Lithuania vs Greece: Analysis and Prediction – The winner of the game between Lithuania and Greece will open the doors to the World Cup quarterfinals.
Lithuania vs Greece Odds
Lithuania vs Greece (1/2): 1.30 / 3.52
Asian Handicap (-7.5 / +7.5): 1.88 / 1.90
Total Over/Under (162.5): 1.88 / 1.88
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Lithuania Team News
Throughout the summer, much has been said about all the players missing from Lithuania’s roster at the World Cup. However, their absence hasn’t been felt in their gameplay so far. Kazys Maksvytis’ team easily defeated Egypt, Mexico, and Montenegro, starting the second phase with a perfect record.
As expected, Jonas Valanciunas and Rokas Jokubaitis are the two players around whom Lithuania’s offense revolves. Mindaugas Kuzminskas brings significant experience and quality when representing the national team. When it comes to Kuzminskas, he consistently performs better for the national team than for his club. Donatas Motiejunas may not have the same role as he does at Monaco, but his presence remains a significant asset for Lithuania. Ignas Brazdeikis fulfills multiple tasks on both ends of the court, while Tomas Dimsa and Margiris Normantas are three-point threat from bench.
In previous major tournaments, Lithuania often achieved results below expectations. Currently, nobody saw them contending for a medal, yet a victory against Greece would essentially secure their place in the quarterfinals. The stakes are high, and this will be a pivotal test for this team.
Greece Team News
Greece’s ambitions for this World Cup vanished when it was announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo would not play due to injury. This team simply lacks offensive potential, which became evident in the first phase.
In the decisive match against New Zealand, Greece trailed by a double-digit margin at halftime. Nevertheless, Ioannis Papapetrou and Giannoulis Larentzakis took responsibility and prevented a major embarrassment. Nikos Rogkavopoulos poses the biggest threat from beyond the arc, although, to everyone’s surprise, Thomas Walkup demonstrated a high three-point shooting percentage. However, the final outcome largely depends on how much they can extract from their potential defense.
One of the crucial aspects in this game will be to keep Georgios Papagiannis away from personal fouls. He will need to battle with Valanciunas for over 30 minutes and neutralize the New Orleans Pelicans center as much as possible. If he can also contribute from long range, anything is possible.
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Lithuania vs Greece H2H
It’s been six years since Lithuania and Greece faced each other in an official game. Greece triumphed by 77:64 in the EuroBasket quarterfinals back then.
Absences and Injuries
Domantas Sabonis, Edgaras Ulanovas, Rokas Giedraitis, Lukas Lekavicius and Marius Grigonis are not playing for Lithuania at this World Cup. Greece is without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kostas Sloukas and Nick Calathes.
Lithuania vs Greece Prediction
Unlike Greece, which can offer something solely in defense, Lithuania boasts talent on both ends of the court. They’ve maintained an excellent rhythm so far, had an extra day for rest and game preparation, and we expect all these factors to come into play here. For Greece to have any chance, they need an exceptional three-point shooting percentage, but open shots won’t come as easily as they did against New Zealand.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 01.09.2023, 14:40 CET
Prediction: Lithuania -6.5
Odds: 1.74
Sportsbook: 22Bet
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