Zalgiris vs Barcelona: Analysis and Prediction – Zalgiris will play at home against Barcelona in the EuroLeague Round 16.
Zalgiris vs Barcelona Odds
Zalgiris Team News
Zalgiris is going through a rather turbulent period, and currently, they are facing significant problems, especially in the EuroLeague. In the last five EuroLeague matches, the team has only recorded one win. In their latest match, they suffered a defeat against Fenerbahce.
Zalgiris had a phenomenal start in this game, leading by 13 points in the second quarter. The advantage was reduced to nine points at the end of the third quarter. However, a poor start to the final quarter cost Zalgiris the win. In the end, they managed to almost make a comeback, but it was insufficient for a turnaround. Keenan Evans has been playing exceptionally well lately, and he is accompanied by Rolands Smits, who is proving to have the quality for the EuroLeague. What worries Zalgiris fans is the fact that Edgaras Ulanovas is in really poor form.
Now they face Barcelona, a team that is also going through a rough patch lately, struggling both in the domestic league and in the EuroLeague. For Zalgiris to triumph in this match, they need to play almost a perfect game.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona had a brilliant start to the season is currently in a rather poor streak. In the last five matches, they have won only one, and that was in the Endesa League. In their latest game before this encounter, they suffered a defeat against Alba Berlin.
Losing to arguably the weakest team in the EuroLeague is not something Barcelona had hoped for. Fortunately for them, they had a string of good results at the beginning of the season, building up a certain “buffer” of wins compared to the majority of rivals. If you score only 70 points in 40 minutes, of which 29 come in the second half, it’s clear that you had significant problems in offense. It’s no wonder that Nicolas Laprovittola was the only player with double-digit points.
If they want to win in this match, especially in a challenging away game in Lithuania, Barcelona must rediscover their form from the first part of the season. How successful they will be in doing so is a big question, as it seems they are currently in a significant slump in form.
Every day, “Basketball Sphere” provides all its readers with the best predictions for today’s games.
If you are reading our analysis for the first time, then it is important to mention that every day we also offer to our readers a “Acca of the Day” completely free.
Zalgiris vs Barcelona H2H
In the previous season, these two teams played a total of five matches, with Barcelona winning four, including all three in the playoff quarterfinals.
Absences and Injuries
Arnas Butkevicius is definitely out for the home team, while there is a chance that Lukas Lekavicius and Brady Manek could return for this match. Michael Caicedo and Alex Abrines are unavailable for the away team.
Zalgiris vs Barcelona Prediction
As mentioned, it’s a clash between two teams in desperate form, both seeking a way out of their crisis as soon as possible. Zalgiris will have a full arena behind them, Lithuanian fans support their club even when the results may not meet their expectations. We believe they can find a solution and potentially win this match, or at the very least cover the handicap given by the bookmakers.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 22.12.2023, 19:00 CET
Prediction: Zalgiris +6.5
Odds: 1.71
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
We found the best odds for this game at the popular 22Bet sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today.