Sweden vs Finland Tips & Live Stream - Finns to crush their neighbors at the start of EuroBasket

By Nemanja Dojcinovic

2 hours ago

Nemanja Dojcinovic 2 hours ago

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Sweden returns to EuroBasket after 12 years with a young squad.
Finland emerged as a surprise package in the last tournament, reaching QF
Lauri Markkanen's strong form makes Finland a formidable opponent.

Lauri Markkanen FIBA(Getty Image)

Sweden vs Finland Preview
Sweden Form & Team News
Finland Form & Team News
Head to Head

Sweden vs Finland Preview

In the opening round of Group B at EuroBasket, we will watch a Scandinavian derby between Sweden and Finland.

Can Sweden secure their first EuroBasket victory in 12 years, or will Finland justify their role as favorites against their neighbors?

Sweden Form & Team News

After 12 years since EuroBasket in Slovenia, Sweden will once again test themselves against the best national teams in Europe. Back then, they finished the group stage with one win and four losses.

They now have a young team led by the equally young Norwegian coach Mikko Riipinen.

Interestingly, two of their players are currently with NBA teams, although with limited minutes.

Pelle Larsson made 55 appearances for the Miami Heat last season, averaging 14 minutes per game, while Bobi Klintman played eight times for the Detroit Pistons.

Simon Birgander, Ludwig Hakanson, Tobias Borg, Olle Lundqvist, and Melwin Pantzar all play successfully in the Spanish ACB league and will form the backbone of Sweden’s squad at this tournament.

Finland Form & Team News

Finland was one of the biggest surprises at the previous EuroBasket.

They reached the quarterfinals where they gave strong resistance to the eventual champion Spain, and before that, they defeated the favored Croatia in the round of 16.

Once again, many see them as a dark horse team capable of upsetting one of the favorites.

Lauri Markkanen had several monstrous 40+ point performances in preparation games, and there is no doubt he will be one of the biggest stars of the tournament.

Mikael Jantunen, Alexander Madsen, Edon Maxhuni, Elias Valtonen, and Sasu Salin are players who will benefit from playing alongside the Utah Jazz star. Their shooting percentages will determine Finland’s ceiling in this competition, but they will certainly get plenty of open looks since defenses will be focused on stopping Markkanen.

Head to Head

Back in 2013, Finland and Sweden met at EuroBasket. Finland won convincingly 81:60 with Gerald Lee scoring game high 14 points.

Verdict

Sweden v Finland

Finland looked excellent offensively during the preparation period, which is no surprise given the way Lauri Markkanen is playing. They play fast and fluid basketball, taking plenty of shots early in the possession.

I expect another strong tournament from them. The first game is always important, and I believe they will rise to the occasion against a team that suits them stylistically.

Finland over 85.5

Team total

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