Italy – Basket Serie A, Round 12
Reggiana-Brescia 16/12/23, CET 19:30
Riding on Galloway's performance (24 points), the red and white team conquered Napoli at the last second, securing the fifth position. At PalaBigi, Reggiana has lost only once in 5 games: the best calling card to face the league leader, but will it be enough? Coach Magro is replicating the masterpiece from last season's Italian Cup in the league – boasting the best offense and defense. Brescia dreams, enjoys the game (110-65, the latest victory against Sassari), and relies on a well-tested and complete roster. Ready for another high-paced game in Reggio, with over 160 total points expected, between two in-form teams. However, one of them is simply in better shape than all the others.
Virtus Bologna-Venezia 16/12/23, CET 20:30
No harm done for the last-second loss (82-80): Banchi's team had enough cushion to afford a setback at the Forum. With the Supercoppa in hand, a convincing European campaign, and a close lead in Serie A, they are in good shape. However, the situation is more fragile at Reyer, trailing in Eurocup and lacking rotations in the frontcourt: the gold and orange are maximizing home advantage (6 wins in 6), but they seem unable to handle high-paced away games. They've lost the last 4, three of which with over 20 points difference. Confidence leans towards Bologna's victory, more than the balance on paper suggests (8-3 record for both).
Treviso-Trento 17/12/23, CET 16:30
Defense and Olisevicius. Treviso has tightened ranks, achieved two crucial victories against Brindisi and Cremona, and found a wild card that can shift the balance in the fight against relegation. Suddenly, Vitucci's team is just one win away from safety, returning to a PalaVerde rekindled by recent events. Trento is warned, despite the excellent form and a record (8 wins, 3 losses) that dreams big. The visitors have more arrows in their quiver, especially on the perimeter. The key to the match will again be Treviso's ability to keep the score low. It worked in Cremona; repeating the script against a big team would be significant. If this scenario plays out, even in a potential close finish, trust the Venetians.
Cremona-Tortona 17/12/23, CET 17:00
The home defeat against Treviso – with no points scored in the last 2 minutes – indicates that Cremona is tired and going through a delicate moment. It's understandable after a season start that exceeded expectations: 5 wins and 6 losses are still an excellent record for a newly promoted team. Not the case for Tortona, who lost in the final seconds against Pistoia (97-100) in a spectacular ending. Missing access to the Final Eight would be a setback for Weems and his teammates. Despite everything, the team is better than what they've gathered: not every week do you find a Payton Willis scoring 36 points, fortunately for the white and blacks. A single result counts in Cremona: considering the form and technical gap, an away win should be considered carefully.
Varese-Olimpia Milano 17/12/23, CET 17:30
It's a defeat worth three after the setback in Puglia (86-81). Varese completely reopens the survival fight, and among the teams at the bottom of the standings, they are struggling the most – the worst defense in the league, only one win in the last 5. At home, to have a chance against Milan, a perfect night from beyond the arc is needed. Olimpia is wounded but proud – the victory over Bologna is a sign – and still the reigning Italian champion. Against a tactically undisciplined team like Bialaszewski's, they could break through the barricades. Expect a match with over 160 total points, anticipating Milan's victory with a margin of 10-15 points.
Scafati-Napoli 17/12/23, CET 18:15
The loss to Venice (83-59) has deceptive aspects. Scafati was only six points behind until halfway through the last quarter, and it was Coach Boniciolli's first game on the sidelines. There's work to be done, but the team needs to confirm itself as the scoring machine that beat Olimpia away and not the one from the last few weeks – 4 consecutive losses. Napoli is also on a downturn, with two consecutive losses and, especially at home against Reggio (87-89), showing signs of oxygen debt. However, the technical and standings gap (4-7 vs. 7-4) remains in favor of the visitors. The match is expected to follow the script of around 160 total points, with a slight inclination towards the guest victory, even on the balance.
Pistoia-Pesaro 17/12/23, CET 19:00
Standing ovation for Brienza's band: the newly promoted team is magnificent, in fantastic form (4 consecutive wins), led by an overwhelming duo like Payton Willis and Charlie Moore. Scoring 60 points together, even in the barrage against Tortona, is beyond the scale for European basketball. Now the risk is to become a bit complacent, giving in to lapses in attention. Pistoia lacks both the bench and tactical alternatives to afford it. Pesaro is, however, the most accessible opponent in recent times: 3 losses in the last 4, in addition to Bamforth and Toté, not much else. Sunday favors a home win with a medium score. But for the first time, Willis and his teammates have everything to lose.
Sassari-Brindisi 17/12/23, CET 20:00
Too ugly to be true, the Dinamo's performance in Brescia – trailing by 52 points. Coach Bucchi is still finding the balance of a new roster to assemble, where there are more puzzles than certainties – if there is any: Stéphane Gombauld under the basket. On the other hand, Brindisi's championship has reignited – 2 wins in the last 3 – beating Varese away and aiming for survival. It's a dimension where Sassari (record 4-7) cannot risk getting entangled. And there are positive signs after all: seeking the fourth consecutive victory at Palaserradimigni, Brindisi has never won away in this Serie A. Trust in Dinamo, even though they will have to sweat.