, and they can be very uncomfortable
Daru at home left in the last five: Barca 22, PAO 33, Fener 31, Zalgiris 38, UNICS 34. Earlier in the season Real 31, CSKA 37, Efes 35 and when I look at all of that, with extreme importance of the game and the head-to-head, I'll take Galatasaray's 36.5 points.
In away games Galata went over in two out of the last 10 games (54-41 against Fener, remained at 26 in the second, lost 49-39 against Milano which is unimportant), others: Oly 35, CSKA 29, Zvezda 29, Barca 26, Efes 36, UNICS 31, PAO 31, Baskonia 32.
By physical and defensive capacities, Darussafaka can play anything Zvezda and Barca can in the defense, which they've shown numerous times at home.