Lietkabelis vs Zalgiris: Analysis and Prediction – Lietkabelis will play against Zalgiris in the finals of the Lithuanian Cup at Kaunas.
Lietkabelis vs Zalgiris Odds
Lietkabelis Team News
Lietkabelis has been in excellent form lately, securing six consecutive victories in all competitions. In the Lithuanian Cup semi-final, they first eliminated Neptunas, followed by a superb performance in the semi-final, defeating Rytas 94:86.
Despite a slow start to the season, the return of Serbian head coach Nenad Canak has stabilized the team’s play. They’ve begun to play more as a cohesive unit, resembling their form from the previous season. A much-improved ball movement, focusing on domestic players, has been pivotal, especially in recent matches. Key offensive options include Gediminas Orelik, who has scored in double digits in the last five matches (averaging 15.4 points per game), and Deividas Sirvydis. However, the standout performer in the semi-final was center Djordje Gagić, who recorded a double-double with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Lietkabelis will compete in the Lithuanian Cup final for the fourth time.
Head coach Nenad Canak emphasizes the importance of quality defense for his teams. After initial difficulties upon his return, the team has shown improvement defensively, which will be crucial in the final, along with three-point shooting percentages.
Zalgiris Team News
Zalgiris has been in excellent form recently, stringing together seven consecutive victories in all competitions. In the Lithuanian Cup semi-final, they faced a tougher challenge than expected against Siauliai, winning 87:77 and earning a chance to vie for the trophy once again.
Zalgiris had one of their worst performances since the arrival of coach Andrea Trinchieri in the semi-final. Players’ insistence on sometimes unreasonable three-point shots created tension within the team. However, they managed to turn things around, with experienced Lukas Lekavicius rallying the team. Uncharacteristically, they struggled with rebounding and three-point shooting. Zalgiris excels in transition offense this season, with Keenan Evans posing a threat with his fast-paced play and penetration. They cannot afford to leave him open for three-pointers. Laurynas Birutis has made significant progress, becoming a threat in pick-and-roll situations and contributing significantly to rim protection. Additionally, Rolands Smits is improving and making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Zalgiris is always a favorite for trophy contention in Lithuania, requiring utmost seriousness and imposing their faster pace. With a deeper roster, they can maintain a stronger tempo throughout the game and need to minimize the lapses they experienced in the semi-final.
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Lietkabelis vs Zalgiris H2H
Zalgiris has won three consecutive games against Lietkabelis, including two victories this season with scores of 80:68 and 69:63. In their last five matches, Zalgiris has emerged victorious in four encounters.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Popovic was absent from the lineup in the semifinals, and his participation in the trophy match remains uncertain. Dovydas Giedraitis will not play for Zalgiris as he sustained an injury in the semifinals.
Lietkabelis vs Zalgiris Prediction
Both teams are in good form ahead of the final. Zalgiris is the favorite, while Lietkabelis aims to surprise the big favorite. They can offer a lot offensively, especially in three-point shooting, and it’s unlikely that Zalgiris will have another bad day in the Lithuanian Cup.
Tip-off Time: Sunday, 18.02.2024, 18:15 CET
Prediction: Over 157.5 points
Odds: 1.71
Sportsbook: BC.GAME
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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