Zalgiris vs. Anadolu Efes Prediction, Tips & Odds – Dec. 09, 2022 19:00 CET
Zalgiris and Anadolu Efes, two teams that have a 6-5 record after 11 rounds of the Euroleague, will meet in Kaunas this week.
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Zalgiris Team News
Last week, Zalgiris experienced an unexpected defeat against Panathinaikos at home. Before that, they had a perfect record in Kaunas (4-0), defeating Virtus, Barcelona, Alba Berlin and Milano. Now, they will have to react in order to stay in top 8.
Although they are perhaps the weakest team in the Euroleague in terms of individual talent, Zalgiris compensates for this with a great fight in defense and smart solutions in offense. Head coach Kazys Maksvytis integrated all players in an excellent way and with reason they had outstanding results in October and November. Keenan Evans has emerged as a leader, while Rolands Smits, Kevarrius Hayes, Edgaras Ulanovas and Ignas Brazdeikis are making a big contribution on both sides of the floor.
In order to have a chance to defeat Anadolu Efes, it is necessary for them to play solid defense on the ball. If they find a way to slow down Vasilije Micic, they can hope for something. If they allow the opponent to impose their rhythm, Zalgiris will hardly be able to achieve another win in Kaunas.
Anadolu Efes Team News
Anadolu Efes are on a streak of four consecutive wins in the Euroleague. They defeated Barcelona, Milano, Virtus and Olympiacos, so they travel to Lithuania with a lot of confidence. However, it should be mentioned that they were defeated by Karsiyaka and Buyukcekmece in the Turkish Super League, which made Ergin Ataman furious.
Perhaps the most important thing for Anadolu Efes is that Shane Larkin is back. He played some minutes against Buyukcekmece, but there is a chance that he won’t travel to Lithuania as a precaution. Will Clyburn fit into this team very well and when two of them, along with Vasilije Micic are in good shape, Efes’ offense will be unstoppable. Amath M’Baye also found a good rhythm, while the contribution of Achille Polonara is still awaited.
Key thing for Efes in this clash will be to come out strong and aggressive. If they don’t enter this game with the desire to fight, they will have problems. If they are ready for battle, then they will achieve an easy win because they have an incomparably higher quality in offense than Zalgiris.
H2H
Of the last ten games that these two teams played against each other in the Euroleague, Anadolu Efes won six. Ergin Ataman’s team has three wins in a row against Zalgiris as well.
Injuries
Lukas Lekavicis is injured and won’t play for Zalgiris. Shane Larkin and Amath M’Baye are questionable at Anadolu Efes.
Zalgiris vs. Anadolu Efes Prediction
After two consecutive defeats in the Turkish Super League, coach Ataman didn’t hide his displeasure. It should be expected that his team will show a reaction and achieve a easy win in Kaunas. Simply, they are much better than Zalgiris and everything will depend on them.
Kick-off time: Friday, 09.12.2022. 19:00 CET
Prediction: Anadolu Efes to win in regular time
Odds: 1.82
Sportsbook: 22Bet
