Baskonia vs Virtus Prediction: Virtus will probably end up with more fouls and assists

Prediction for the Euroleague Baskonia vs Virtus match which will take place on April 19th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

The Basques lost their first play-in game by almost 30 points (85:113). They also lost Chima Moneke, who will miss the game against Virtus. Even without Moneke, Dusko Ivanovic didn't have many players to work with - five of Baskonia's 12 players, including Moneke himself, played eight minutes or less against Maccabi. However, when Baskonia scored 95 points against Virtus in Bologna on 12 April, they did so with seven players.

Replacing Moneke with Diez might increase the Basque team's points tally - Diez is a better marksman from long range. But it will also cost Virtus points - the Spanish striker is not as quick in defense.

The Italians in the first play-in game surprised me when they beat Efes in Istanbul. I was sure that Virtus' senior players wouldn't be able to keep up with Larkin and his partners, but they did.

In addition, Luca Banchi's wards played much more collective basketball. While Clyburn knocked the ball down the floor and shot, the Bolognese had 21 assists to the Turks' eight. Clyburn wasn't the only one to shoot the ball, but at least he made his shots. 

The Italians are better organized than the Basques. Much will depend on Belosevic, and Virtus will probably end up with more fouls and assists, too. But Virtus can win.