Valencia vs Zalgiris: Analysis and Prediction – Valencia will play at home against Zalgiris in the EuroLeague Round 20.
Valencia vs Zalgiris Odds
Valencia Team News
Valencia was unlucky last week, losing to Panathinaikos in a dramatic finish after defeating Anadolu Efes. They now stand at 10-9 in the EuroLeague and need to string together more victories to stay in the playoff zone.
Unlike some other EuroLeague teams, Valencia used the period after the 17th round to strengthen their roster, signing Kevin Pangos and Justin Anderson, adding more depth. Chris Jones and Stefan Jovic effectively manage the backcourt, while Jared Harper is always capable of scoring in bunches. However, the trio of Brandon Davies, Damien Inglis and Semi Ojeleye has been instrumental in Valencia’s recent success, especially on the defensive end, contributing to one of the best defensive ratings in the EuroLeague.
Good defense will be key in this game, especially against Zalgiris, who excel in three-point shooting. Valencia will have a significant advantage in the frontcourt, and if they exploit that, they will be close to securing their 11th victory in the EuroLeague.
Zalgiris Team News
The coaching change hasn’t had a notable impact on Zalgiris. After a hard-fought win against Alba Berlin, they suffered an easy defeat to Asvel in France, bringing their record to 6-13. The loss in Villeurbanne in situation around Gianmarco Pozzecco reflects the crisis the Kaunas-based club is currently facing.
For those who understand basketball, it’s clear that Kazys Maksvytis wasn’t the issue in Zalgiris. The roster lacks the quality for better results in the EuroLeague. Apart from Keenan Evans, there is no player capable of consistently scoring in double digits. Edgaras Ulanovas and Rolands Smits are not performing at the level of the previous season, and the center line with Kevarrius Hayes and Laurynas Birutis may have the least individual talent in the EuroLeague. They heavily rely on three-point shooting, and when that doesn’t work, they are vulnerable, as demonstrated in their two losses to Asvel this season.
The only way Zalgiris can threaten Valencia is with an exceptionally high three-point shooting percentage. If they don’t reach a 40% success rate in that aspect, they are likely to suffer another away defeat. Andrea Trinchieri is an excellent coach, but he’s not a magician.
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Valencia vs Zalgiris H2H
Valencia celebrated a victory in Kaunas over two months ago by 87:72. They have played a total of 12 times, with the Spanish club holding a 7-5 advantage.
Absences and Injuries
Victor Claver is injured and will not play for Valencia, while Boubacar Toure is questionable. Arnas Butkevicius is sidelined for Zalgiris.
Valencia vs Zalgiris Prediction
Valencia plays one of the best defenses in the EuroLeague, and they are likely to find success against Zalgiris’ offense. Expect the guests not to be too interested in accelerating the pace, as it won’t give them an advantage against the hosts. Better option for them is a low-scoring game with a better shooting percentage. That’s why the safest bet is fewer points than the offered limit.
Tip-off Time: Tuesday, 09.01.2024, 20:30 CET
Prediction: Under 159.5 points
Odds: 1.76
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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