Finland vs Bahamas: Analysis and Prediction – Finland will play against Bahamas in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament Round 1.
Finland vs Bahamas Odds
Finland Team News
Last year, Finland was one of the biggest disappointments at the FIBA World Cup. They finished last in their group, losing all their games by double digits to Australia, Japan and Germany. Consequently, expectations for them in Spain this summer are not high.
It has been exactly 60 years since Finland last participated in the basketball event at the Olympics, and it will likely be some time before we see them on that stage again. Although they have had some success in past Eurobasket tournaments, this situation doesn’t appear favorable for them. One of the main reasons is the absence of their best player, Lauri Markkanen. Due to a shoulder injury, he missed many games at the end of the season and decided to skip playing for the national team this summer. Without him, Finland lacks the depth of quality players needed to compete against teams like the Bahamas and Spain. Veteran Sasu Salin, Paris’ Mikael Jantunen, and Elias Valtonen will once again play significant roles, and reaching the semifinals would be an achievement.
Head coach Lassi Tuovi will certainly have headaches preparing a game plan for the Bahamas. Finland likes to play at a fast pace and shoot a lot of three-pointers, but that would be disastrous in this matchup. How well they adapt will determine how long they can stay competitive in their first qualification game.
Bahamas Team News
The Bahamas have never participated in a major international tournament, but that might change soon. They have assembled team with several outstanding NBA players, which is why they are competing in this qualifying tournament in Valencia.
Ten months ago, the Bahamas reached the Olympic Qualifying Tournament by eliminating Argentina in pre-qualifying, a team featuring players like Facundo Campazzo, Luca Vildoza and Gabriel Deck. Within a few days, the Bahamas beat Argentina twice and deservedly found themselves in Valencia this year. Since then, their team has become even stronger. Core players remain the same – Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon, giving head coach Chris DeMarco three legitimate NBA players to work with. With such talent, the Bahamas hope to challenge Spain in the anticipated final of this qualifying tournament in Valencia.
Some players like Gordon skipped some friendly games and will join the team just before their clash with Finland. The Bahamas might need some time to find their rhythm, but once they do, they have a clear advantage in individual talent in this game.
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Finland vs Bahamas H2H
This is the first time Finland and the Bahamas will face each other.
Absences and Injuries
Lauri Markkanen will not play for Finland in this tournament due to a shoulder injury. Kai Jones and Isaiah Mobley are out for Bahamas..
Finland vs Bahamas Prediction
Even if Markkanen were healthy and playing with Finland, their chances of upsetting the Bahamas would still be slim. Results from friendly matches do not accurately reflect the quality of both teams. The Bahamas showcased their level of basketball against Argentina last year, and there’s no doubt we will see their best performance once the game tips off. With a lineup featuring players like Gordon, Hield and Ayton, they are capable of competing with some of the best national teams in the world, so they should handle this challenge with minimal drama.
Tip-off Time: Tuesday, 02.07.2024, 17:30 CET
Prediction: Bahamas -4.5
Odds: 1.80
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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