Bilbao showed that they know how to stop PAOK leader Tyree. Although it may not have been logical to expect a third win in a row for Bilbao against Peru, this is the final and PAOK will naturally feel more pressure at home to secure a tangible result before the second leg against Bilbao. Therefore, I am taking a more valuable coefficient.
While the European League semi-final matches are still far away, Braga team can fully focus and prepare for the local league. One of the worst teams in the league, Casa Pia, has already suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against Braga away, and now I predict the same for their home game against Braga. With a 7-game losing streak, Pia has only scored 3 goals, which will not be enough against Braga, so the victory must be celebrated by Braga.
The Eagles team, who currently play very successfully at home, have a streak of 5 home games in which they scored over 3.5 goals. Although AZ is considered a major team in the Netherlands, recently they have not been playing very confidently, so their games tend to have a high number of goals as well. Both teams on average score 3 or more goals, and in their match in December they tied 2-2, so there should also be a lot of goals in this game. In their last 11 matches, AZ has scored a total of 10 goals, so they should continue their productive game.
After two seasons spent on the bench at Virtus, Zizic became a key player for Besiktas. And as his results show, he puts in much more effort while battling in the Eurocup than in the local Turkish league. In the last six months, he played against Bourg twice and made a significant impact in both games: in the first one, he scored 15 points and had 14 rebounds, while in the second one he scored 26 points and had 4 rebounds. It's expected that he will continue to perform well today as well.
Zizic, after spending two seasons on the bench at Virtus, became one of the main players for Besiktas. And as his results show, he puts in much more effort playing in the Eurocup than in the local Turkish league. In the last six months, he had a chance to play twice against Bourg and he significantly stood out in both games: in the first meeting, he had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and in the second, 26 points and 4 rebounds. It's worth mentioning that he won't be left out today either.
Both teams are in good form, the home team moves especially positively and fights for Europe, although it is not clear how it would be with their small stadium. Leeds has relieved the tension of the relegation battle and has the opportunity to enjoy themselves. Iraola is leaving after the season, so the team has one last chance to enjoy positive football together. I am looking forward to a beautiful game.
I guess that the whole legion will play today, and on Saturday there will be a game against the Tuesday team. Gargzdai have their own specific side entrances, and guests, especially those at the "green" team, should want to choose numbers more openly and boldly, as they can see which club they are playing against and what it means for their visibility and future contracts.
In the first game, Orlando surprised Detroit with an 11 point lead and now has the chance to secure a solid advantage before two home games. It is likely that the Pistons will respond, but the Magic may hold their ground in a tense battle tonight.
In the first game of the series, OKC crushed Phoenix with a 35-point difference, sending a clear message to their opponents in the battle for the championship title. The Suns have little chance of catching up in the series, but they should still hope to play better. They beat the Thunder twice during the regular season, so they may show a better performance, while the home team may relax a bit if they have a big lead, as there are still two away games ahead. Therefore, the Suns could potentially cover the large point difference.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Strasbourg celebrated a 3-1 victory against Peru at home in the league, completely dominating against the Nice team, who are fighting to stay in the league. In the semi-finals of the conference league, Strasbourg looks very strong, especially at home, and an opponent like Nice must be beaten.
After the international break, both teams returned from Peru with a very successful game. The Leeds team has crossed the 2.5 goal mark in all 3 of their matches in Peru, while Bournemouth has also done so in both of their matches. The Cherries are celebrating two great performances in Peru and are fighting for European spots, while the Leeds team does not give up easily. Both teams have a strong offensive game and knowing the first match between them, which ended in a 2-2 tie, I expect to see some goals in this one as well.
East needs to maintain second place in the LKL league, but I'm still waiting for additional motivation after the game against Zalgiris. It was a disappointing loss, as there was a golden opportunity, but it wasn't taken advantage of. It's a game between our own fans again, in these circumstances it's very beneficial. Jonava team is about nothing, they can only beat weaker LKL teams, but with such poor defense and playing against better offense in the league, it will be very difficult to stay in the fight.
The final and possibly the most important first series match. I will not be original and will take the underdog, not only because of the importance of the match, but also because of the defensive displays of both teams. Bourgas ranks third in defensive rankings throughout the season, while Besiktas ranks fifth. The pace of both teams is not that high, with Bourgas being one of the slowest overall. The only worrying thing is Besiktas' offense, but their total is also not small, and we saw how well they defended against Bahcesehir team in the semifinals series.
I think that China could surprise here and defeat its opponent. I am not rooting for China, but against Molleri, as he is not a likable tennis player to me, makes foolish decisions and often gives up before the designated time. He is weak as a player and not favorable for betting, as he often disappoints.
I think the Frenchman will qualify today, his form is not bad, he played well in the clay court finals and I believe he can handle a 3-set handicap. Chileans who have come to Europe have not shown the same level of play that they demonstrated in South America, most players from this continent struggle to adapt to the conditions in Europe and their performance tends to decline, including Tabilo.
The Kulbokos team won all 3 inter-team games this season, including the cup and friendly matches. Although Peru's team has improved recently, their strength is still lower than that of the Aris team. Even though home handicap in Greece is a serious factor, Aris has recently lost two away games, so they should expect a challenge from Peru. With a strong lineup and proven handicap this season, Aris can be counted on to win against Peru.
Although in their group the Besiktas team beat Bourg twice by celebrating at home with a 30-point difference, the Bourg team is now at a completely different level, form, and coordination. Although the Turkish team's form is impressive with a long series of wins, Besiktas does not always win by large margins. The Bourg team looks very strong and because Besiktas, who are clear favourites, will feel more pressure, I believe the French will be able to play successfully and not lose by a large margin.