Two of this season's surprise packages go head to head as Zalgiris (3-1) and Valencia (3-1) both look for a win to stay firmly in the playoffs places. A clear key to the game is the host's three-point shooting: Zalgiris leads the league with a 48.3% conversion rate from deep, with guard Dovydas Giedraitis making 5 of his 6 attempts during the double round week. But Valencia boasts the league's second-best perimeter defense, allowing opponents to make only 29.4% of their three-point shots. Valencia will also need its offensive weapons to fire, and will hope that Chris Jones can return to form after only making 6 of his 20 field goal attempts during last week's two games.
Pre-game quotes: Zalgiris vs. Valencia
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Kazys Maksvytis, Zalgiris head coach
"I think Valencia have strengthened in the off-season. They added some athleticism, and they have a deep roster. Valencia is very interesting team, not easy for our scouts to prepare, so it’s going to be a tough game. The newcomers on the front line, Semi Ojeleye and Brandon Davies, have a big influence on Valencia’s game. Damien Inglis is also playing well. They’ve definitely added size, athleticism, but they have some long-range shooters as well. Chris Jones usually has the ball in his hands. There is also a backup point guard, Stefan Jovic, who we know well from before. They have a lot of weapons, like some special combinations for the shooter Kassius Robertson."
Alex Mumbru, Valencia head coach
"I expect a tough game against a team that has many automatisms form last season, they play great basketball. The arena is sold out and we will be facing a hot atmosphere. We must keep our cool at a mental level so we can face a tough game against a team that also plays tough. We must be able to play good defense and hold against the offensive bursts thay will be having, for sure."
Tomas Dimsa, Zalgiris player
"Valencia seems to be in great shape, they have won three out of four games in EuroLeague, and they are also doing well in the domestic championship. They have quality in each position, which makes it tough for the opponents in defense. Our results are also good, but we have made some comeback wins, which isn’t that easy to do. We need to start games better, and not dig ourselves into deep holes. It will be great to be back to Zalgirio Arena after a double-week on the road. It’s another sold-out, so it will be a great atmosphere to play in."
Xabi Lopez-Arostegui, Valencia player
"I feel fine and I am happy to be back with the team after so long. I am here for whatever the team needs me for. The team is fine, competing well on both competitions. I am happy for them, and I want to jump aboard that ship and make it go forward. I am here to help."