Date/Time: 17-06-2020, 12:30 EDT / 19:30 GMT
Spread: Bilbao +8 Total: +156
In the opening round of the Final Stage of the Spanish Basketball League (ACB or Liga Endesa), Bilbao (14-9), who were 3-1 in their last 4 games, are hosting Baskonia (12-11), who had won their last 3. Both teams are looking to shake off the rust and continue on the winning ways today.
Bilbao had a 14-9 record in the regular season and were 5th in the league. They had won three of their last four matches and in their last game they won at home against Obradoiro CAB with a 99-72 score. They are led in scoring by Alex Bouteille with 17.7 ppg, adding 3.8 rebounds per game.
Baskonia had a 12-11 record in the regular season and were tied with three more teams in the 7th place. They had three consecutive wins and in their last game they won at home against Tenerife with a 75-68 score. They are led in scoring by Tornike Shengelia with 16.6 ppg, adding 5.3 rebounds per game.
In their previous meeting earlier this season, Bilbao won at home with a 79-75 score. Bilbao are 9-2 at home, while Baskonia are 6-5 on the road. Baskonia are better both offensively (83.7 to 82.8 ppg) and defensively (82 to 83 ppg). They also have a better field-goal percentage (47.6% to 46.4%), while Bilbao has a better 3-point percentage (35.6% to 33.8%). They are also better in rebounding (33.9 to 32.2) and in assists made (15.6 to 14.3). Both teams commit almost the same number of turnovers per game (13.5 to 13.8). Bookmakers give Baskonia a -8 spread but don’t expect them to beat the odds. Pick the hosts to force a closer game than that today.
Baskonia vs Bilbao Prediction: Bilbao +8 (-112)
