Virtus vs Olympiacos: Analysis and Prediction – Virtus and Olympiacos will play an EuroLeague game in Bologna.
Virtus vs Olympiacos Odds
Virtus Team News
In the current EuroLeague season, Virtus from Bologna is one of the most pleasant surprises in the competition. After playing 14 games, they currently hold a high third position with ten wins and only three losses.
Perhaps the most significant factor in Virtus’ rise was the change in the coaching staff. After the arrival of Luca Banchi, who had achieved phenomenal success coaching Latvia at the FIBA World Cup, he implemented an identical style of play and ambitions on both ends of the court at Virtus. Tornike Shengelia is playing the best basketball of his life and has emerged as a great leader for this team. In addition to him, veterans Marco Belinelli and Daniel Hackett make a significant contribution, while the addition of Ognjen Dobric from Crvena Zvezda has proven to be valuable. The emphasis is on high-quality and aggressive defense throughout the entire 40 minutes, while in the offense, ball movement and collaboration among Virtus players function in a way that always finds a quality solution.
Considering only four losses in 14 games, where Virtus outplayed rivals like Barcelona, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Baskonia, it’s clear that at home, they have one goal in mind, and that is a win against Olympiacos.
Olympiacos Team News
Olympiacos has had a strong start to the season despite facing several injury issues. They currently stand with a record of seven wins and seven losses, and ahead of this game, they suffered a loss to Valencia in what was their poorest performance this season.
Olympiacos, known for their offensive prowess, managed to score only 56 points against Valencia, and that too on their home court. It’s true that they were without Alec Peters, but it’s unlikely they will repeat such a poor offensive display within just a few days. It’s worth noting that the center duo of Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall contributes significantly on both ends of the court, but a weakness in their game can often be the three-point shooting. When the guards are not in form, Olympiacos tends to struggle in offense, so they will need to show a reaction after the tough loss.
In their history, Olympiacos has visited Bologna four times, and on each occasion, they emerged victorious. This historical factor could play a significant role in this matchup. Despite Virtus being in good form, the desire to showcase their quality and meet expectations is certainly a primary factor in their quest for win, aiming to improve their position in the standings.
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Virtus vs Olympiacos H2H
In the last five games played between Virtus and Olympiacos, the Greek team has emerged victorious on every occasion.
Absences and Injuries
Jordan Mickey is injured in the Virtus team. Olympiacos has all players available.
Virtus vs Olympiacos Prediction
Virtus is playing at a high level, and that is undeniable, as reflected in the standings. However, when Olympiacos, with the oldest starting lineup in EuroLeague history, visits, we can expect significant uncertainty. Some injured players will return to the ranks of the Greek team, and they have a history of visiting Italy against Virtus four times, winning on every occasion. Now, they have an extra motivation due to a slightly lower form and a desire to return to the winning track. Despite the fact that world bookmakers and betting agencies have given the role of the favorite to Virtus, we anticipate a win for the visiting team as a reaction to their recent less impressive performances. There’s also the logical consideration that the Italian team, at least for now, has never found a solution to Olympiacos.
Tip-off Time: Tuesday, 19.12.2023, 20:30 CET
Prediction: Olympiacos to win
Odds: 2.20
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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