When Olympiacos and Zalgiris Kaunas play in the Euroleague next week, the game will likely be very close, with Zalgiris going into the game with a lot of energy. The way Zalgiris played against Barcelona was amazing. They were very aggressive, especially on defense. Their strong defensive group, which included strong players at the “4” and “5” spots and perimeter defenders, led to nine steals and many chances to switch teams. This level of defending focus is going to be a significant challenge for Olympiacos, intensifying the upcoming game.
For Olympiacos to secure a victory, it’s crucial that they match Zalgiris’s strength and aggression. Despite concerns about Petrusev’s health and McKissic’s return, the potential boost from Sasha Vezenkov’s return could be a game-changer. The team’s exercise level has been hampered by injuries, with only two big guys available for workouts. This could pose a significant challenge against Zalgiris’ robust defense. Following a disappointing game against Fenerbahce, Olympiacos also needs to sharpen their long-range shooting. Sasha Vezenkov’s return could inject much-needed firepower into this area, but the urgency of the situation is clear.
On the flip side, Zalgiris holds a strategic advantage with their knowledge of Ignas Bradzeikis, a former Olympiacos player. His insights could prove invaluable, potentially tipping the scales in Zalgiris’s favor. Furthermore, Sylvain Francisco’s recent stellar performance adds another layer of threat to Zalgiris’ offensive prowess.
Finally, the betting spread of +9.5 in favour of Zalgiris seems fair when you consider how good Zalgiris is at defence and how tough things are right now for Olympiacos. The game should be very close, but Zalgiris has a big advantage thanks to their recent play and strong defense.