Lyon is currently in a bit of a slump, but we saw their potential in an impressive string of games where they demonstrated strong attacking skills. Their style has always been focused on offense, often preferring to push forward, but this often leaves them vulnerable in defense. Celta Vigo is in good form and also plays entertaining football at home, with their only downside being their lack of efficiency in converting chances. I believe the French team will create opportunities for both themselves and their opponents. I predict a 2-1 result for either side.
Lyon in a slump, but their playing potential was evident when they had an impressive series and showed good offense. Lyon is focused on offense for the upcoming years, essentially always being on the offensive and liking to attack, but often suffering defensively. Celta Vigo is in good form, playing enjoyable football at home, but their biggest downfall is probably not capitalizing on opportunities. However, I believe the French will create as many chances as they allow their opponents. I expect a 2-1 result in either direction.
Two Euroleague teams meet, neither the strongest at the moment, nor the weakest, both staying in the middle. Žalgiris is still superior in this regard when looking at their position on the table. It may seem logical that PAO is currently superior to Žalgiris, but this is Euroleague, anything can happen here, and the odds for Žalgiris are very encouraging, but not to the point of being significantly weaker than PAO, to result in such odds. A victory for Žalgiris is definitely not an impossible event. So I give +10 to Žalgiris, which seems very realistic today, that after a tough battle, Žalgiris will lose by a small margin.
Yesterday Argentina lost to an impressive lineup from the Australian team, but the 20 point lead was only reached at the end of the game. Now we will have to play against equally strong Turkey, who also play at home. But I am waiting for a response from Argentina after a devastating defeat and it is possible to fit within a 22 point handicap.
Indian Wells, not a server's court, here we have players like Mira Andreeva or Swiatek. Also, at temperatures above 30 degrees, it's harder for less experienced players. So even with Arino's stellar form, it's possible she might lose at least one set, and then start to have doubts and a secret thought. As for Sabalenka, her achievements include reaching the final in 2023 and 2025. Regarding movement on court, from what I've seen on indoor hard courts, even players like Rybakina and Anisimova are inferior to Sabalenka. Of course, her physicality remains a strong point. And even though Victoria Mboko is young, she plays like a pro, having even won a WTA 1000 points tournament in Montreal. She has a 2:2 record against Rybakina. She had an easy win against Anisimova, so her head-to-head record against Sabalenka is 0:1. I believe Canada will have local support and could put up a good fight, especially since Mboko is a skilled and stable player.
Indian Wells, not a server's court, it's open to players like Mira Andreeva or Swiatek. Also, at temperatures over 30 degrees, it can be challenging for less experienced players. So even with Arina's stellar form, there is a possibility she may drop at least one set in the beginning, but she will keep her hopes high and her thoughts hidden. As for Sabalenka's achievements, she made it to the finals in 2023 and 2025. When it comes to her movements on the court, based on what I've seen in indoor hard courts, Sabalenka falls behind players like Rybakina and Anisimova. However, her physicality remains a strong point. Even though Victoria is still young, she plays like a pro. She even won the WTA 1000 points tournament in Montreal. She has a 2-2 record against Rybakina. She easily defeated Anisimova, and her head-to-head record against Sabalenka is 0-1. I believe she will have the support of the local crowd in Canada and her technical skills and stability will work in her favor.
Looking at the current form, Birrell Kimberly has improved her season in Australia. There is a lack of stability, but her serve is not bad and she played well against American players with similar playing styles such as today's Vollynets, Dolehide, only losing to Stearns P. in three sets. Kessler McCartney's season has slowed down and she seems to be lacking energy, possibly due to injuries from previous years affecting her previous playing rhythm. The only advantage for her here is the home court.
I don't know, Baskonia is really playing for honor, while Dubai is playing for a spot in the Play in stage. Dubai looks great for today, with a high-tempo game, scoring a lot of points and appearing to be in good form. I think they can confidently score over one hundred points, although Baskonia seems to have improved their defense lately, slowing down the game more precisely. However, their main weapon is still offense. It all depends on how Baskonia will play, but I believe Dubai will have a fun game and won't look back, as every win is important for them at this stage.
There is not much to write about Bulbašė, she is a physically strong woman who plays at the highest level, but she did not have serious opponents who could offer something. On the other hand, Mboko, who looks very impressive this year, has gained some overconfidence and also seems to have strengthened physically and mentally. Of course, she still lacks her full potential, but she could shake Bulbašė's nerves and surprise her on a good day, not to mention Peru, but I don't think it's Bulbašė's time yet. She has had very good performances in this tournament, so I really hope that she will make Sabalenka sweat with emotions, as she sometimes gives in to them. So my prediction is 2:1 sets.
In the first qualifying matches, Spain crushed New Zealand, while Senegal was demolished by the USA team. Senegal, after losing by 64 points, should provide some kind of response in the second match and at least offer more physicality than New Zealand. This could help overcome this handicap.
The Anadolu team had a disappointing season, but their composition still looked pretty good. However, playing together did not go as well as hoped and as the end of the season approaches, the focus is on improving the game and trying to secure a spot in the domestic league. Therefore, I believe that the team will not feel too much pressure in the EuroLeague, and the opponent will not be fighting for anything either. As a result, there is a pretty good coefficient for betting on the match against Peru.
According to the pace, Efes is the second team in Euroleague, essentially having the same pace as the weakest team, Milano. Bayern is in the middle of the league's averages. Although they have Euroleague games, the teams are not really competing for anything, as Efes has a challenge against Besiktas in the Turkish league within a few days. I believe that their focus is now somewhat shifting towards local competitions. The offensive ratings of both teams are in the 17-18th places.
Panathinaikos is strong on paper and there's nothing you can add, but in the EuroLeague, teams should be evaluated as a unit and here Zalgiris has a handicap. Tubelis and Birutis flew with the team, I believe at least one, or maybe even both of them will play in these games, because it's definitely possible. Everything is not perfect for PAO and it's shown by both recent results and missed opportunities. Zalgiris has been stable throughout the season, especially in terms of fighting and fighting until the end.