Traditionally, Kings' defense is weak against tall players. Completely porous, allowing opponents to dominate both in scoring points and grabbing rebounds. They have some of the worst stats in the league. The player's average this season was 18.3, but he had some injuries that disrupted his performance. Now, he is back in form after playing for a longer time. In the last few games, his productivity has been increasing: 17, 19, 26. Today is a great opportunity to shine and gather 20+ points and a solid double-double.
The game must be won by both teams. Nasaf realistically has one last chance to secure a spot in the PO (playoffs). The team is currently at the bottom, having lost all matches, but if they somehow manage to win today, the remaining schedule won't be as difficult. Overall, Nasaf didn't play as poorly as the results show, especially when playing as the second number, on counterattacks. They looked quite good and put up a fight against all opponents, even at the level of Ittihad. Today, they undoubtedly have another opportunity to play similarly against a weaker home defense and should have chances. Meanwhile, Ittihad simply has to take 3 points against the underdogs and it's also a good opportunity to improve their goal difference, which could be crucial. Nasaf's defense is one of the worst in the tournament, so it's natural that the coach will use all his attacking assets like Benzema, Diaby, Bergwijn. It should be a game with a lot of open football and it's also likely to produce goals.
The match is a must-win for both teams. Nasaf realistically has the last chance to cling onto the playoffs. The team has lost all their previous games, but if they somehow manage to win today, the remaining schedule is not as difficult. Overall, Nasaf hasn't played as poorly as the results show, especially when playing in the second position and on counter attacks. They have put up a good fight against all opponents, even teams like Ittihad. Today, they will undoubtedly have another opportunity to play like this, and against a weaker opponent's defense, they should have a chance. Meanwhile, Ittihad absolutely needs to take 3 points against an underdog and use this as an opportunity to improve their goal difference, which could be crucial. Nasaf's defense is one of the weakest in the tournament, so it's natural that the coach will use all their available assets in attack, such as Benzema, Diaby, and Bergwijn. It should be an open game, and goals are also likely.
Radzevičius plays many minutes and will definitely get a lot here. The Baskai need a player like him, especially when Sedekerskis is out. There aren't many shots when the Baskai have so many dominant players, but he will certainly find his own shot or free himself from the corner.
It's a big challenge for Žalgiris today, but although Pao had some good games, I don't believe in Nunn's consistency this season. I think today's game will be poor again, maybe with some points and interceptions, but there will be a lot of mistakes and missed shots trying to play against Francisco, who is currently a better player and knows it. The home court advantage should work in favor today, and with Nunn's poor form, which also damages the team's atmosphere, I believe Žalgiris should take home a Christmas present.
Asvelis without DeColo is far from being a team that can compete in the Euroleague. The team is more at the level of the Champions League. DeColo is a question mark today, but even if he plays, I don't know how much he can carry in these years, especially against Weiller Babb, who would put strong pressure on him. Lloyd is out, but Efes under a new coach must make these breaks if they want to return to the fight for the playoffs.
Although home and tough opponents in Dubai, they were recently drawn by Wright, who played incredible games, but I don't think this will be a test for his style of play, it was more of a breakthrough here. Milan is playing good basketball after the departure of Messina, with players returning from injuries.
Paris finally needs to open up and find a good opponent here. Paris has been losing everything lately, but the game is good, I thought they could beat Real with a high odds, they let it slip away in the end, but still had a chance to win in the last second with a Hi-Fly throw, but missed. Zvezda's game is declining, and against such a playing style, I believe it will be challenging for them today.
LeBron always takes the game on himself, as there is no main player like Luka or Reaves, and there is currently a question mark regarding Austin's game that could improve his chances. The Suns defense is not the best, although their direct opponent may be able to keep up with LeBron, but he has been finding his rhythm lately, although it is far from his peak performance. However, when Luka is not playing, his chances increase significantly to reach a 30-point margin, so I will take the risk with a decent coefficient.
Sarras is also a skilled basketball player for the Wizards, although lately he has been going through a tough period due to limited playing time. However, the Wizards have had a lot of problems with their rotation and would like to see Sarras on the court more often. Unfortunately, since his recent return from injury, his minutes have been reduced which poses some risks. However, Charlotte, with a similar offensive and defensive approach, is facing the same challenges. With Sarras' athleticism and ability to score from anywhere on the court, he could have a productive game tonight.
Probably the most impressive Rookie this season, scoring a lot of points, playing well with the ball, shooting 3-pointers impressively and against a team like the Wizards it's very favorable, where defense doesn't exist, they run a lot and fast themselves. I would estimate around 28-30 points in total, if he shoots at a normal percentage. But I believe that Kona is the most realistic contender for this year's Rookie of the Year, realistically he is one of the main players on the Hornets and has become the leader, breaking records one after another.
Young, tall center, plays quite a lot, ~23 minutes per game, average 4 points, so I think the total will be Peru, in my opinion it will be productive and the fact that it's a fast-paced game, the limit of 3.5 should be easily overcome.
Every scorer is a little scratch, played quite well against the partisans, Masiulis always gives him a chance to play and I expect him to score over, so the motivation fire will not take long if he plays 15-20 minutes, 7 points is an easy target for him.
It's strange that such a low total was given for Durant, so the Clippers have well-defending individual players, or at least when they want to defend, they can do it well around Kawhi. But LeBron himself just scored efficiently 36 points. Speaking of KD, he plays very consistently, scoring at least 24 points in the last 10 games, although there is irony in the fact that against the Clippers, who usually have a low point total, it was a difficult night. But KD continues to consistently score 25-30 points, even tonight.
It seems that Faried is struggling here, at least by looking at his career in PAO where he has been consistently averaging almost 10 points per Euroleague game this season. Out of the 8 games played, he has scored 6 points total. Against Zalgiris, I think he will be utilized, as a significant part of Pao's tall players have been injured this season, causing trouble for Zalgiris. I believe that in pick and roll situations, PAO will try to fully utilize this player, and against weaker opposing centers, I think Faried will score at least 8 points.