Crvena Zvezda vs Partizan: Analysis and Prediction – Crvena Zvezda will host Partizan in the ABA League Round 18.
Crvena Zvezda vs Partizan Odds
Crvena Zvezda Team News
Crvena Zvezda approaches this “Eternal Derby” at the top of the ABA League with 15 wins and only two losses. A victory here would almost certainly confirm their home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, crucial in previous years.
However, the hosts face the derby in a less-than-ideal atmosphere after a significant defeat to Alba in Berlin on Thursday, which greatly diminished their chances of reaching the EuroLeague play-in. The defense is at a low level, and there seems to be a struggle to disrupt opponents’ quality offenses. The absence of Milos Teodosic has affected offensive creativity lately, and Luka Mitrovic is finding it challenging to regain his early-season form. The burden mostly falls on Rokas Giedraitis and Joel Bolomboy, with the need for additional players to contribute for a positive result.
A subpar EuroLeague season could only be masked by winning the ABA League title. A potential loss here could jeopardize their top spot, making this the only way to maintain a positive atmosphere before a crucial upcoming week in both competitions.
Partizan Team News
Partizan enters this game with four consecutive wins in the ABA League and currently sits in second place with a 13-4 record. To climb to the top of the table, they must win this match, then win all remaining regular-season games, hoping that Crvena Zvezda loses at least one more game.
Last season, a similar situation saw Crvena Zvezda unexpectedly lose the top spot with a defeat to Cibona in Zagreb. Partizan is still in the fight for the ABA League top spot, and while they won’t give up, they might approach the game more relaxed than the hosts. They prepared well with a win against Zalgiris in the EuroLeague. Crucially, head coach Zeljko Obradovic has all players available for the first time this season. PJ Dozier had an impressive performance on Friday, Zach LeDay was also notable, and James Nunnally consistently delivers. Captain Kevin Punter is awaited for an impressive performance, and this might be the opportunity.
Partizan suffered a significant defeat to Crvena Zvezda in the EuroLeague three weeks ago. LeDay, Avramovic and Trifunovic were absent in that match, and they have a vital defensive contribution. All three of them are healthy now. If Partizan execute defensively, they have a great chance of securing a victory.
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Crvena Zvezda vs Partizan H2H
This will be the fourth encounter between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan this season. Partizan leads 2-1, but Crvena Zvezda claimed victory in the EuroLeague three weeks ago with a score of 88:72.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Topic is injured and will not play for Crvena Zvezda, while Milos Teodosic is questionable. Partizan have all players available.
Crvena Zvezda vs Partizan Prediction
Crvena Zvezda entered the previous derby in a better momentum, but Partizan now approaches this derby with improved team morale. Partizan performed well against Zalgiris, and things generally look better since the last defeat to their biggest rival. The hosts heavily depend on Teodosic, who has been out for two weeks. Despite expectations that he will play, the lack of practice will likely be felt. Partizan currently has more offensive options, and if they defensively respond to the task, they have a better chance than Crvena Zvezda.
Tip-off Time: Sunday, 28.01.2024, 19:00 CET
Prediction: Partizan to win
Odds: 2.13
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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