Best EuroBasket Bets for Friday, September 12
All odds current as of 7:30 AM ET Thursday.
Lauri Markkanen Under 28.5 Points (-130 bet365)
Markkanen was held to 11 points when these two teams met in the group stage -- a game Germany won by 30 points. I think a similar result is in store, and although Luka Doncic went off against Germany on Wednesday I believe the Finnish star will get shut down again. This is one I wouldn't mind laddering all the way down to 20 points if available.
Mikael Jantunen Under 12.5 Points (-120 bet365)
There's a very good chance Finland scores more than the 61 points they put up against Germany last time around, as they figure to shoot better than 38 percent like they did in that contest. Finland is on a roll and should be confident, but I'm assuming they spread the ball around and won't lean on either Jantunen or Markkanen. It surprised me how competitive Slovenia was against the Germans, but I think the latter is due for a bounceback on the defensive end.
Kostas Sloukas Over 15.5 Points+Assists (-120 bet365)
The Greek guys have not been good to me this tournament, which is surprising given how predictable their rotation is. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sloukas, Kostas Papanikolaou and Tyler Dorsey are all going to get at least 27 minutes, and the rest will be determined by game script and the hot hand. Sloukas is known as a big-game player in Europe and someone who saves his best for last -- whether that be on the clock or in the bracket. Sloukas has not shot the ball well, but he has hit this number in both elimination games to date, and with even more minutes upside I will roll with a player who is the best ballhandler on his team and is second in usage.
Adem Bona 5+ Points (+110 bet365)
Furkan Korkmaz 10+ Points (+180 bet365)
I am making an aggressive decision with these, as I'm assuming Cedi Osman is either limited or out altogether Friday due to the injury he sustained against Poland. Bona did not see much action last time Turkey faced a tough big man, but if Osman sits, he could get at least 10 minutes to match up with a lengthy Greek team or soak up some fouls against Antetokounmpo. Korkmaz is the more natural replacement for Osman as a three-point shooter who could get some opportunities when Greece packs the paint on the defensive end. If we get definite word on Osman before tip-off I might lean into one of these ladders more aggressively.
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