Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Spanish Basketball League match.
Barcelona Bàsquet are locked in a close battle with Club Joventut de Badalona for fifth place in the standings, with just one win separating them. This makes the final round of the regular season crucial. Fortunately for Barcelona Bàsquet, they are facing Bilbao Basket, a team with little left to play for this campaign.
Bilbao Basket
Bilbao Basket have recorded only one win in their last seven games, and that came against the already-relegated Leyma Básquet Coruña (79:67). Their performances in the other fixtures have been disappointing, especially defensively, conceding an average of 93.5 points. In their last two games, Saski Baskonia and Casademont Zaragoza put up 100 and 111 points respectively, shooting 57.4% and 56.2% from the field.
Barcelona Bàsquet
In the previous round, Barcelona Bàsquet took on a similarly unmotivated Spar Girona and cruised to a 97:74 victory. The team’s key players understand the importance of each remaining match and have been performing accordingly. Jabari Parker and Kevin Punter combined for 39 points. The squad also showed their intent through physical play, winning the rebound battle 39–33.
Bilbao Basket vs Barcelona Bàsquet Prediction
Barcelona Bàsquet have no margin for error in the final round, making a lapse in concentration unlikely. In the reverse fixture, they had little trouble dismantling Bilbao Basket’s defence, putting up 97 points. There’s little to suggest a lower output this time.
