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- Here's how Crvena Zvezda's calculations stand ahead of the final six league games.
- Before the match, Saša Obradović gave a statement, as did his counterpart Paolo Galbiati.
- In the first part of the season, Zvezda easily defeated Baskonia in Belgrade.
Baskonia – Crvena Zvezda (tip-off at 8:30 PM CET)
Match Preview
Although the Vitoria-based club is second to last in the standings and has long been out of contention for further progression, this lack of pressure could pose a threat to the Belgrade team. On the other hand, Crvena Zvezda has been experiencing inconsistent results lately, alternating between wins and losses.
The red-and-whites currently share sixth place with Žalgiris, Monaco, Panathinaikos, and Barcelona, holding a record of 18 wins and 14 losses. Dubai is just one win behind them.
The officiating trio for this encounter will be from Eastern Europe: Boris Ryzhyk from Ukraine, Jakub Zamojski from Poland, and Rain Perandi from Estonia.
Obradović Delivers Good News Ahead of Double-Round Week
Before heading to Spain, the Crvena Zvezda team held a training session in Belgrade, during which Saša Obradović spoke with the media.
Chima Moneke and Ebuka Izundu were not on the court during the ABA League derby, but Saša Obradović stated that they have been training and will travel for the double-round week. When asked about the plan for Baskonia, Obradović emphasized that they are playing under significant pressure, and every game is a 'do or die' situation for them.
And that, on one hand, might be a complicating factor, but if you have big goals, you have to deal with it, you have to make good decisions. I think all the games that have happened this season, even with phases that weren't the brightest, are an experience. Realistically, with all the expectations we have, not many people have been in the Final Four, or the playoffs, and so on. So, we learn from game to game. I don't think we want to shy away from the role of favorites on their home court; we know it's always tough, they have a great atmosphere... It's certainly partly due to them winning the Copa del Rey... That relaxation or lack of pressure could be a problem, but we need to be strong within ourselves, and then we'll probably utilize our quality. They practically have three centers, which is both a good and a bad thing, because they will certainly run, just like, for example, in the semi-finals against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, even though they were down by 11, they just intensified the rhythm and created that decisive lead to reach the final. So, that's the fundamental thing we need to talk about and know that we must shut down their fast break. Along with their main players, these are some of the answers to how we will win.
You can watch the game on TV Arena Sport Premium 1 at 8:30 PM CET, while live text commentary of the match will be available on Sportal.
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