08.31.2017 - DAY 1 Predictions:
SLO-POL (8). I'm not going to lie, Slovenia kinda dropped in my respect meter as they attempt to rectify their topsy turvy road preparing for EB'17 by naturalizing Anthony Randolph! My favorite player in the basketball world, Luka Doncic, needs a bit more help than his 2016-2017 Real Madrid teammate to medal this year, but they continue to win by double digits as these teams seem to win by +10 over the past few EB matches. Slovenia resumes the head to head trend, Slovenia 78-70.
GER-UKR (9). In their chase to reach a medal for this first time since 2005, Germany makes a strong statement against a slower and depleted Ukraine. Their backcourt will cause major headaches, Germany 80-71.
ISL-GRE (-12). I can't wait to watch Iceland's Tryggvi Hlinason, but Greece is entirely too exerienced and big for ISL in this one as Bourousis and Printezis will have little control almost every aspect of the paint on both sides of the court, Greece 81-69.
LTU-GEO (-3). Despite the injury drama pertaining to Zaza, I predicted darkhorse Georgia to finish top of Group B this year. They start that quest by upsetting Lithuania in the obvious GAME OF THE DAY. And the most recent news that Motiejunas is stuck in Houston provides even more opportunity for success, Georgia 74-71.
FRA-FIN (17). In the most lopsided matchup of the day, it will still be fun watching to see if young start Markkanen continues to prove why he is so coveted by the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, France is to fast, deep, and experienced in this matchup. France destroys, 93-76.
ITA-ISR (3). In what might be the shortest roster in EB history, Italy will have a plenty of challenges along the road to the playoffs without Gallo and Bargnani while Belinelli has already informed the world that this is his last chase for an EB medal. Thanks to Melli, Italy squeezes out a win in the closes game of the day, 71-68.
