FIBA EuroBasket 2015 Betting TipsTuesday saw the first two of the 2015 EuroBasket quarter-finals take place and this means we now know the two teams who will be taking place in the first semi-final on Thursday. The two games served up plenty of drama and excitement, which means that the two games on Wednesday have a lot to live up to, but the main focus is now falling on the first semi-final and which team will be the first to book their slot in Sunday’s EuroBasket final.

The results on Tuesday 15th September were:

  • Spain 73 – Greece 71
  • France 84 – Latvia 70

Most observers felt that the Spain versus Greece match would be a close one and the final score saw just two points separating the teams. It would be fair to say that at different points in the game, either team looked good for victory but with Pau Gasol once again pulling all the strings for the Spanish side, they just had enough to make it through.

The NBA star delivered 27 points and 9 rebounds, driving his team-mates on to the semi-finals. Greece, who had won every game in the tournament up to this point, were boosted by Nick Calathes grabbing 14 points and 7 rebounds but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the hunt for the major medals. With the opening quarter ending in a tie and then Greece holding a two point advantage going into the final quarter, there was never too much between the two teams but the Spanish showed enough hunger and desire in the opening stages of the final quarter to take the game. Greece roared back near the end but the Spanish side held on, just.

The host nation continued their comfortable route throughout the tournament, disposing of a Latvian side that have exceeded many people’s expectations to get this far in the tournament. It wasn’t all plain sailing for the hosts though as Latvia started strongly and had a decent lead at the end of the first quarter. The score-line of 21-25 at the end of the first quarter wasn’t quite enough to spook the hosts but it certainly let them know that this wasn’t going to be a stroll to the tournament.

This saw the French up their game and even though the next two quarters were a bit drab and tight, the French took full control. Tony Parker served up 18 points and 6 assists for the French while Latvia were boosted by Kristaps Janičenoks grabbing 16 points. The final quarter roared back to life, France taking it 28-25, which saw them through the final stages with ease and comfort.

The preview for the semi-final on 17th September is:

Spain v France

This is Spain’s 9th consecutive semi-final in the EuroBasket tournament and they are also guaranteed a place in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next summer, at the very least. Not all of Spain’s best players are at the tournament, or fit to play at the moment, but they have shown that they have it in them to deliver the goods. This will be their first test and of course, it was France who ended the Spanish dream of World Cup glory last summer, so could this be an opportunity for revenge? When you’ve been dumped out of a tournament on your own home soil, you will be keen to grab revenge on that nation. Thursday could see Spain grab their revenge.

This is France’s third consecutive EuroBasket semi-final, and of course, they are still on course to defend their title successfully. Add in the fact that they are at least involved in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next summer and you have to say that Tuesday was a big day for France. Thursday could be bigger and of course, having the home advantage and the crowd behind them will be a big factor in the game.

It won’t be the only factor, as France and Spain will know all too well when thinking about last year, but it will give France a boost. Whether the French team needs a boost or not is up for grabs, they have looked in complete control throughout this tournament so far, but of course, this is being seen as the first proper challenge that the host nation is facing.

France are understandably the favourites, but there isn’t a lot between the two teams so taking France at -5, at odds of 1.90, is likely to be a sound bet for Thursday. When it comes to taking the Over/Under market, you should opt for OVER 144.5 at odds of 1.90Bet Now!

Spain vs France (80-75)
TipsterTip-offHome TeamAway TeamO/UOddsFree TipSportsbook
FIBA EuroBasket - Men tip locked in at 17/09 09:05 (Spread Result: 80-70, Totals: 155)
giorgio17/09 19:00SpainSpain FranceFrance 144.51.90Over 144.5 
SPREAD   -5 1.90France 
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There are also two Olympic Qualifying Games taking place on Thursday.

Greece v Latvia

Greece should be the stronger team for this game but it could come down to how well they bounce back after their defeat by Spain on Tuesday. The Greek side finished strongly, and could have pushed the game further, and this may mean that they are at a low ebb coming into this one. They will know that this is an important game, but it is clearly a lesser game than what they could have been playing in on Thursday.

As for the Latvians, yes, they also lost out on Tuesday but they will be feeling a bit more upbeat about this game. They have enjoyed an excellent tournament so far and this game represents a chance for them to enjoy next summer too. The Greeks should be favourites but it may be that the Latvians have a strong mental advantage coming into this one.

The bookmakers definitely think that Greece are clear favourites for this game but taking Latvia at +12.5 at odds of 1.90, will likely provide you with a strong bet for this game. In the Over/Under market, you should look to go OVER 144.5 at odds of 1.90. Bet Now!

Greece vs Latvia (97-90)
TipsterTip-offHome TeamAway TeamO/UOddsFree TipSportsbook
FIBA EuroBasket - Men tip locked in at 17/09 09:10 (Spread Result: 97-102.5, Totals: 187)
giorgio17/09 14:00GreeceGreece LatviaLatvia 144.51.90Over 144.5 
SPREAD   +12.5 1.90Latvia 
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Czech Republic v Italy

Both teams coming into the second of the Olympic qualifying games on Thursday will be at a low ebb. Both of the sides lost out on Wednesday and have had to drag themselves back into action the following day. Again, fitness and mental strength can often be the strongest part of a team on days like this and this could well be the deciding factor between the two teams.

The Czech Republic lost out in the first game, running out of steam late on as Serbia powered home. The Serbians have Thursday to relax and recover for their semi-final match on Friday but the Czechs have to bounce back quickly, although they do have a bit more recovery time than their opponents, who played later on Wednesday evening in a game that went into overtime.

They take on Italy, who lost out to Lithuania in the later game on Wednesday evening.

Italy are considered to be the favourites for this game but their efforts on Wednesday may work against them. However taking Italy at -4.5 with odds of 1.90 should be a fine bet. If you are interested in the Over/Under market, look to go OVER 153.0 at odds of 1.80. Bet Now!

Czech Republic vs Italy (70-85)
TipsterTip-offHome TeamAway TeamO/UOddsFree TipSportsbook
FIBA EuroBasket - Men tip locked in at 17/09 09:15 (Spread Result: 70-80.5, Totals: 155)
giorgio17/09 16:30Czech RepublicCzech Republic ItalyItaly 153.01.90Over 153.0 
SPREAD   -4.5 1.90Italy 
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