Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris: Analysis and Prediction – Crvena Zvezda will host Zalgiris in the EuroLeague Round 26.
Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris Odds
Crvena Zvezda Team News
Crvena Zvezda had a good opportunity to move closer to the top 10 in the EuroLeague, but they couldn’t capitalize on it as Barcelona convincingly defeated them in Belgrade last Friday. The red and whites cannot afford any more mistakes, and this is a game they must win at all costs.
Truth be told, Crvena Zvezda has had issues with injuries in the past month. Milos Teodosic missed several crucial games, as did Nemanja Nedovic, and Nikola Topić hasn’t played three consecutive games since returning to the club. In such circumstances, the burden in the backcourt has fallen on Yago dos Santos, who is not yet at a level to carry all that himself. Rokas Giedraitis is one of the few consistently performing players throughout the season, along with Joel Bolomboy, who is by far the most valuable player under the basket for Crvena Zvezda. Luka Mitrovic is also searching for his form, and if he finds it, the home team’s chances will increase.
The primary goal for Crvena Zvezda will be to make three-pointers difficult for Zalgiris, as it is their strongest point. The hosts will undoubtedly have a significant advantage under the basket, and it would be a surprise if they don’t exploit it to the fullest through Bolomboy and Mitrovic.
Zalgiris Team News
Zalgiris has been playing exceptionally well lately, winning three out of four games in the EuroLeague and currently holding a 10-15 record. They convincingly defeated Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes and Panathinaikos at home, indicating that Andrea Trinchieri has quickly restored confidence to the team.
These recent significant wins suggest that Zalgiris may have more quality than the results they have achieved this season. Trinchieri has unlocked many elements that were missing under the previous coach, and they surely dream of reaching the 10th position. To achieve that, they will need some big wins on the road, and one such win could be in Belgrade. Keenan Evans is by far the most important player for Zalgiris, while Rolands Smits and Edgaras Ulanovas have found the level they were at last season. Laurynas Birutis is playing the basketball of his life, and they will heavily depend on players like him.
Although no one sees Zalgiris seriously contending for the top 10, a win here would keep them in the play-in race. That’s enough motivation to see their best performance, and for a victory in Belgrade, they will primarily need to outmuscle Crvena Zvezda’s frontcourt.
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Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris H2H
Zalgiris won against Crvena Zvezda by 79:74 in Kaunas at the beginning of the season. Out of the last 10 matchups, six have been won by the Lithuanian club.
Absences and Injuries
Nikola Topic is injured and will not play for Crvena Zvezda. Zalgiris has all players available.
Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris Prediction
When Teodosic and Nedovic are healthy, Crvena Zvezda’s chances significantly increase in every game. This is especially true when they play in front of their fans, who will undoubtedly fill the “Stark Arena” in large numbers once again. Zalgiris has been in great form lately, but all those victories were achieved in Kaunas. In this environment, it’s logical to give the advantage to the home team, which also has a much higher individual quality.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 09.02.2024, 20:00 CET
Prediction: Crvena Zvezda -4
Odds: 1.77
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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