Head-to-Head: Lithuania vs Slovenia
| Lithuania | Head-to-Head | Slovenia |
| Kazys Maksvytis | Head Coach | Aleksander Sekulic |
| 4-2 | Standing | 4-2 |
| Lost 1 | Form | Lost 2 |
Leaders (Per Game) |
| J. Valanciunas (13.2) | PPG | L. Doncic (26.3) |
| J. Valanciunas (8.3) | RPG | L. Doncic (6.8) |
| R. Jokubaitis (6.2) | APG | L. Doncic (6.5) |
| R. Jokubaitis (1.0) | SPG | L. Doncic (2.3) |
| J. Valanciunas (1.2) | BPG | L. Doncic (0.3) |
| J. Valanciunas (.646)/J. Valanciunas (5.2) | FG%/FGM | M. Tobey (.638)/L. Doncic (7.7) |
| I. Brazdeikis (.556)/I. Brazdeikis (1.7) | 3P%/3PM | A. Nikolic (.440)/K. Prepelic (2.8) |
Lithuania Team Preview
While they lost their quarter-final matchup against Serbia, Lithuania put together an admirable tournament run. Going 4-2 through the World Cup, Lithuania earned impressive wins over Greece and the United States.
Despite defeating the United States in their last game of the second round, they lost by 19 to Serbia in the quarter-finals. Contrary to their usual form, Lithuania shot 42.9% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range in their win-or-go-home matchup. Their cause wasn't helped by allowing Serbia to shoot 63.2% inside the arc.
Lithuania is excellent at establishing its presence in the paint while also creating significant opportunities from deep. Slovenia will challenge the Lithuanian big men to navigate screens, so their perimeter defense will be crucial to their success.
Key Players & Stats
Despite their recent loss, Lithuania's performance through the World Cup has been admirable. They've averaged 91.7 points per game on 52.2% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range on 11.2 made. Rebounding has been their strength, leading the tournament with 42.4 per game and 20.0 offensive rebounds per game.
Lithuania's top performer has been Jonas Valanciunas, who has averaged 13.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on 64.6% from the field. He's been supported from the perimeter by Rokas Jokubaitis, who has averaged 12.8 points and 6.2 assists on 52.8% shooting from the field while hitting 1.7 threes per game.
Jonas Valanciunas has been the star performer for Lithuania through their tournament run, and it shouldn't stop here. He should have little opposition in the paint and can score at many ranges. How the Lithuanian big man establishes himself early will set up his team's chances of success.
Slovenia Team Preview
Despite their early World Cup success, Slovenia struggled to find success in the later rounds of the tournament. Upon reaching the second round and the quarter-finals, Slovenia suffered double-digit losses to Germany and Canada.
In Slovenia's quarter-final loss to Canada, their defense could have been more competitive. They allowed the Canadians to shoot 50.8% from the field while hitting 11 threes on 36.7% efficiency. Slovenia were capable with their offense, though, shooting 43.9% for the game while hitting 15 threes on 48.4% efficiency.
The offense isn't Slovenia's issue. It's that they'll be faced with Lithuania's versatile offense. Against a team that can compete with them both in the paint and on the perimeter, Slovenia can't afford to put in a lax effort defensively.
Key Players & Stats
Slovenia has been one of the tournament's most consistent scoring teams behind the leadership of Luka Doncic. They've averaged 88.5 points per game on 46.3% from the field and 34.0% from three-point range. They play heavily through their star, averaging just 19.3 assists per game.
As expected, Slovenia's star player has been Luka Doncic. He's averaged 26.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists - leading the team in all three categories. He's been supported by sharpshooter Klemen Prepelic, who has contributed 16.0 points and 2.8 threes per game.
Lithuania has an excellent paint presence, so expect Doncic and Prepelic to be liberal from range. Big man Mike Tobey will be their primary option in the paint on both court ends. Expect Slovenia's three stars to be front and center.
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