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By: Sam Meyerkopf & Nick Gibson

This looks to be a do or die Thursday for a lot of different teams around Europe.  Can Fenerbahce get a season changing win at home versus the defending champs?  Will Unicaja be able to slow down Bo McCalebb and the now potent Siena offense?  Read on to see the picks and serve up your own game predictions in the comments section.

CSKA Moscow (2-0) vs. Galatasaray (1-1)

Sam: Last week CSKA Moscow was making their threes, so instead of beating you by 15 or 20 points, they conquered by 25 to 30 points.  Long range shots dropping or not, Galatasaray will have a mighty hard time playing four solid quarters against this defense. CSKA Moscow.

Nick: I love what I saw from Galatasaray last week so much that I swore I’d pick them to win a game down the stretch. I hope it was implied that this game was not up for discussion. CSKA Moscow.

Fenerbahce Ulker (1-1) vs. Panathinaikos (1-1)

Sam: The most intriguing matchup of the week could be a statement game for either team.  Can Fenerbahce get a home win they almost have to have if they want to sneak into the playoffs?  Can Panathianikos put a whooping down on Fenerbahce and regain their championship contending swag?  When it come down to it, I just don’t expect the often ridiculed Neven Spahija to out-duel Zeljko Obradovic. Panathinaikos.

Nick: With Kazan busting off the blocks, this game carries a lot more weight, as it might end up determining Group G’s two seed. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Panathinaikos is only vulnerable for several more weeks. Take advantage now or see them in the championships. Fenerbahce Ulker.

Unicaja (0-2) vs. Montepaschi Siena (2-0)

Sam: In a shocking occurrence this weekend, Siena lost an Italian league game after putting an old fashion thumping on Real, in Madrid.  I’m just going to take the loss as a sign of old legs having an off shooting night and bet on the fact that an extra day of rest by playing on Thursday adds an extra 10 points to this 20+ point win. Montepaschi Siena.

Nick: Siena seems immune to road woes and Unicaja can’t buy any chemistry,  so you know the drill. Montepaschi Siena.

Bennet Cantu (1-1) vs. Maccabi Electra (1-1)

Sam: Cantu is playing at home, so you know this will be a close game.  This match is everything for Cantu, as they need to beat Maccabi at home if they want any shot at advancing.  So expect Cantu to bring their best body punches, but for a team that narrowly got by Zalgiris last week, I don’t have a ton of hope.  Maccabi Electra.

Nick: I love me some Cantu fans and I love me some Vladimir Micov, but I’m also a fan of  David Blatt and what he can do with a backcourt chock full o’ gun powder. Is this the week Keith Langford and Demond Mallet spark it up? Maccabi Electra.

Barcelona Regal (2-0) vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (0-2)

Sam: Juan Carlos Navarro, Pete Mickeal, and Boniface Ndong were all out of ACB action this week.  They’re expected to be back for Thursday’s game, but even if they miss it, Barcelona will still roll.  Barcelona Regal.  

Nick: No Reeves Nelson for Zalgiris anymore, which means they’ll be without [checks Nelson’s stats, grimaces] zero points, two boards and -3 PIR against the Catalan power. Sorry, Paulius. Barcelona Regal.