Fenerbahce vs Virtus: Analysis and Prediction – Fenerbahce will play at home against Virtus in the EuroLeague Round 23.
Fenerbahce vs Virtus Odds
Fenerbahce Team News
Fenerbahce was demolished by Zalgiris last week by 98:75. Sarunas Jasikevicius emphasized that it was the most shameful defeat in his coaching career, leaving the Istanbul-based club at 13-9. Typically, a reaction follows such a loss, and the team will strive for that this week.
The problem for Fenerbahce lies in the absence of their two best defenders. Nigel Hayes-Davis has been injured for some time, and Dyshawn Pierre suffered a similar fate against Zalgiris. These two players are crucial for Fenerbahce’s defense, meaning Jasikevicius will have to improvise against Virtus. Marko Guduric hasn’t had an impressive season, but this might be the game for him to step into the spotlight. Tyler Dorsey is finding a great shooting rhythm, and Scottie Wilbekin occasionally shows glimpses of his best days.
Rarely this season has Fenerbahce been overpowered in the paint, and that could be the case in this round. Johnathan Motley and Georgios Papagiannis need to match up against Bryant Dunston and Ante Zizic, otherwise, Fenerbahce’s win could be in jeopardy.
Virtus Team News
After a significant comeback in the fourth quarter, Virtus defeated Asvel in the last EuroLeague round, maintaining their third position with 15 wins and seven losses. There is still a lot of work ahead to secure home-court advantage in the quarterfinals, but their chances are more than solid.
A potential win in Istanbul would be of great help. In that case, Virtus would have three more wins and a better head-to-head record than Fenerbahce, a strong contender for their position. The availability of Toko Shengelia is crucial. With him on the court, Virtus’ head coach Luca Banchi will have various options in the low post. Marco Belinelli and Daniel Hackett have been playing well lately, and Gabriel Lundberg often contributes significantly off the bench.
To overcome Fenerbahce on the road, all Virtus players must contribute and play their roles. Dunston, Mickey and Zizic need to control the situation in the paint, and if Shengelia plays, they have a good chance to establish dominance inside, which could be decisive.
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Fenerbahce vs Virtus H2H
Virtus won against Fenerbahce this season in Bologna by 87:79. The Italian club leads 2-1 in the overall head-to-head as well.
Absences and Injuries
Nigel Hayes-Davis and Dyshawn Pierre will not play for Fenerbahce, while Nate Sestina and Tarik Biberovic are questionable. Devontae Cacok is sidelined for Virtus, and Ognjen Dobric and Toko Shengelia are game time decision.
Fenerbahce vs Virtus Prediction
Considering Virtus suffered two heavy defeats in their previous away games, many may expect a similar fate in Istanbul. However, Virtus has had enough time to prepare for this match, and their third position in the EuroLeague is no coincidence. Without Hayes-Davis and Pierre, Fenerbahce’s defense will likely struggle, and Virtus could capitalize on that to stay close until the end, possibly causing a major upset.
Tip-off Time: Thursday, 25.01.2024, 18:45 CET
Prediction: Virtus +6.5
Odds: 1.86
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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