Zalgiris vs. Alba Berlin Prediction, Tips & Odds – Nov. 04, 2022 19:00 CET
Zalgiris and Alba Berlin performed above expectations in first five rounds of the Euroleague. Now, they will play against each other in Kaunas.
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Zalgiris Team News
Before start of the season, it seemed that Zalgiris have the weakest team in the Euroleague. That may be true when we are talking about individual talent of their players, but as a unit they look more than solid. They won both times in Europe on their home floor against Virtus and Barcelona.
Quite understandably, Zalgiris showed weaker editions at road. They were defeated by Maccabi, Olympiacos and Partizan, although they came close to win in two of three games. One of their better characteristics is offensive rebounding, which makes them second best team in the entire competition. Their starting five is quite tall and tough. When Ignas Brazdeikis, Edgaras Ulanovas, Rolands Smits and Kevarrius Hayes are on the court together, it is not easy to outjump Zalgiris.
Given that Alba is a team that nurtures diametrically opposite style of basketball, Zalgiris will have to impose its own rhythm. This means a lower number of possessions in the game and a slower offense. If they cut off the visitors transition offense, they will have a chance to triumph.
Alba Berlin Team News
In first three rounds of the Euroleague, Alba Berlin were the most pleasant surprise in competition. They had 3-0 after wins over Partizan, Milano and Panathinaikos, but then two defeats followed. They lost to Anadolu Efes and Valencia. It should be mentioned that Alba played without three starters in those two games.
Jaleen Smith and Johannes Thiemann were not with the team in Istanbul and Valencia, but they will travel to Kaunas. With two of them in roster, head coach Israel Gonzalez has many more options in offense and Alba looks completely different. This club goal is to improve more and more in the Euroleague year after year and to be a candidate for the playoffs in some future period. It’s still early for something like that, but on a good day they can beat any team in Europe.
In order to defeat Zalgiris in Kaunas, it will be necessary for them to hit shots from distance at a high percentage. Alba is also one of the best teams in the Euroleague in terms of rebounding, so if they win battle under the hoop, they will have a big advantage.
H2H
Zalgiris and Alba played against each other 12 times and H2H is 6-6. Last season, club from Berlin emerged as winner in both games.
Injuries
Dovydas Giedraitis is questionable, while all other players are available for Zalgiris. Alba travels to Kaunas without Marcus Eriksson and Jonas Mattisseck. Maodo Lo is questionable.
Zalgiris vs. Alba Berlin Prediction
Alba is a team that conceptually should have advantage over Zalgiris. Their fast pace could completely disrupt the defense of Lithuanians. It only takes a few minutes for Alba to make a big run and thus score a lot of points. If they do it on Friday, they will be much closer to victory.
Kick-off time: Friday, 04.11.2022. 19:00 CET
Prediction: Alba Berlin +4.5
Odds: 1.73
Sportsbook: Ivibet
