Every day throughout the group phase of EuroBasket 2022, we’ll select our game of the day that is a must-watch for all basketball fans. For Day 5, it’s our first look at two teams with different needs as Serbia take on Finland
The Game
Serbia vs Finland, 5 September, Group D
Where?
O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
When?
21.00 CEST, 20.00 BST, 15.00 EST, 12.00 PST
Why this game?
Finland are on somewhat shaky ground going 1-1 through games against Israel (loss) and Poland (win) but they’ve shown they can deliver big performances against some of the top sides in the sport. A win here would give them a good chance at a nice seeding in the knockout round.
Serbia are expected to come out of this group without a defeat but this will certainly be one of the biggest tests faced by Nikola Jokic and his crew before they head to Berlin.
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What do the bookies say?
Serbia are clear favourites at 7/50 with Finland at 13/2. Serbia are -12.5 favourites on the point spread.
What do we say?
Serbia have shown their quality early in this tournament and anything other than a victory would be a surprise but the Finns are clearly up to the challenge and I expect Lauri Markkanen and his team mates to provide a stiff test to the Serbs.
The one thing to watch out for on the Finnish side is that they have more winnable games to come against both Czech Republic and Netherlands so if they fall behind early, they may opt to rest their starters late.
The pick
I’m taking Serbia straight-up but I reckon Finland hang with them long enough so take Finland on the handicap.
Current pick record: 4-3 straight up and 4-3 ATS
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