Lithuania vs Puerto Rico: Analysis and Prediction – As part of preparations for the FIBA World Cup, Lithuania and Puerto Rico will play a game.
Lithuania vs Puerto Rico Odds
Lithuania vs Puerto Rico (1/2): 1.025 / 10.50
Asian Handicap (-18.5 / +18.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Total Over/Under (169.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook
Lithuania Team News
Lithuania already played eight preparation games. They won five, and lost three of them. Wins were achieved against Jordan (twice), Ukraine and Georgia, while they lost to Finland and France twice. In the last match they won against Finland.
Without a doubt, the first name of this team is Jonas Valanciunas. The Memphis Grizzlies center either achieves a double-double in every match or comes very close to achieving it. On the other hand, in the backcourt, the best players of this team are two young men. Rokas Jokubaitis and Ignas Brazdeikis, for the first time, are taking on leading roles in the national team, and we will see how they will handle the pressure.
In these preparatory matches, Lithuania has demonstrated consistency: they win against teams weaker than them and lose to teams stronger than them. Puerto Rico is a weaker team compared to the Lithuanians, so there shouldn’t be any issues in this match.
![Lithuania](https://basketballsphere.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/FIBA-Svetsko-prvenstvo-Litvanija.jpeg)
Puerto Rico Team News
So far, Puerto Rico has played four preparatory matches. After winning the first match against the Dominican Republic, they experienced three convincing defeats. The United States, Italy, and Serbia have shown that they are much more quality teams compared to Puerto Rico.
In the current phase of the preparatory period, Puerto Rico has chosen to play against teams that are much more skilled than them. Porto Rico hasn’t played any match in front of their own fans. The opponents they selected would have posed a significant challenge even for much more quality teams than themselves. The defeats they’ve experienced are not surprising at all.
The evident gap in quality between them and their previous rivals has proven difficult for the Puerto Rico to bridge. It’s very likely to be the same this time against Lithuania. It was evident in the previous matchups that Puerto Rico lacks players who can contend with dominant inside players. Their only hope in this match is to shot at high percentages while hoping that the Lithuania shot at low percentages.
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Lithuania vs Puerto Rico H2H
These two teams have played two matches so far, both times at the Olympic Games. Lithuania has won both times, but with eight and four points difference, respectively.
Absence and injuries
Many players won’t be part of this Lithuanian roster. Domantas Sabonis, Rokas Giedraitis, Lukas Lekavicius, Marius Grigonis and Edgaras Ulanovas are out. For Puerto Rico national team Jose Alvarado is absent due to his team’s decision.
Lithuania vs Puerto Rico Prediction
When at its peak, Lithuania is 20 points better than Puerto Rico, even in this lineup. Coaches demand maximum effort from players as the championship approaches. Despite unfavorable circumstances, Puerto Rico finished a match against Serbia less than 60 hours before this match, followed by a 12-hour journey. The players are still under the influence of jet lag. Lithuania played game two days before them, and they come to Asia earlier.
Considering all the factors mentioned, we suggest a convincing win for Lithuania, by no less than 19 points.
Tip-off Time: Saturday 19.08.2023, 08:00 CET
Prediction: Lithuania -18.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: Bet365