Netherlands vs Croatia – Analysis and Prediction: This will be the third round Olympics pre-qualification game.
Netherlands vs Croatia Odds
Netherlands vs Croatia (1/2): 11.00 /1.02
Asian Handicap (+18.5 / -18.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Total Over/Under (157.5): 1.83 / 1.83
Odds via Bet365 Sportsbook
Netherlands Team News
Netherlands played two extremely interesting matches in the first two rounds. After they were defeated in overtime by Sweden 91:89, drama was also seen against Belgium. Then they celebrated 78:76 and their basket difference is 167:167.
In the two mentioned games, the most notable was Jesse Edwards. PAOK guard Yannick Franke also played two good games. They will need a lot more than that to pull off any surprise against Croatia. It is also worth mentioning forward Emmanuel Nzekwesia who can contribute.
There is a chance that the Netherlands will go to the next stage, but only with a win. That will happen if Belgium beat Sweden, but it is clear that the situation in which any team depends on the outcome of the second game is not promising.
Croatia Team News
Without friendly games, after four wins in the qualifiers for the Eurobasket, Croatia celebrated four times. Then, at the opening of this tournament, they convincingly beat Belgium, and they recorded their sixth win in a row against Sweden.
During these pre-qualifications, Croatia performs very well. It is clear that the response of two players from the best league in the world, as well as two from the Euroleague, makes a huge difference compared to the opponents. Belgium and Sweden felt that on their own skin.
Croatia have a respectable roster, there are a couple of NBA players (Dario Saric and Ivica Zubac), as well as several players from the Euroleague (Mario Hezonja and Jaleen Smith). This base should be quite enough to overcome a team like the Netherlands, which does not have outstanding individuals.
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Netherlands vs Croatia H2H
In five meetings between each other, Croatia won three times.
Absences and Injuries
Croatia arrived at the tournament in Istanbul without Bojan Bogdanovc, who said goodbye to playing for the national team earlier this year, but also without young centers Karlo Matkovic and Danko Brankovic. None of the Netherlands players are injured.
Netherlands vs Croatia – Prediction
After the opening two rounds, the statistics and the quality on the court say only one thing. Any other outcome than a convincing win for Croatia would be a big surprise. Croatia plays extremely well on the wings of their leading players and we should expect them to convincingly outplay the Netherlands.
Tip-off Time: Wednesday, 16.08.2023, 16:00 CET
Prediction: Croatia -18.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: Bet365