EuroBasket 2025 Knockout Phase
The EuroBasket 2025 tournament has progressed into its knockout phase, paving the way for an electrifying matchup between two standout NBA talents. On Saturday, Serbian star Nikola Jokic will lead his team against Finland, helmed by Lauri Markkanen, in a decisive elimination game.
Match Details
This highly anticipated clash is scheduled to start at 2:45 PM ET (9:45 PM local time) in Riga, Latvia. For viewers in the United States, the game will be available for streaming on Courtside 1891, FIBA’s official platform, and can also be viewed via the DAZN service on the Courtside app.
Player Highlights
Markkanen has made a striking return from an injury-plagued season in Utah, currently ranking third in the EuroBasket scoring leaderboard with an impressive average of 25.4 points per game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure while being the focal point of opposing teams’ defenses. This was highlighted in a recent game where he scored 43 points in just 23 minutes, demonstrating his scoring prowess.
On the other hand, Jokic has had a stabilizing effect on Serbia, contributing an average of 20.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Known for his exceptional all-around gameplay, he continues to solidify his status as arguably the best player globally. Serbia has maintained a strong performance throughout the tournament, with their only loss occurring against a talented Turkish squad led by Alperen Sengun.
Betting Perspective
From a betting perspective, Serbia enters the matchup as a strong favorite, with a 16.5-point spread, largely due to the depth of its roster. In addition to Jokic, Serbia boasts other notable NBA talents, including Nikola Jovic from the Miami Heat and Tristan Vukcevic from the Washington Wizards. Despite the absence of star player Bogdan Bogdanovic due to a hamstring injury, Serbia’s lineup remains formidable.
Conversely, Finland’s roster features talents like Miro Little, who plays college basketball at UC Santa Barbara, and Olivier Nkamhoua, a former NCAA standout at Tennessee and Michigan, who is now in Italy’s professional leagues.
Conclusion
As the knockout rounds heat up, this matchup promises to be a thrilling display of skill and competitive spirit, with national pride on the line as both teams vie for a place in the next stage of the tournament.
