Zalgiris vs Valencia: Analysis and Prediction – Zalgiris and Valencia will play a game in the EuroLeague fifth round.
Zalgiris vs Valencia Odds
Zalgiris Team News
The team led by coach Kazys Maksvytis looks truly excellent this season. From the beginning of the season, they have suffered only one defeat. That loss came against Real Madrid, a team in the best form in Europe, so no one can blame them for it.
After that defeat, they secured two consecutive wins, both on away ground. First in the EuroLeague against Baskonia, and then in the domestic league against Nevezis. It seems that Zalgiris system has managed to withstand the departure of Ignas Brazdeikis, which probably surprised most basketball fans in Europe. For years, Zalgiris has been known for their team play, where there aren’t too many standout individuals. This season, the key players are Rolands Smits and Keenan Evans, serving as the axis around which everything revolves. Recently, Brady Manek joined them, showing brilliance in the closing stages against Crvena Zvezda and in both matches in Spain. All the other players coming off the bench are just components of this quite good mechanism.
They will be hosting Valencia, a team that, much like them, emphasizes team play, with a playmaker-center axis. The match will likely be decided by three-point shooting, where the hosts boast an incredible percentage. In the current EuroLeague season, Zalgiris is shooting at 48.3% from beyond the arc. If they come close to that percentage, a win should be within reach.
Valencia Team News
After being hosts in the first three rounds and securing three win, Valencia will now face their second consecutive away game in the EuroLeague. In the previous round, they suffered a loss against Anadolu Efes, but in the meantime, they comfortably defeated Manresa in the Endesa League.
It’s crucial for Valencia that Semi Ojeleye has returned to the team after missing the previous double round in EuroLeague. He might not be the highest scorer or the most agile player, but he’s someone who plays a vital role. His toughness sets the tone for the team and prevents any complacency. Of course, the team revolves around Chris Jones and Brandon Davis, who are playing exceptional basketball. Behind these two, there are four or five players who can step up, so opponents are unsure who to focus on.
This will be an exceptionally tough away game for Valencia, as they are facing a team that, much like them, plays fantastic team basketball, where anyone can shine. What they’ll need to do is to make sure to stop the home team’s three-point shooting. So far this season, they have managed to do it, allowing opponents to shoot below 30% from beyond the arc in the ten games played so far.
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Zalgiris vs Valencia H2H
Last season, Zalgiris won both matches in their favor.
Absences and Injuries
After receiving extended playing time in the double round of the EuroLeague, Edgaras Ulanovas missed a match in the domestic league. However, we believe he will be in the lineup. For the guests, Jerad Harper is still out of the team, as well as the long-term absentee Martin Hermannsson.
Zalgiris vs Valencia Prediction
Even though it’s still early in the season, this match could be a turning point for both teams. The team that comes out as the winner will go to 4-1 and will face the rest of the season with a lot of motivation and confidence. We believe that the match will be decided by three-point shooting, and the hosts will find a way to shoot well enough to secure the win
Tip-off Time: Friday, 27.10.2023, 19:00 CET
Prediction: Zalgiris -4.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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