Italy – Basket Serie A, Round 13
Tortona-Treviso, 23/12/23 CET 16:30
Last chance for Tortona: the disappointing defeat in Cremona leaves no room for error. They need to win the next three games, or they will skip participation in the Coppa Italia. For an outsider like Ramondino's team, it would be a significant setback. Watch out for Treviso's climb, coming off three consecutive victories – the last one, a significant win against Trento. For the first time, they are in contact with the safety zone, and the addition of Olisevicius has unlocked Vitucci's boys. The last three encounters between the two teams all ended with a margin of fewer than 10 points. It could happen again, with Treviso relying on defensive consistency and Tortona having more depth on the bench to secure the win.
Brindisi-Scafati, 23/12/23 CET 18:30
The memory of the last wasted possession in Sassari (84-81) still stings, putting Sakota's men at the bottom. However, Brindisi, with the new coach, has gotten back on track and seeks the third consecutive victory in front of the home crowd. Scafati, on the other hand, breathes a sigh of relief, coming off a derby win against Napoli (91-85) and aiming to defend the two-game advantage over their direct opponent on Saturday. An open game, just over 160 total points: better attacks than defenses, better tactical solidity for Brindisi, and the individual skills of Scafati.
Trento-Napoli, 23/12/23 CET 19:00
Good news for Aquila comes from the Eurocup, where Grazulis and his teammates conquered Gran Canaria with a strong performance. It's a sign that the team is there, despite the setback in Treviso. The third place (record 8-4) alongside Virtus is not happening by chance. Napoli follows a step below (7-5), but three consecutive losses to opponents within reach – Pistoia, Reggiana, Scafati – reveal a clear decline. The flashes of Tyler Ennis alone cannot be enough. Trento has the opportunity to turn things around, but all the data leans toward the home team. However, expect a close game, with around 160 total points.
Venezia-Brescia, 23/12/23 CET 19:30
Reyer's pride shines as they trip up Virtus on the road (84-85 in overtime), sending a signal to the league. Thus, the Saturday match at Taliercio becomes an unprecedented head-to-head: second against first, Tucker's athleticism against Bilan's factor under the basket. Brescia is flying high – 6 wins in the last 7 games – with the best offense and defense in the league. They know how to win (see Reggio, 70-77) even when things aren't going perfectly. Inevitably, they carry the label of favorites against Venezia. But it will be a real, unpredictable game, both in terms of the pace – the visitors could benefit from a low score – and the final result.
Pistoia-Virtus Bologna, 23/12/23 CET 20:00
Brienza's band stumbled just at the crucial moment, deceived by Pesaro in a photo finish (73-74), despite the usual contribution (43 points combined) from the celebrated duo Willis-Moore. The dream of reaching the Final Eight is still within reach, but new feats are needed. Pistoia excels against the big teams, and Bologna is warned, wounded twice in a row at the final buzzer (against Milan and Venice) and so far more dominant in the EuroLeague than in the league. Virtus will concede something to Moore and company, making it a challenging game, but in the long run, the depth of the Bologna roster should make the difference. Yes to the away win, especially if Coach Banchi tightens the ranks defensively.
Pesaro-Varese, 23/12/23 CET 20:30
The upset at the home of a high-flying Pistoia can mark a turning point in Pesaro's season, which has been inconsistent so far (record 5-7). However, the entire team needs to step up, as Visconti played the game of his life in Tuscany (5 for 5 from three), and this may not always be the case. A struggling opponent arrives at the Vitrifrigo Arena: don't be fooled by the honorable loss to Milan (70-74); the more significant concern is that it's the fourth in a row, and Varese remains the worst defense in the league. Pulled into the relegation battle, heavily dependent on shooting percentages – apart from Hanlan, few others can turn on the light. An unstable, disjointed game, with Pesaro as the favorite, with over 160 total points.
Reggiana-Sassari, 23/12/23 CET 21:00
A good team effort wasn't enough to stop the league leader, but Reggiana shows they are in good shape and deserving of a place in the Final Eight. The pass could come on Saturday by beating Sassari at home: an achievable task because away from Sardinia, Dinamo (away record 0-5) continues to struggle. The last-minute victory against Brindisi has still given Bucchi's men the cushion that will allow them not to play in Emilia with their backs against the wall. An important organizational advantage for Reggio, with Hervey-Galloway, and Sassari currently relies mainly on Gombauld for rebounds. Trust in the home win, although more challenging than on paper.
Milano-Cremona , 24/12/23 CET 12:00
The Christmas Eve showdown in Assago, where Milan – after the pride-boosting performances in the EuroLeague – seeks continuity in Serie A. The tenacious victory in overtime against Bologna and the ugly but effective win at Varese show that Melli and his teammates are aiming for the third in a row against Cremona. They, in turn, have raised their heads by defeating Tortona (83-67) and re-entering the eighth position. By winning at the Forum, the newly promoted team would even achieve the unthinkable, catching up with Olimpia. At this point, two games from the end of the first round, Olimpia really can't afford to let that happen. For this reason, yes to the home win.