PAOK vs Benfica: Analysis and Prediction – PAOK will play at home against Benfica in the FIBA Champions League round four.
PAOK vs Benfica Odds
PAOK Team News
PAOK has left a strange impression in the FIBA Champions League so far. First, they caused a major upset by defeating Galatasaray at road, but then they suffered a routine loss to Benfica in Portugal. In the third round, they were better than Hapoel Jerusalem, last season’s finalist in this competition.
These three results indicate that PAOK plays with certain ups and downs, but when you beat teams like Hapoel Jerusalem and Galatasaray, it’s clear that the quality exists. Center Justin Alston is a true double-double machine. He signed for the team at the beginning of November and brought instant quality. Andrew Harrison consistently puts in solid performances, while Laurynas Beliauskas and Elvar Fridriksson are always dangerous in three-point shooting. Now, they also have Kendall Smith, who scored 16 points against Hapoel.
In case they defeat Benfica, PAOK would almost certainly secure at least a play-in spot in the FIBA Champions League. Of course, they would give themselves an excellent chance to finish in the first position that leads to the top 16. They have much better players than the opponents, and they will be eager to seek revenge for the heavy defeat in Lisbon.
Benfica Team News
After defeating PAOK in their first game in the FIBA Champions League this season, Benfica suffered two expected losses. They lost convincingly to Hapoel Jerusalem and Galatasaray, clearly showing that they are the weakest team in this group.
Former NBA player Toney Douglas is playing for Benfica for the second season and with his experience, has emerged as one of the leaders. Ivan Almeida may not have had a career like Douglas, but he contributes equally to Benfica’s good results in recent years. There are also Terrell Carter and Trey Drechsel as important players for coach Norberto Alves’ system. Benfica has a good balance between inside play and three-point shooting, but the quality is not on their side.
A convincing win against PAOK in Lisbon surely gives Benfica the belief that they can repeat a similar performance. Carter was unstoppable in the paint in that game, and he will again have one of the key roles for the Portuguese champions.
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PAOK vs Benfica H2H
In the game played on November 1st, Benfica defeated PAOK by 94:72. This is the only time these two clubs have played against each other.
Absences and Injuries
Jamuni McNeace is injured and will not play for PAOK in this match. Benfica has no injury concerns ahead of this duel.
PAOK vs Benfica Prediction
On neutral ground, PAOK is better than Benfica by a double-digit margin. Playing in front of their fans in Thessaloniki, with the desire to avenge the defeat in Lisbon, the black-and-whites will surely be highly motivated to secure a win. They can play defense at an incomparably higher level and intensity than Benfica, and in the offense, they have more talent than the visitors.
Tip-off Time: Wednesday, 29.11.2023, 18:30 CET
Prediction: PAOK -4.5
Odds: 1.74
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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