Who is stronger? An analysis of the five start-ups of Red Star and Partizan! (PHOTO)

Foto: Marko Todorović

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Serbian basketball is ready for the most important playoff of the season. Red Star and Partizan are meeting at the semifinals of the ABA League playoffs. The series starts on Tuesday at 9pm, with Red Star as the hosting team.

Although Red Star had an overall better season, with better results and greater victories, and is a favorite in this match, it's not a bad idea to make an analysis of the five start-ups for both teams, and see who has an advantage.

By all accounts , the first two games of April 14 and 15, at 9 pm will be played solely in front of Red Star supporters, because the red and whites weren't up for the exchange of tickets with FK Partizan. The same situation is expected for the second round of matches scheduled for April 18th and 19th.

Regardless of the fact that basketball is a group sport, it is interesting to see what strengths the players of both teams have to offer.

It is obvious that the centerfold position where Marjanovic is dominant will be no doubt the basis of Partizan tactics.

Let's go in order:

POINT GUARD: WILLIAMS VS AKOJON

In the position of point guard, the struggle will be led by Marcus Williams from Red Star, and rookie Josh Akojon from Partizan.

From a statistical view, Marcus is stronger, because he's played more matches than his compatriot. However, they should reviewed based on their game. Williams is more of a player, who lives to animate others, which he proved at the start of the season where he had 10 assists per game.

During the ABA league, he had a recorded five, and 5 shots. Marcus knows how to assist even under pressure, but he does not fall into the category of match winners since he's missed a few victory shots during games for the Euroleague.

Foto: abaliga.com/ABA, Marko Todorović

On the other hand, Josh Akojon is more of a shooter rather than a passer, and there is no doubt that his points mean a lot to the black and whites. Akojon played only two matches in the ABA league, with an average of 13.5 points, and one match in the Super League, scoring 11 points.

However, this does not mean anything because he is an excellent shooter, that averaged 37 points per game in China. In addition, Akojon, also has a better athletic predisposition, he is faster and stronger, and therefore will have greater leverage in covering Williams.

SHOOTING GUARD: BLAZIC VS. MILOSAVLJEVIC

This will be the second duel of the day. Above all, excellent defensive players, in addition to Milosavljevic having good attack skills, slightly better than Blazic.

Playing in the Euroleague, and a few good matches, like a good roll in the derby and for the Cup could be on the side of the Slovenian national as far as self-confidence, but also the captain of Partizan has a few trick up his sleeves, a particular three-point shot.

This season in the ABA league, Blazic had a recorded 9 points per game. He scored the most against Cedevita 20, while Milosavljevic, for his 15 played games, has scored 10.6 points, and 3.8 rebounds.

Foto: Marko Todorović

SMALL FORWARD - KALINIĆ VS PAVLOVIĆ

This will be the most interesting duel in this derby. Of course, from a player perspective, Pavlovic is better off, because he has a better shot and excellent handwork, while Kalinic will seek to maximize his back game,

where he is doing well as a so-called "false four", and besides points can assist the centerfold.

Also, Red Star's wing does not have a bad run, so it will be interesting to see where the players look for opportunity. Will it be Pavlovic with his shot, or Kalinic with his back game straight to the basket?

Foto: Tanjug/Dimitrije Nikolić, Marko Todorović

Kalinic was recorded at 9.8 points and 4 rebounds this season, while Pavlovic managed to slip 13.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

POWER FORWARD – MITROVIC VS MACVAN

This is definitely the position where Partizan has the advantage. Macvan is a much more experienced player as opposed to Mitrovic, and has a special motive against Red Star. On all previous matches, he played very well, and was the best teammate.

On the first derby, Macvan scored 20 points, and Mitrovic only 4. At the second derby, for the Cup, Macvan scored 20 points again, and Mitrovic only 9. Both derbies were won by Red Star. The third derby, which Partizan won had a recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds scored by Macvan, with Mitrovic having scored 0 points. This speaks volumes,that in this duel, older players and a former representative have an advantage.

Foto: Marko Todorović

CENTER- MARJANOVIC VS. MILUTINOV

There is not doubt that Red Star is at an advantage, because it has the best player in Europe, Bobby Marjanovic. This season, Bobby is the most dominant player of the center positon, and many teams have not managed to stop him.

In the last derby, he played 22 minutes and had five points and three rebounds, marking his weakest game played. Milutinov then scored 13 points. 

Foto: Tanjug/Dimitrije Nikolić, Marko Todorović

It was then that Red Star kicked 31-9, which is rather weak, and marked an advantage for Partizan.

In the end, what this all means is that Partizan will attempt to lure Red Star away from the net, that is, to get them to shoot more outwards. Red Star, on the other hand will attempt to lay low because of Marjanovic and Cirbesa. Of course, in all of this, the deal breakers bearing the crucial role will be the defense team.

(Telegraf. co.uk)