Split vs Zadar: Analysis and Prediction – Split will play at home court in the Croatian League playoffs finals Game 4 against Zadar.
Split vs Zadar Odds
Split Team News
Split took the lead in the final series against Zadar 2-1 after winning the Game 3 by 87:77. This is their second home-court victory against this rival, and it comes at perhaps the most important moment, giving them a chance to win the title if they triumph in the Game 4.
Split has looked much better in the first three games of the final series. In front of their fans, they appeared much calmer and more effective, which paid off with a victory in the Game 3. Boris Tisma did a great job once again. After excelling on offense in the Game 1, he was excellent in guarding Luka Bozic in the Game 3. There was no need to double-team Zadar’s most valuable player, which eased the home team’s defense. On offense, Vito Kucic surprised everyone, playing perhaps his most mature game of the season. He made five three-pointers. Additionally, Shannon Shorter was in good form on offense, which was immediately felt in the game. It is certain that Toni Perkovic will need to take on a bigger role in the Game 4 if they want to win the title. Mate Kalajzic also grabbed several crucial rebounds and brought stability. Split played at their level and punished all the opponent’s mistakes, but it is clear that they need to improve their free throw percentage.
Split now has a great opportunity to win the title, and they need to repeat their strong defense on Luka Bozic. They did this excellently in the first and third games. Tactically, head coach Slaven Rimac surprised Danijel Jusup. With fewer turnovers and good ball movement on offense, they can hope for a third victory and the title.
Zadar Team News
Zadar is in a very difficult situation at the end of the season. After stellar performances during the ABA League, the team is now in somewhat poor form and appears to lack true energy. They are trailing in the series 1-2 and are relying too much on the performance of Luka Bozic.
Before the finals, Zadar was the heavy favorite, but in these matches, they do not look like the better team. During the season, they played very well on defense, but they have not managed to replicate that in the finals. Split has found good solutions on offense. On the other hand, Zadar has been shooting too many three-pointers. For instance, Karlo Zganec missed five three-point shots by the 25th minute of the Game 3. Luka Bozic remains the primary offensive option, managing to score 25 points with seven rebounds in the Game 3. However, there has been a lack of adequate support from his teammates. This was evident in the last game when Dario Dreznjak played well, and Zadar immediately took the lead. However, they quickly squandered the advantage again. It seems that the team is paying the price for excessive exertion. While Split has expanded its rotation, Danijel Jusup has burdened the key players, who all played over 30 minutes, leading to a decline in shooting percentages towards the end. Another concern is that they have not managed to gain an advantage in the interior positions.
Zadar no longer has any margin for error and certainly needs a very strong performance to secure a win. This primarily means improving their defensive performance, as they have not been up to par, especially on the three-point line where the opponent had many open shots. On offense, they need better ball movement and to continue hitting two-pointers at a high percentage.
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Split vs Zadar H2H
This season, the teams have played nine games in which Zadar has been more successful, winning six of them. However, in the final series, Split leads 2-1 and won the last game 87:77.
Absences and Injuries
The teams should compete with complete rosters in the Game 4.
Split vs Zadar Prediction
Zadar has not yet shown its true potential in this final. Split will certainly have strong support from their fans and a strong desire to win the title, but this will also bring additional pressure. Zadar is a team capable of playing much better defense, and they need a better offense and improved three-point shooting. So far in the finals, they have not managed to impose their rhythm, and this game is their last chance to demonstrate that on the court. Head coach Danijel Jusup will surely prepare better for the surprises from the previous game.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 31.05.2024,20:00 CET
Prediction: Zadar to win
Odds: 1.75
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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