Anadolu Efes vs Virtus Bologna Prediction and Expert Picks: Preview, Odds, News, Injury Report, 4/16/24

The Euroleague 2023/24 Play-In will feature in-form Anadolu Efes and struggling Virtus Bologna battling it out. Efes has won 8 of their last 10 games, while Virtus has lost all of their last 7. Who will advance? Our Efes vs Virtus prediction is available below!

Anadolu Efes are favorites with an implied probability of 79.4% to win this one at 1.26 odds, while Virtus Bologna is available at 4.00 odds. The point spread is +/-7.5 points and the total points line is at 169.5. 

Anadolu Efes will face Virtus Bologna on Tuesday evening at the Sinan Erdem Dome, in Istanbul, Turkey. For more Euroleague picks from Agbeniga Ayobami and other basketball experts, visit our Expert Insights section.

Anadolu Efes vs Virtus Bologna Prediction, Picks 

• Selection: Efes -7.5
• Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Odds available as of 16th April 2024. Odds may now differ. 

Given these contrasting performances, my Efes vs Virtus prediction is for Efes to cover the spread!

Efes vs Virtus Game Info

• Date: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
• Time: 19:00 (CET)
• Arena:  Sinan Erdem Dome.
• Location: Istanbul, Turkey.

Anadolu Efes Injury Report, Team News, Schedule

Efes enters the play-in with plenty of confidence, having experienced a revival since Tomislav Mijatovic was promoted to head coach ahead of Round 25. The team has delivered outstanding performances, securing themselves in the 9th position of the Euroleague standings with an impressive winning streak, having won 8 of their last 10 games. 

They have been exceptional when playing at home with 13 wins and only 4 losses throughout the regular season. However, Ertan Gazi recently suffered an injury, and his return date is still unknown. 

Despite this setback, Efes has committed the second-fewest turnovers at 10.3 per game, ranks third in scoring with 86.1 points per game, and has the third-best average PIR at 97.4. Additionally, Efes ranks third in free-throw shooting at 81.4%.

Virtus Bologna Injury Report, Team News, Schedule

Virtus Bologna’s season has been a tale of two halves, starting strong but ending with disappointment. Despite showing promising form early on, including discussions of Toko Shengelia as a potential MVP candidate, they faltered in the latter part of the season, culminating in a seven-game losing streak. 

Their loss to Baskonia in the final round of the regular season was particularly costly, dropping them to 10th place and missing out on a playoff spot. Virtus averages 80.2 points, 32.4 rebounds, 18.8 assists, 6.6 steals, 2.5 blocks, and 87.4 PIR. 

Marco Belinelli ranks third in average three-pointers made with 2.6 per game. Unfortunately, Davontae Cacok is out after suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Efes vs Virtus Trends

• Anadolu Efes has a 13-4 record playing at home.
• Virtus Bologna has a 5-12 record playing away from home.
• Anadolu Efes is 17-17 SU.
• Virtus Bologna is 17-17 SU.

Anadolu Efes vs Virtus Bologna H2H 

The head-to-head history between Anadolu Efes and Virtus Bologna reveals an evenly matched rivalry, with each team securing three victories over the other. In their most recent game in Round 21, Efes won 99-75 in Istanbul. 

Darius Thompson set career-highs in points (26) and steals (5). However, Virtus Bologna got the better of Efes in Round 6 with a 93-81 win. Toko Shengelia was instrumental in this win, earning MVP of the Round honors with an impressive stat line of 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds for a performance index rating (PIR) of 30.

Virtus forward Ognjen Dobric tied his career high with 4 steals in their Round 6 win over Efes. On the Efes side, guard Elijah Bryant grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds, all on the defensive end, in a previous matchup against Virtus. Additionally, Rodrigue Beaubois dished out a career-best 7 assists in Efes’ home win over Virtus.

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