Valencia vs Murcia: Analysis and Prediction – Valencia will host Murcia in the Liga Endesa Quarterfinals Game 1.
Valencia vs Murcia Odds
Valencia Team News
Valencia has experienced a highly turbulent season. It started off promisingly, with the team looking like a significant play-off contender in the EuroLeague. However, a series of poor results in the spring led to the dismissal of head coach Alex Mumbru. Despite this setback, the team managed to secure the fourth place in the Liga Endesa, ensuring home-court advantage in the quarterfinals.
Valencia’s success earlier in the season was largely due to their excellent defense. The core trio of Brandon Davies, Semi Ojeleye and Damien Inglis performed exceptionally well in the paint, while the backcourt players also contributed significantly on the defensive end. The club’s management hoped that Kevin Pangos and Justin Anderson would elevate the team’s quality, but this did not materialize as expected. Chris Jones had a season almost identical to the previous one and remains one of the team’s leaders, a statement that also applies to Jared Harper when he is healthy, despite frequent injury issues. Xabi Lopez-Arostegui is another crucial factor for the team.
With Real Madrid and Barcelona not standing in their path to the Liga Endesa finals, Valencia has a great opportunity to rectify past shortcomings and aim for the championship. To have a chance at this, they must first overcome Murcia, which requires an outstanding defensive performance.
Murcia Team News
Murcia has been one of the biggest surprises in Spanish basketball this season. Finishing in fifth place, something few expected, all credit goes to head coach Sito Alonso, who has done an impressive job. They also performed well in the FIBA Champions League, reaching the semifinals before being eliminated by Unicaja.
Statistically, only Unicaja, Real Madrid and Breogan played better defense than Murcia, which is the key to their success. Coach Alonso has built an exceptionally powerful defensive team capable of slowing down almost any offense in Spain. Dylan Ennis is responsible for offensive production and has established himself as a leader during Simon Birgander’s injury absence. Jonah Radebaugh has integrated well after a weak stint at Galatasaray, while the Kurucs brothers and Howard Sant-Roos are defensive powerhouses. Ludde Hakanson is also a highly dangerous offensive option.
Murcia has lost both games against Valencia this season, which adds extra motivation for them in this series. They face a team that plays a similar style of basketball but has much higher-quality individuals. This is a significant challenge for Murcia as they seek to find a way to overcome Valencia and create an upset in this quarterfinals.
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Valencia vs Murcia H2H
Valencia narrowly defeated Murcia on this same court two months ago with an 83:82 victory. Before that, they won by 85:77 away in overtime.
Absences and Injuries
Kevin Pangos, Boubacar Toure and Nate Reuvers are out for Valencia due to injuries. Simon Birgander and Marko Todorovic are unavailable for Murcia, with Rodions Kurucs being questionable.
Valencia vs Murcia Prediction
If Murcia were at full strength, their chances in this series would be much higher. However, they still pose a threat to Valencia because of their extremely tough defense. Both teams excel on the defensive end, and this points total is simply too high. If there is no overtime, it is likely that the combined score will not even reach 160 points, let alone 170.
Tip-off Time: Saturday, 18.05.2024, 18:00 CET
Prediction: Under 168.5 points
Odds: 1.72
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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