Baskonia vs Virtus: Analysis and Prediction – Baskonia and Virtus will play an EuroLeague play-in game in Vitoria.
Baskonia vs Virtus Odds
Baskonia Team News
Baskonia was, at one point, metaphorically speaking, on the ropes. They needed to win one of two games, both away games against Real Madrid and Virtus, to stay in contention for play in. They triumphed in both, after that they suffer a resounding loss against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Belgrade in first match of play-in tournament.
Head coach Dusko Ivanovic took charge of the team for the fourth time in his career and managed to guide them to the play-in. After missing out on the first opportunity to reach the quarterfinals, they now have another chance. Markus Howard and Chima Moneke are undoubtedly two key factors. The former NBA player is in phenomenal form, and it’s crucial for his shooting percentages to remain high. Chima Moneke sustained an injury against Maccabi Tel Aviv, but we believe the medical team will do everything in their power to get him ready for this game. Codi Miller-McIntyre is playing well, and it’s expected that Vanja Marinkovic can make a significant contribution.
Baskonia plays a style of basketball where they impose their pace on every opponent. This will be their primary objective against Virtus, to tire out the oldest team in the EuroLeague with their fast-paced transition game and three-point shooting.
Virtus Team News
Virtus was the most pleasant surprise in the early part of the season, spending a large portion of the competition among the top four teams in the standings. In the latter part of the season, they suffered seven consecutive losses, only to pull off a major upset in Istanbul by defeating Anadolu Efes.
Virtus is the oldest team in the EuroLeague in terms of average age. This can be a double-edged sword, but in this case, experience is a factor that works in their favor. Tornike Shengelia is the leader of this team in every sense. Marco Belinelli, Bryant Dunston, and Daniel Hackett are capable of making a difference, both offensively and defensively, against any opponent. Iffe Lundberg has decided games in Istanbul and several other close finishes this season. He and Isaia Cordinier could be key in Virtus’ backcourt, as they will not only strive to limit Markus Howard but also threaten with three-point shooting. Awudu Abass, Ognjen Dobric, and Alessandro Pajola, along with Jordan Mickey, can cause plenty of problems, especially defensively against any opponent, with the former two threatening from beyond the arc.
Virtus succeeded in Istanbul in their intent to slow the game down and impose themselves physically to highlight all their qualities. The same formula for success will be applied in Vitoria.
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Baskonia vs Virtus H2H
Absences and Injuries
Baskonia vs Virtus Prediction
Tip-off Time: Friday, 19.04.2024, 20:30 CET
Prediction: Under 166.5 points
Odds: 2.00
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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