Every day throughout the group phase of EuroBasket 2022, we’ll select our game of the day that is a must-watch for all basketball fans. For Day 8, it’s a win of goodbye game as Czech Republic plays Israel
The Game
Czech Republic vs Israel, Group D, 8 September
Where?
Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Germ
When?
17.30 CEST, 16.30 BST, 11.30 EST, 08.30 PST
Why this game?
Remarkably, this is the only game on Thursday that will decide if a team progresses or not as it’s a straight win or go home game for both sides. Seeding could be impacted by the result but the rest of Group D will influence that and, frankly, progression is vital for both sides albeit for different reasons.
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What do the bookies say?
The hosts, Czech Republic, are 31/50 favourites despite looking far from impressive so far while Israel are 31/20. The point spread favours Czech Republic by -4.
What do we say?
I really don’t know what the bookies are drinking because Czech Republic have done nothing in this competition to give reason to believe they can make it to Berlin. Their lone victory, over winless Netherlands, says little about them and Tomas Satoransky, their star man, is clearly playing well below 100 per cent.
Israel have back to back losses but those were to teams with a combined 1 loss between them going into the final day of group play. They’re not as good as advertised before the tournament but should have far too much for the hosts to deal with in this crunch game.
The pick
Israel straight up and it’s not a tough call.
Current pick record: 11-5 straight up, 8-8 ATS
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