The second EuroBasket semifinal will feature Greece taking on Turkey. This matchup promises to be exciting, so here’s what to expect from this crucial game.
Greece
Greece came into this tournament with high hopes, especially with two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the team. In the group stage, they performed well, finishing first with four wins out of five games. Their only loss to Bosnia was somewhat unexpected.
In the playoffs, Greece narrowly defeated Israel 84-79 and then secured a convincing 87-76 victory against Lithuania in the quarterfinals. Giannis has been outstanding, averaging nearly 30 points per game. Even when he’s off the court, Greece appears strong.
Turkey
Turkey also had high expectations and has lived up to them, winning all their matches so far. The group stage was manageable, with their toughest challenge being against Serbia, where they rallied to win 95-90.
The playoffs began with a tough game against Sweden, which ended 85-79, with a key third quarter swing of 13 points in Turkey’s favor. In the quarterfinals, they comfortably defeated Poland 91-77. Alperen Şengün has performed exceptionally, averaging over 21 points per game.
H2H
Greece and Turkey have a long history of playing against each other, though their last matchup occurred three years ago. Currently, Greece is on an eight-game winning streak against Turkey.
Prediction
Both teams have made it to this stage with confidence, showcasing top players from the NBA and European leagues. There isn’t a clear favorite on paper, so the outcome will depend on strategies, shooting accuracy, and a bit of luck. Star performances will be vital. Expect an exciting match, and I anticipate the total points will exceed 162.5.