Žalgiris
Žalgiris (14-12) is currently ranked 10th in the standings. Žalgiris has achieved only 2 wins and lost 3 times in the last 5 matches played, but it should be noted that 4 of the last 5 matches were away games. Playing at home, Žalgiris currently has a streak of 6 consecutive wins, and in the last home game, they defeated Crvena Zvezda with a score of 75-62.
Although the games are played without spectators, it is quite obvious that Žalgiris demonstrates much better performance at home. Last week, Lukas Lekavičius, who missed a couple of weeks due to the coronavirus, returned to the team, and S. Vasturia also returned after an injury. So if everything goes according to plan and there are no unexpected events, Žalgiris should rely on all the players in the lineup in the match against Asvel.
Žalgiris will meet the Asvel team for the second time this year. Žalgiris won the first match away with a score of 83-74. However, it is difficult to judge the teams' capabilities from this match, as the Asvel team was missing several key players, while Žalgiris had a full lineup. Probably the most important aspect for Žalgiris to achieve victory is not to be outmatched by the Lyon team in physicality, as they are an athletic team that fights for every ball until the end and effectively exploits the opponents' weaknesses. They currently have a streak of 6 consecutive wins in the EuroLeague. Žalgiris is stronger individually, so by withstanding the opponents' physicality and utilizing the home court advantage, all the cards should be in Žalgiris' hands.
Asvel
Lyon Asvel (12-14) is currently “on a roll.” 6 consecutive wins in the EuroLeague have brought this poorly started team back into the fight for the playoffs. Out of the 6 consecutive wins, 4 were played at home, but the achievements away should not be underestimated either – in the last round, they defeated none other than one of the favorites to win the EuroLeague, the Barcelona team, with a score of 76-69.
In that match, the tandem of guard N. Cole and center M. Fall dominated. Out of the team's 76 points, these two players scored 34 combined. Overall, when Fall is on the court, they try to utilize him in every attack, as he is undoubtedly one of the hardest-to-stop centers in the EuroLeague. In general, Lyon Asvel stands out for its team play and physicality – they have athletic, well-defending players in all positions, so even individually strong teams like Barcelona often fail to score more than 70 points against this team's defense.
The Lyon team will undoubtedly seek revenge against Žalgiris for the loss in the first round, but a large part of the success in this match will again depend on how M. Fall integrates into the game, who should not face significant problems against his direct opponent J. Lauvergne.
Prediction
This should be an interesting match between two teams competing for a playoff spot. Žalgiris usually has difficulties stopping strong centers, among whom M. Fall is undoubtedly considered. The outcome of the match will depend on the duel between him and J. Lauvergne. However, Žalgiris plays good basketball at home, and it can be expected that they will find answers to defend against M. Fall.
Žalgiris will win by more than 4.5 points, 1.85 odds, betsafe
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