Zalgiris Kaunas vs Olimpia Milano Predictions
Euroleague
Olimpia Milano
Zalgiris Kaunas vs Olimpia Milano Betting Tips
Zalgiris Kaunas vs Olimpia Milano Analysis
Zalgiris Kaunas (12-13, 11th in EuroLeague) hosts Olimpia Milano (13-12, 8th) in a pivotal EuroLeague matchup with play-in implications. Both teams enter with contrasting momentum: Zalgiris snapped a three-game losing streak with a dominant 73-53 defensive showcase against Alba Berlin, while Milano faltered in an 87-70 road loss to Bayern Munich. Zalgiris holds the best defensive rating in the EuroLeague, stifling opponents under 80 points in 10 of their last 13 games, while Milano’s offensive struggles (30th in offensive efficiency) and road woes (5-7 away record) add pressure to their playoff aspirations. Historically, Zalgiris dominates this matchup, winning five consecutive meetings, including an 85-82 comeback victory earlier this season.
Key Players and Injury Impact: Brazdeikis’ Resurgence vs LeDay’s Burden
Zalgiris’ hopes hinge on Ignas Brazdeikis, whose 21-point breakout against Alba Berlin signals potential offensive revival, and playmaker Sylvain Francisco, tasked with driving the offense amid injuries to Tomas Dimsa and Dovydas Giedraitis. Milano, missing leader Nikola Mirotic and key role players Josh Nebo and Fabien Causeur, relies heavily on Zach LeDay (17 points vs Bayern) and inconsistent star Shavon Shields. The absence of Mirotic leaves a leadership void, while Zalgiris’ defensive scheme under Andrea Trinchieri aims to exploit Milano’s reliance on three-point shooting (38%+ from deep required to stay competitive).
Tactical Battles: Rebounding and Pace Control
The game will pivot on Zalgiris’ rebounding dominance (8th in the league) against Milano’s struggles on the glass (29.6 RPG). Second-chance points and limiting turnovers are critical for Zalgiris, especially with sharpshooter Zach LaVine sidelined. Milano must disrupt Francisco’s playmaking and force role players like Laurynas Birutis to step up. Defensively, Zalgiris’ ability to neutralize LeDay in the paint and contest Milano’s perimeter shooters will dictate the tempo. For Milano, rediscovering defensive intensity after Bayern’s 31-19 third-quarter rout is essential to avoid another collapse.
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