Baskonia vs Zalgiris: Analysis and Prediction – Baskonia and Zalgiris will play a game in the fourth round EuroLeague.
Baskonia vs Zalgiris Odds
Baskonia Team News
Baskonia is experiencing some issues at the start of the season, though this isn’t entirely out of character for them. In the EuroLeague, out of the three games they’ve played, they’ve only clinched one win against Alba Berlin, suffering losses to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
What’s glaringly evident in Baskonia’s play at the season’s outset is Marcus Howard underwhelming performance. Following the departure of Darius Thompson, expectations were high for Howard to shoulder more responsibility given his shooting prowess, but that hasn’t materialized yet. Chima Moneke stands out as the only individual who’s consistently delivered since the season started. Vanja Marinkovic had a solid game against Bayern Munich, but his team couldn’t clinch the win. Tadas Sedekerskis offers modest contributions, Matt Costello could bring more to the table, while Codi Miller-McIntyre faces the daunting task of filling Thompson’s shoes, leading to an inconsistent rhythm at the season’s start.
Coach Joan Penarroya has mentioned that he would be satisfied if they could replicate last season’s number of wins. However, Baskonia can and should display much more if they aim for success. Their aspiration should be to place among the top ten, from which they’d seek opportunities in the play-in rounds. But the reality is that their current play doesn’t align with these ambitions.
Zalgiris Team News
At the start of the season, amidst an incredibly challenging schedule, Zalgiris can be content with what they’ve achieved. After dramatic come-from-behind wins against Virtus and Crvena Zvezda, they suffered a loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish capital.
Coach Kazys Maksvyitis falls into the category of experts capable of achieving results with a mid-tier team in a competitive environment. His system of perfectly allocated roles and tasks is working seamlessly, as demonstrated by Zalgiris’s commendable start to the season. Rolands Smits and Keenan Evans stand out as the duo driving the team forward. The Lithuanian squad’s rhythm dictates that in every match, a different player has the potential to shine, with Edgaras Ulanovas and the rest of the crew always giving their utmost against any opponent. Sometimes their efforts lead to a win, but one thing’s for certain: Zalgiris never goes down without a fight.
Facing Zalgiris, no team – even if they’re the favorites – should prematurely chalk up a win. That’s the situation Baskonia finds themselves in now, battling a slight crisis in results, while Zalgiris approaches every match aiming to surprise their adversary. Truth be told, Zalgiris seldom holds the favorite’s mantle. This underdog status suits them, as the absence of that type of pressure allows them to continually evolve as a team.
Every day, “Basketball Sphere” provides all its readers with the best predictions for today’s games.
If you are reading our analysis for the first time, then it is important to mention that every day we also offer to our readers a “Acca of the Day” completely free.
Baskonia vs Zalgiris H2H
In the previous season, they faced each other twice, and each team won on their home court. When we look at a larger sample of games, over the last six head-to-head games, the record stands at 3-3. Neither team managed to secure a win on the guest court.
Absences and Injuries
In the Zalgiris team, Arnas Butkevicius did not play against Real Madrid. It remains uncertain whether he will play in this match. All other players from both teams are available for this game.
Baskonia vs Zalgiris Prediction
In this matchup, considering the strengths and playing styles of both teams, it’s clear that Baskonia possesses greater quality and offensive firepower, especially on their home court. In the duels between these teams over the past five seasons, only three times has the visiting team emerged win. According to statistical metrics, Baskonia shoots much better in their own arena, so a repeat of this trend can be expected in this match. Zalgiris has expended a lot of energy in the first three rounds of the EuroLeague, while the Spanish side is keen to make amends and find their true form. An ideal opportunity for this will be their fourth-round matchup, where they’ll host Zalgiris. We anticipate a convincing win for Baskonia by a margin greater than what’s been suggested.
Tip-off Time: Thursday, 18.10.2023, 20:30 CET
Prediction: Baskonia -4.5
Odds: 1.78
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
We found the best odds for this game at the popular 22Bet sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today.