The last preparation days for KBO before the start of the season on Friday. There is not much information about the selection as the competitions take place every day, there is a lot of rotation, poor pitchers get a chance to perform, etc... Hanwha played 11 friendly games, of which they went over 7 times, while Dinos also played 11 games and went over 7 times. Yesterday, these teams played their first friendly match, which ended with Hanwha beating Dinos 11-4 and I think Dinos underperformed, Hanwha may do the same, but I am expecting a better performance from Dinos.
The last KBO preparation days before the start of the season on Friday. There is not much information about the choices because the games are played every day, there are a lot of rotations, the poor pitchers get a chance to show themselves, etc... Samsung has played 11 friendly games so far, of which they have won over this total 6 times, while KIA has also played 11 games and won over 5 times. Yesterday these teams played their first friendly match and Samsung won 7-1, they did their job, but KIA did not. In the second match, we can expect a better game from KIA.
I will try Ausar Overi tonight, I think it's a favorable match up against the Lakers. As an athletic player, he will be able to attack the athletic Lakers defenders. I've seen with the Rockets how much trouble his twin Amen caused for the Lakers, and although Ausar is not at the same level as a player, he has similar capabilities and I believe he will be a challenge for the Lakers, even with their improved defense. He has been averaging around 10 points this season, but hasn't been performing at his best so far. However, I think playing against such a tough opponent today will be an extra motivation for him and I believe Chad's absence will also elevate his game. I predict that he will score double digits.
Valencia's form has dropped recently. They lost to Real Madrid and Tenerife. Then at home they lost to a struggling Barcelona. Among themselves, Valencia beat Olympiacos this year, but under these circumstances, it is possible that there will be a rematch.
NBA revoked the last technical of Luka and he will be able to play against the Pistons, his and the Lakers' form has been stellar lately, winning 12 out of the last 13 games, and Luka has scored over 30 points in each one (and even got 60). The Pistons are still missing their key player Cunningham, but with a strong team they are able to offset his absence to some extent. The Pistons have one of the best defenses in the league, so they will try to limit Luka's points and force him to pass the ball, although he will still likely score around 20 points, his total score should still be at the top.
The NBA has lifted Luka's last technical and he will be able to play against the Pistons, his and the Lakers' form have been stellar lately, with 12 wins out of the last 13, and Luka has scored over 30 points in each game (his highest being 60). The Pistons are still missing their star player Cunningham, but with a strong team assembled, they are able to compensate for his absence. The Pistons have one of the best defenses in the league, which will limit Luka's points and force him to pass the ball, although he is expected to still score around 20 points, his total points should be at the top.
ATP Miami, hard.. Young man from Spain, Martin L. (20y.o.), reached the finals in this tournament. Great job, he gained good playing experience and next year he will improve even more. In this match, the main attention will be on the first significant sensation of the tournament, 25-year-old local representative Sebastián Korda. He had a very serious level of play this year, he feels great on this surface, is difficult to beat, and will definitely give the young man a good lesson in this match.
This is a great opportunity for both players, but it is evident that Kamilas should take advantage of it. The Polish player is significantly higher in the rankings than his opponent, who has a poor record against top 100 players, which cannot be denied. Both players have performed well in Miami so far, but it was Kamilas who reached the over, defeating opponents such as Miomir Kecmanovic and Learner Tien. Such victories should give him confidence in this match.
The risk is not small, as Olympiacos knows how to step up when needed, but Valencia also knows how to maintain a quick pace. I am not very convinced that Valencia can fall into a hole when they have consistently demonstrated an impressive tempo throughout the season, especially when Olympiacos also has a strong pace. This game is important for both teams, one fighting for the top spot and the other fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.
Earlier this season, Olympiacos suffered a loss against Valencia at their home court, and now the situation could potentially end up the same with a lot at stake. However, Olympiacos will surely not want to lose again, as it could greatly affect their position in the standings. Valencia has a tough schedule ahead, making it difficult for them, but considering their ability to dictate a fast pace, they must focus on gathering their strength at home against any opponents.
I am taking a risk, but I believe that both teams will bring a strong tempo and determination to the game.
We often see interesting results from Turkey, so I hope for the same here. The teams have similar strengths, but Bursaspor has its own advantages. Petkim had to play against Spain and got eliminated from the Fiba Europe Cup tournament, which usually results in poor performance in the local championship for teams. Additionally, their 6-game losing streak does not contribute to their motivation and self-confidence. Of course, Bursaspor may not seem any better with an even longer losing streak and a loss in the first away game, but I believe the odds are too high for this unfortunate showdown, especially considering that Petkim also played in the middle of the week before getting eliminated.
In this season, the team looks better in away games than at home. In the regular season, the team showed a change in performance in away games, and in the playoffs, Telšiai proved their advantage at home. Despite playing without Gecevičius, Telšiai still won and are now my favorites to win in Klaipėda. The teams have a big difference in strength, and even with an incomplete lineup, Telšiai has experience and a winning mentality, which I believe will be utilized.
In this season, the team performs better away than at home. In the regular season, the team showed changes while playing in Peru, but in the playoffs, Telšiai proved their superiority at home. Despite playing without Gecevičius, Telšiai won and now are my favorites to win in Klaipėda. The teams have greatly differing abilities and even without a full lineup, Telšiai has experience and a winning mentality, which I believe they will use to their advantage.
Defeat on time for Fener, where Šaras doesn't sleep much on this issue and pizdako writes, so here I think there will be a suitable reaction again, since everyone wants first place, the home advantage will have a significant impact on the playoffs for Fener. Maccabi can spoil a good day, but realistically they don't have much chance of making it to the playoffs, so it's a minus on one hand because they don't have any pressure on this issue, but on the other hand they can be too relaxed. The tempo at Maccabi is high, so I think Fener's task from the first minutes will be to show their physicality and slow down the tempo, so overall the handicap is suitable for testing.
Perhaps it's with belief that Valencia cannot maintain such good gameplay throughout the entire season. Especially at the moment, the team seems a bit injured, with 3 losses in their last 4 games, and now they are facing an even stronger opponent. Vezenkov is back in the lineup, defenders have recovered from injuries, and Olympiacos now looks like the team that can defeat the Spaniards away.
A small total score seems like Dubai really did not become a defensive team, they can attack themselves and do not have a strong defense. Panathinaikos lost their performance for a long time when Nunno and Hayes were absent. Now both of them are playing in good form, both scoring 20 points in the previous game. For such players, it should not be difficult to play against Dubai. PAO is a stronger team and their away status should not be a problem even for the "fans" of Dubai, especially after a long break.
The total seems too low, Dubai must not have become a defensive team, they can attack on their own, and good defense is not their strong suit. Panathinaikos lost their scoring abilities for a long time when Nunno was absent, and there was no Hayes in the team. Now they both play, in good form, and in the previous game they both scored 20 points. Such players should not have a hard time playing against Dubai. PAO is a stronger team and their status as away players should not be affected by the "fans" in Dubai, especially after a long break.