Besiktas vs Merkezefendi: Analysis and Prediction – Besiktas and Merkezefendi will play a game in the fourth round Turkish Super League.
Besiktas vs Merkezefendi Odds
Besiktas Team News
Besiktas strung together four consecutive wins at the start of the season across all competitions, until they suffered a Turkish Super League loss to Bursaspor after overtime. They quickly healed the wounds from that defeat with a win over Cedevita Olimpija in the EuroCup.
Jonah Mathews joined Besiktas after playing the previous season in the EuroLeague for Asvel, and early into the season, it’s evident that he was a great addition for the team coached by Dusan Alimpijevic. Over the last four games, he’s averaged nearly 20 points, and now he faces an opponent against which he can shine again. Frenchman Matt Mitchell fills up the stat sheet, but what’s most encouraging is the return of Derek Needham to the court. With him back, the team’s core trio is reunited, further enhancing their quality.
Besiktas has showcased a solid performance at the start of the season, and in most instances, they have lived up to their favored status. The system implemented by Dusan Alimpijevic, combined with a few players brought in per his preference, provides offensive depth. Now, it’s up to them to display their prowess against a weaker opponent.
Merkezefendi Team News
Considering the end of the previous season, the preparation period, and the start of the new competitive year, Merkezefendi is in poor form, having won only twice in ten played games. In the first three rounds of the Turkish Super League, they were defeated each time.
Latvian guard Rihards Lomazs, after missing several games due to injury, proved he was worth the wait for this team. He first scored 15 points against Samsunspor and then poured in a whopping 31 points against Tofas. Center Daniel Oturu also delivers consistently, averaging 22 points over three games. Aside from this duo, Vrenz Bleijenbergh from Belgium plays solidly. However, the main shortcoming of this team is an over-reliance on individual talent and the lack of quality role players to make the team complete.
As we’ve already mentioned, individual quality cannot consistently result in wins. Besiktas will be one of the toughest opponents they’ve faced so far this season, and the entire team will need to contribute if they hope to compete in Istanbul. As we’ve noted before, their performance crisis and a short rotation do not bode well for them.
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.
Besiktas vs Merkezefendi H2H
These two teams have played four head-to-head games, and each has secured two wins. Interestingly, the visiting team has never managed to win in any of those games.
Absences and Injuries
After his injury, Egehan Arna has returned to the Besiktas lineup, as well as Derek Needham, who was sidelined for a while with a broken nose. Justin Robinson did not play in the last league game for Merkezefendi, raising questions about his participation against Besiktas.
Besiktas vs Merkezefendi Prediction
Based on everything mentioned, we have two teams with entirely contrasting attributes. On one side, there’s a coach who has quality players at his disposal and a system he rarely deviates from. The game crisis in Merkezefendi’s team stems from the fact that the team seems to serve as a platform for showcasing individual players, who aren’t surrounded by sufficiently skilled teammates to make significant progress. When you factor in that the game is in Istanbul, where Merkezefendi has never outplayed Besiktas, our suggestion is a convincing win for the home team.
Tip-off Time: Saturday, 21.10.2023, 14:30 CET
Prediction: Besiktas -10.5
Odds: 1.75
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.