Spanish ACB Finals Baskonia vs Real Madrid Game 1 Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 06-13-2018, 15:00 EDT

Spread: Real Madrid -9

Total: +167

In the first game of the Spanish Basketball League (ACB or Liga Endesa) finals, the two best teams of the league are clashing, when the first Real Madrid, who are looking to return back to the Spanish throne, are hosting the second Baskonia. Both teams are playing extremely well and have lost only once in their last 17 and 10 matches respectively.

Baskonia had a 25-9 record in the regular season and finished in the second place of the league. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and in their latest matchup they were victorious against Barcelona in game four in overtime, 82-88 eliminating them 3-1 wins. Real Madrid had a 30-4 record in the regular season and finished in the first place of the league. They are 16-1 in their last 17 games and in their latest matchup they were victorious against Gran Canaria on the road in game three, 92-99 eliminating them 3-0.

Top Basketball Bookmakers

Baskonia are led in scoring by Tornike Shengelia with 15.4 ppg. He also adds 5.5 rebounds per game, while Rodrigue Beaubois follows with 11.4 ppg. Matt Janning adds 10.4 ppg. Real Madrid are led in scoring by Luka Doncic with 12.5 ppg. He also adds 5.5 rebounds and a team-best 5 assists per game, while Jaycee Carroll follows with 11.9 ppg. Sergio Llull adds 10.7 and 3.7 assists per game.

This will be the 5^th meeting between those two teams this season, with Real leading 3-1 wins. They have won both home games by an average of 7 points. Real have lost only once at home this season, having a 19-1 record, while Baskonia are 12-8 on the road. Real lead the league offensively with 89.7 ppg, while Baskonia are third-best with 85.9. Baskonia on the other hand have a better defense, allowing 77.3 ppg to Real’s 78.8. Real lead the league in accuracy from the field with 50.6%, while Baskonia follow second with 49.1% and both squads are tied for the third-best accuracy from behind the arc with 38.2%. Real commit fewer turnovers (12.4 to 13), while Baskonia dish more assists (19.4 to 18.1) and both teams grab almost the same number of rebounds (34.4 and 34.1). Both teams have been superb in the playoffs and bookmakers give Real Madrid a -7 spread but Baskonia will definitely force a closer game than that, so pick them for the win today.      

Baskonia vs Real Madrid Game 1 Prediction: Baskonia +9 (-112)