Milano vs Baskonia: Analysis and Prediction – Milano will play at home against Baskonia in the EuroLeague Round 17.
Milano vs Baskonia Odds
Milano Team News
Milano was in a good momentum after two consecutive wins in the EuroLeague. However, they suffered a setback on Friday against Panathinaikos with a 68:76 loss, bringing their current record to 6-10. Consequently, this game becomes even more crucial as they risk falling too far behind the top 10 if defeated again in front of their home crowd.
For Milano, it is crucial to survive the next 20 days to remain within realistic reach of the top 10, giving themselves a chance to make it to the playoffs this season. The return of Nikola Mirotic and Maodo Lo is expected in the second half of January. Shabazz Napier will be eligible to play in the EuroLeague from the next round, and once Ettore Messina has all players available, the dynamics will change. Until then, the burden falls on Shavon Shields and his ability to consistently score over 20 points. On the defensive end, everyone must give their maximum effort.
Excellent defense is the way Milano can overcome Baskonia in this round. With all these absences, they lack the shooting potential to engage in a shootout with the team from Vitoria. They need to slow down the pace and seek their chance in such a type of game.
Baskonia Team News
Baskonia achieved a crucial win in the last round, triumphing over Anadolu Efes by 87:80. They currently have nine wins and seven losses in the EuroLeague. A victory in Italy would be a significant step toward achieving their goals, namely reaching the playoffs.
Markus Howard played a crucial role in the win in Istanbul with 28 points. The former Marquette student is in outstanding form, and when he is in a good shooting rhythm, he is unstoppable. He hits shots off-balance and over two defenders. When defenses focus more on him, it opens up more space for Chima Moneke and Vanja Marinkovic, who are also excellent this season. Codi Miller-McIntyre is playing his best basketball since Dusko Ivanovic started working with him. Tadas Sedekerskis is also an important piece in the system of the Montenegrin coach, making the situation highly favorable for Baskonia at this moment.
While Milano will do everything to slow down the pace in this game, Baskonia will look for as many solutions as possible in the early stages of the attack. Almost all players are capable of hitting three-pointers at high percentages, and that is the way they can most easily break Milano’s resistance.
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Milano vs Baskonia H2H
Last season, the H2H between these clubs was 1-1. Out of the last 10 matchups in the EuroLeague, six have been won by Milano.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Mirotic, Maodo Lo, Giampaolo Ricci and Shabazz Napier will not play for Milano in this game. Matt Costello is questionable for Baskonia.
Milano vs Baskonia Prediction
Baskonia may have a greater offensive potential here, but Milano definitely has something to offer on that side of the court. Shields is the best forward in the EuroLeague, and Baron can always hit a significant number of three-pointers. If Poythress, Hines, Melli and Voigtmann do their part under the basket, the hosts will be closer to triumph. Moreover, they have much less room for error in this match compared to Baskonia.
Tip-off Time: Thursday, 28.12.2023, 20:30 CET
Prediction: Milano -2
Odds: 1.76
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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