Mega vs Cedevita Olimpija: Analysis and Prediction – Mega will host Cedevita Olimpija in the ABA League Round 14.
Mega vs Cedevita Olimpija Odds
Mega Team News
Mega secured a win over Igokea in their last ABA League game by 92:76, marking their sixth win of the season. Before that, they faced a negative streak of three consecutive losses, but their position on the table has improved. However, significant changes occurred after the mentioned game.
Mega’s star player Nikola Topic left the team and returned to Crvena Zvezda, where he will play until the end of the season. Topic averaged nearly 19 points with seven assists per game and his departure poses a challenging task for head coach Marko Barac to swiftly change the team’s hierarchy. Topic was the leader in every aspect. Although Mega still has several exceptionally talented players, someone will have to step into his shoes, which is no easy feat. Omercan Ilyasoglu and Nikola Djurisic are expected to take on more significant roles. Lovro Gnjidic has been signed from Split, but the extent of his contribution remains to be seen.
Despite having very little time to adjust their roles, the positive aspect for Mega is that their first game is at home against Cedevita Olimpija. If they maintain discipline on the court and make the right moves in offense, they will have a real chance for win.
Cedevita Olimpija Team News
Cedevita Olimpija is currently in a mess. They narrowly defeated Cibona by 93:91 in the last ABA League round, bringing their record to 10-3. However, a new defeat in the EuroCup, with a 0-13 record, has led to the likely replacement of the head coach.
Simone Pianigiani did not travel with the team to Belgrade. The club stated it was due to health issues, but the media reports suggest that Cedevita Olimpija has decided to replace the Italian coach who failed to meet expectations. There have been several changes in the roster throughout the season, along with injury problems, placing a significant burden on Justin Cobbs, Karlo Matkovic and Jaka Blazic. All three spend over 30 minutes on the court, as alternatives are scarce.
Cedevita Olimpija possesses individual quality, giving them reason to hope for victory in Belgrade if they shoot at high percentages. However, this seems unlikely. Without a coach, a short rotation, and a lack of clear hierarchy, winning away in the ABA League becomes a challenging task.
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Mega vs Cedevita Olimpija H2H
Earlier in the season, Cedevita Olimpija defeated Mega by 89:87 in Ljubljana. In the last five matchups, the H2H is 4-1 in favor of the Slovenian club.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Jankovic is questionable for Mega, while all other players are available. Amadou Sow, Luka Scuka, Jaka Klobucar and DJ Stewart did not play in the previous game for Cedevita Olimpija, and there is a slim chance any of them will be in the lineup for this match.
Mega vs Cedevita Olimpija Prediction
Given the current circumstances, Cedevita Olimpija does not seem to have a favorable chance for a positive outcome in Belgrade. Mega may have lost their best player, but they still have a well-established system and strong leadership, unlike the visitors. While there is a chance for Cedevita Olimpija if players like Blazic and Cobbs perform spectacularly, the probability is much higher for the hosts to secure their seventh ABA League win.
Tip-off Time: Sunday, 31.12.2023, 12:00 CET
Prediction: Mega to win
Odds: 1.77
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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