Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda: Analysis and Prediction – Partizan and Crvena Zvezda will play a game in the ABA League fifth round.
Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda Odds
Partizan Team News
Heading into this game, Partizan has managed just one win out of four games played. After three consecutive losses to Barcelona, Olympiacos, and a surprise setback against Mega, they bounced back with a win against Crvena Zvezda in a Euroleague game that set the stage for this encounter.
The team, coached by Zeljko Obradovic, both in results and gameplay, echoes last season’s Partizan and their sluggish start. Of all the players, Zach LeDay and James Nunnally seem to be in top form, consistently delivering when needed. News emerged before this game that Kevin Punter won’t be available, so the guard line will shoulder additional responsibility. In their favor, Aleksa Avramovic has been delivering significant contributions at both ends of the court, and he was the game changer against Crvena Zvezda, pivotal in securing the win after a comeback. Frank Kaminsky is solid offensively but struggles with switching onto smaller players on defense and is still adjusting to the referees’ criteria. P.J. Dozier is becoming more involved in Partizan’s offensive schemes, and perhaps given all these circumstances, especially with the absence of captain Punter, the awakening of Ognjen Jaramaz is the most encouraging sign. Regarding the big men, Alen Smailagic will bear a significant responsibility in this game.
A win just a few days ago against their eternal rivals, another home game, and the confidence gained from overcoming a 12-point deficit in the last quarter are factors in Partizan’s favor. However, they have been plagued by inconsistencies in their gameplay, with rebounding control being their most pressing issue. Additional pressure stems from the fact that this game could ultimately decide who will have home-court advantage in the playoffs, making it a must-win for Partizan after their loss to Mega.
Crvena Zvezda Team News
When we look at the recent results of Crvena Zvezda in the ABA league, it’s clear they’ve been performing well. They remain undefeated in the league. However, coach Dusko Ivanovic was let go after three consecutive EuroLeague losses. Stepping into his place is Ioannis Sfairopoulos, who will undoubtedly face his own set of pressures.
In his debut game, his team defeated FMP, but the baptism of fire at the “Stark Arena” against Partizan resulted in a loss. The changes that are noticeable after just two games reflect a much better ball movement and the search for that “extra pass” to find the player in the best position on the court. Of all the players, especially the newcomers, Joel Bolomboy and Rokas Giedraitis stand out. Though they joined the team as role players, they’ve fit in without trying to be something they’re not. Bolomboy has showcased dominance in the paint and could be the “key factor” in this game as well. The Lithuanian sniper is a threat from beyond the arc. When it comes to this aspect, Shabazz Napier and Milos Teodosic have not been consistent. The offense for Crvena Zvezda looks smoother when the Serbian player is in the playmaker role. It seems Napier is more of a “combo guard” rather than a dedicated playmaker, and due to some of his hasty decisions, they lost the previous game against Partizan. The responsibility also falls on Teodosic who missed several free throws in the clutch.
Despite their EuroLeague loss, this is a game in a completely different environment. Partizan has already suffered one ABA league loss, and if Crvena Zvezda secures a win, it’s hard to foresee the team losing a “derby” at home or faltering against a much weaker opponent by the end of the season. They’ve had lessons from their previous game, and whether they manage to address these shortcomings isn’t only up to them, as Partizan will certainly have a say.
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Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda H2H
Last season, Partizan and Crvena Zvezda faced off against each other in ten games. In the Euroleague, the head-to-head was tied at 1-1, and overall, it was also even (5-5). In this season’s first encounter, Partizan came out on top after a significant comeback in the final five minutes of the game.
Absences and Injuries
The most significant factor in this game will be the absence of Kevin Punter, as well as Mateusz Ponitka due to a shoulder injury for Partizan. On the other side, Branko Lazic suffered a rib injury, and after missing the game four days ago, his participation now is questionable. Nemanja Nedovic is also doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda Prediction
Partizan has gained a tremendous boost of confidence after defeating Crvena Zvezda in the Euroleague. Now playing at home, this game puts immense pressure on them, especially in the context of their ambition to contend for the top spot in the ABA league playoffs. The season is long, but it seems that the rest of the regional competition doesn’t have concrete solutions to respond to Euroleague-caliber teams. In this, Crvena Zvezda finds their advantage, allowing them, at least in that sense, the luxury of playing with slightly less pressure. What doesn’t work in Partizan’s favor is the absence of Kevin Punter due to injury. Even though he wasn’t a major factor in the game that the black-and-whites won four days ago, his presence on the court undoubtedly opens space for his teammates, as defenses tend to focus on him. We anticipate an extremely close game that will likely be decided in the final moments, giving an edge to Partizan, as this game holds greater significance for them in every way. However, if they do manage to secure a win, the margin of win will not exceed the offered handicap.
Tip-off Time: Monday, 30.10.2023, 20:00 CET
Prediction: Crvena Zvezda +4.5
Odds: 1.75
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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