Rytas - Zalgiris Kaunas

I believe that tomorrow has a realistic chance of winning, but I choose the safer option. The main argument is the double Euroleague week and the overpowering of Peru against Asvel, after such games the following matches are usually difficult and unproductive, also the attitude of the legionaries towards Euroleague is completely different from LKL, and possibly even Francisco will be rested. The motivation of Rytas will be at its maximum and there will be no holding back in Zalgiris.

Walker is far from shining at the moment, even though Hardy was not present and approached this total with difficulty, as the accuracy is tragic and the form is quite poor, probably due to past injuries. I think the focus will be on defense from Zalgiris' side, as it would be a risky plan to have Eastern point and toss in, so Harding and Walker will be clear targets for Zalgiris on the side of Rytas. I believe it will be a tough time for the team, so it is not very likely they will reach more than 14 points.

Wiley's slight drop in performance is quite noticeable, and his opponents definitely cannot expect easy points against him. It will be difficult for them to keep up with Wiley's pace, and I believe we can only expect single-digit points from him today. In the last 6 matches, he has only managed to reach this level once, so why should it be easy for him against Zalgiris?

In experienced teams and important moments, they should be able to excel in both shooting and drives. They do not fall short compared to the top third players, so they must show leadership.

The only downside for me here is that Zalgiris had a tough week, but they still managed to save some energy. Not to mention that players like Brazdeikis will bring in a fresh and uplifting mood. The problem with Rytas is that their offense may have improved, but their defense has weakened, as they have lost key players like Normantas who was a true captain. Zalgiris is much more versatile this season and is playing a style of basketball that Rytas usually doesn't stand a chance against.

The only downside for me here is that Zalgiris had a tough week, but they managed to save themselves. Not to mention, players like Brazdeikis bring a fresh and uplifting mood. The problem for tomorrow is that the offense may be even stronger, but the defense has weakened, with the team losing players like Normantas, who was a true captain. This season, Zalgiris is much more versatile and plays a basketball style that Rytas never stood a chance against.

As a coach, Masiulis knows the significance of this derby. There should be no saving here and Žalgiris will easily take the win.

Of course, now all the players in Žalgiris have equal opportunities to play well and collect their points, but I think this handicap is a bit too high even for such a player. Although he has been playing well in the EuroLeague lately, his game in the Lithuanian Basketball League is slightly weaker. Overall, I believe the main idea is that this handicap is a bit too high and I don't think all those 3-pointers will fall after three consecutive weeks.