Euroleague Basketball Tips
Euro League basketball predictions appear under each mini game preview.
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Khimki – Villeurbanne
After climbing into the playoff zone last week, eighth-place Khimki needs to protect its home floor to remain there against a reeling ASVEL squad that is only two wins back and can ill-afford another loss if it is to stay in the playoff hunt. While Khimki is all smiles after winning back-to-back games for the first time since November, the French champs have lost eight of their last nine games.
When it comes to Khimki, most think about offense first. However, when its defense is on, good things happen. Khimki is 8-1 this season when it has held opponents below 80 points. Considering that ASVEL averages just 74.1 points per game, which is third-lowest in the league, a strong defensive effort may be the safest way to extend the winning streak and remain in the playoff zone.
No team shoots as many three-pointers as Khimki (28.9 attempts per game) and ASVEL has allowed opponents to make 41.2% of their threes, which is second-highest in the competition. ASVEL will need its perimeter defenders at their best to deny any open shots for the Khimki shooters. Taking Khimki out of its comfort zone and making it work harder for shots could be the key to victory.
Tip: Over 164.5 at 1.90 with bet365
(Price correct at 28/02/2020, 09:25 CET, subject to change)
Zagiris – Milano
Zalgiris is in its best form this season; it has won seven of its last 10 EuroLeague games and comes off a brilliant road win at KIROLBET Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Milan is one a three-game losing streak and only has one victory in its last seven games. Zach LeDay (11.0 ppg.), Lukas Lekavicius (11.0 ppg.) and Jock Landale (10.4 ppg.) are leading Zalgiris in scoring. Sergio Rodriguez (13.0 ppg., 5.4 apg.), Vladimir Micov (11.7 ppg.) and Luis Scola (9.9 ppg.) are Milan’s top scorers.
Zalgiris limited Baskonia to just 60 points – and only 25 of those came after the break. It also heavily outrebounded its opponent 22-43, pulling down 17 offensive boards and only allowing Baskonia 6. If Zalgiris is able to keep playing defense at this level – Baskonia only made 25% of its three-point shots, it will keep adding wins.
Milan allows opponents to take more defensive rebounds (25.3 rpg.) than any other team in the competition and is 17th in offensive boards (9.2 orpg.). A better performance under the boards will be needed against Zalgiris, which comes off its best rebounding game of the season. On offense, Sergio Rodriguez, Luis Scola and Nemanja Nedovic must make the difference in half-court situations.
Tip: 2 (+6.0) at 1.90 with bet365
(Price correct at 28/02/2020, 09:25 CET, subject to change)
Valencia – Fenerbahce
This will be a key game in the battle to reach the EuroLeague playoffs. Valencia has only won one of its last four home games. After winning six out of seven games, Fenerbahce registered consecutive losses. Both teams need to bounce back quickly to keep pace in the playoff race. Bojan Dubljevic (14.4 ppg., 7.0 rpg.), Mike Tobey (8.4 ppg.) and Fernando San Emeterio (7.8 ppg.) are leading Valencia right now. Nando De Colo (16.8 ppg.) returns to Valencia as Fenerbahce’s top scorer, followed by Kostas Sloukas (11.5 ppg.) and Derrick Williams (11.0 ppg.).
Valencia has allowed its opponents to score 81.4 points per game at La Fonteta, so a major step forward on defense is needed. Opponents make 55.4% of their two-point shots and 39.4% of their attempts from downtown against Valencia. Coach Ponsarnau’s men must reach out on defense, collapse the paint with Maurice Ndour, Bojan Dubljevic and Mike Tobey, and make the most out of pick-and-roll situations with Quino Colom and its mobile big men.
Everything went wrong for Fenerbahce last week against Real when it allowed its opponent to dish 30 assists and was outrebounded 20-38. Fenerbahce only had 11 assists, tying its season low. Being more focused and intense on defense will lead Fenerbahce to better ball circulation. With so much talent everywhere, if Fenerbahce plays strong defense, the offense will eventually come.
Tip: 1 at 2.00 with bet365
(Price correct at 28/02/2020, 09:25 CET, subject to change)
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News Source: Euroleague.net
Basketball tips: Livetipster
