Partizan vs Virtus: Analysis and Prediction – Partizan will play at home against Virtus in the EuroLeague Round 17.
Partizan vs Virtus Odds
Partizan Team News
Partizan broke a five-game winning streak in the EuroLeague last week, suffering a 91:75 defeat to Real Madrid, bringing their current standing to 9-7 in the competition. However, the more painful setback occurred in the ABA League, where Zadar shocked them on Sunday.
With the ABA League loss, it’s evident that securing the first spot in the regular season is now just a dream. The focus will now shift entirely to the EuroLeague, where Partizan aims to secure a spot within the top 4. Kevin Punter has been in exceptional form since returning from a one-month injury absence. Bruno Caboclo has significantly improved the team’s performance on both ends of the court, and James Nunnally consistently delivers the expected performances. Bench contributions are slightly lower than usual, partly due to recent injuries affecting the team.
As Virtus stands as one of Partizan’s main competitors for a top 4 spot, the stakes are high. The “Stark Arena” will once again be filled to capacity, providing strong support for the home team, which boasts greater individual talent than their opponents.
Virtus Team News
Virtus achieved a decent result in the double round of the EuroLeague last week, first staging a comeback win against Olympiacos at home and then experiencing a reversal of fortune in Valencia two days later. Now, they currently hold an 11-5 record.
Just before this match, Jaleen Smith left Virtus and signed with Partizan. However, he won’t be able to play in this game, possibly eligible from the 18th round onward. Gabriel Lundberg played a significant role in Smith’s departure with his strong performances off the bench. Toko Shengelia is the undisputed leader of Virtus, playing at an MVP level. Marco Belinelli, the second option, has a high shooting percentages, while Daniel Hackett and Isaia Cordinier contribute solid defense and three-point shooting. Veteran Bryant Dunston controls the paint.
Virtus will need to deliver one of their best performances of the season to overcome Partizan in Belgrade. They have lost four out of their last five away games, indicating a decline in form, and will require exceptionally high shooting percentages to stay competitive.
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Partizan vs Virtus H2H
Partizan won both games against Virtus last season and holds a 4-0 H2H record in recent years.
Absences and Injuries
Aleksa Avramovic is injured and won’t play for Partizan, while Uros Trifunovic and Alen Smailagic are questionable. Jaleen Smith cannot be registered before the 18th round. Jordan Mickey is unavailable for Virtus.
Partizan vs Virtus Prediction
All significant factors favor Partizan in this game. They have a better team than Virtus, the most successful coach in the history of European basketball on the bench, and the support of 20,000 passionate fans. Virtus doesn’t consistently perform at the same level at home and away, and with an aging roster and a slightly shorter rotation, a decline is inevitable at some point.
Tip-off Time: Thursday, 28.12.2023, 18:30 CET
Prediction: Partizan -4.5
Odds: 1.86
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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