Here we go… first semi of the Olympic tournament, when Spain will face Russia, an opponent that they chose earlier at the Preliminary Round, by losing its last game against the Brazilians. This time they are determined to avenge for their recent loss.
Russia is full of players with extra-ordinary athletic skills. They are fast, they can jump, they have strong feet and they can score inside-outside. Coach Blatt has the key and the options to slow down Spanish offense. In spite of the fact that they are facing the best team in Europe, they beat them 5 days ago, by dominating after the first quarter at every single spot on the court. Perimeter defense will be a crucial, considering the tremendous Carlos Navarro and his poisonous shots from distance, but eastern Europeans can response using Mozgov, Shved and most of all, the 3point firearm called Fridzon!
Russia has better numbers at fastbreaks, while same time the Spaniards struggling at defensive transition. It won’t be easy for them to follow their opponents after possible steals. In addition, this year Spain prefers set-game, rather than plowing the court as maniacs. Sergio Scariolo keeps promoting zonal marking, an option that helped his team to silence the French offense and finally beat them.
I don’t say this would be easy, but I like value picks. This has value. I was expecting to see something like +165, but this price over +200 is pure value. Russia has what it takes to proceed to the final. They will dominate close to the rim and will find ways to control rebounding balance. Spain that is not at its best, only way to beat the Russians is by hitting 10 threes. If they hit 10, they will be deserved winners.
Pick Russia ML +228
Russia is full of players with extra-ordinary athletic skills. They are fast, they can jump, they have strong feet and they can score inside-outside. Coach Blatt has the key and the options to slow down Spanish offense. In spite of the fact that they are facing the best team in Europe, they beat them 5 days ago, by dominating after the first quarter at every single spot on the court. Perimeter defense will be a crucial, considering the tremendous Carlos Navarro and his poisonous shots from distance, but eastern Europeans can response using Mozgov, Shved and most of all, the 3point firearm called Fridzon!
Russia has better numbers at fastbreaks, while same time the Spaniards struggling at defensive transition. It won’t be easy for them to follow their opponents after possible steals. In addition, this year Spain prefers set-game, rather than plowing the court as maniacs. Sergio Scariolo keeps promoting zonal marking, an option that helped his team to silence the French offense and finally beat them.
I don’t say this would be easy, but I like value picks. This has value. I was expecting to see something like +165, but this price over +200 is pure value. Russia has what it takes to proceed to the final. They will dominate close to the rim and will find ways to control rebounding balance. Spain that is not at its best, only way to beat the Russians is by hitting 10 threes. If they hit 10, they will be deserved winners.
Pick Russia ML +228