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The Giannis-less Greece got lucky to progress through the next phase after showing character and fighting spirit when it mattered most. Lithuania on the other hand have looked very smooth so far and they qualified easily with 3 convincing wins. This is our preview of the game, along with some of our favourite betting tips for this duel.
- Date & Time: Friday, September 01, 2023, 1:40 p.m. GMT
- Venue: Mall of Asia Arena – Pasay, Philippines
Lithuania vs Greece basketball predictions
Contents
While the only question ahead of this duel is can the older Antentokoumpo, Thanasis, find a way to inspire a major Greek upset we don’t think this is possible. The Lithuanians have looked very solid so far and they are now seen as serious medal contenders. So, let’s take a closer look at our Lithuania vs Greece basketball predictions:
Prediction 1: Over 154.5 total points @ 1/2 (1.50)
Our first pick for this match backs the teams to go over 155 points for the game between them. All of Lithuania’s 3 group-stage matches went well over that mark, they all went over 165 points. Greece too saw all of their 3 group-stage matches clear this target.
To add to that 3 of the last 4 H2Hs between the teams have gone over 154.5 points too, so we see this outcome happening again now.
Prediction 2: Jonas Valanciunas under 15.5 points @ 8/15 (1.53)
Lithuania’s big star remains their big man Jonas Valanciunas. At age 31 the New Orleans Pelicans centre doesn’t play as many minutes as he used to. So far, in this tournament he averages just 19 minutes per game.
Valanciunas remains very productive in his time on the court and yet he is yet to score more than 15 points this World Cup. He’s averaged 13.7 points per match during the group stage and now with the defences he will face getting better, we can’t see big Jonas going above his 15.5-point spread.
Lithuania vs Greece preview – Can the Tall Blacks cause an upset?
Now let’s take a closer look at the latest Lithuania vs Greece team news ahead of their meeting:
Lithuania news, injuries, and starting lineups
Lithuania have been very impressive in every game so far this World Cup. Lithuania beat Egypt 93-67, then humiliated Mexico 96-66 and in their final match of the group in a direct battle for the top spot they left no doubts when easily cruising past Montenegro 91-71.
Lithuania are yet to allow more than 71 points in a match and after the group stage, they are ranked top for defensive efficiency. Can they keep this momentum going?
Lithuania injury report:
- N/A
Lithuania starting lineup:
J. Valanciunas, M. Kuzminskas, R. Jokubaitis, T. Sedekerskis, M. Normantas
Greece news, injuries, and starting lineups
Without shining too much Greece’s tenacity was enough to see them beat Jordan 92-71. It was the depth of the team that impressed most in this match with 3 of the 4 players in double digits in this match coming off the bench. The Greek bench ended contributing 49 of the 92 points and this was the most of any bench from the first round of games.
Despite missing their big star Giannis the Greeks still play with great dedication led by Ginnais’ older brother Thanasis Antetokoumpo.
Even that commitment wasn’t enough against Team USA though and in their second match Greece lost 81-109. The bright display of Papagiannis gave Greece some courage though. Papagiannis led all scorers in the game with 17 points on 8 of 13 shooting.
Greece then faced New Zealand in a direct clash for the 2nd spot in the group. The Greeks played poorly for 3 quarters and they trailed by as many as 15. However, a last-quarter rallying inspired by 2 bench players saw Greece come from the brink to win 83-74 and progress.
Greece officially have the strongest bench of the tournament, with the subs going for 40+ points in 2 of the 3 matches so far.
Greece injury report:
- N/A
Greece starting lineup:
G. Papagianotis, K. Papanikolaus, M. Lountzis, T. Antetokumpo, T. Walkup
Where to watch Lithuania vs Greece on TV/live stream
If you live in the UK, you can watch all FIBA World Cup matches via FIBA’s streaming service Courtside 1891. Meanwhile, in the USA, the World Cup will be shown on ESPN2 and ESPN+. New Zealand fans can watch their team on TVNZ Duke and TVNZ +.
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