Spain v Latvia EuroBasket Qualifiers Preview, Prediction & How To Watch
- → Tipoff at 19:00 GMT on Thursday, 22 February 2024.
- → Match to be played at the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe, Zaragoza, Spain.
- → Ricky Rubio could make his first appearance of the season as he successfully tackled mental health struggles.
- → Latvia looking once again to stun the world of basketball after inspiring FIBA World Cup showing.
- → Group C matchup of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers between Spain and Latvia.
Spain and Latvia meet again shortly after the unforgettable FIBA World Cup 2023 clash that saw Banchi’s players overcome a 14-point Spain lead at the expense of La Roja, condemning them to an early exit from the competition.
The Pabellón Príncipe Felipe, Zaragoza in Zaragoza will be host Spain’s bid for revenge in a night filled with emotion, as Spain’s golden boy Ricky Rubio makes his return to the national team after a six-month absence as the former Cavs playmaker took care of his mental health.
Spain v Latvia set to stage Ricky Rubio’s awaited basketball return
Thursday 22 February 2024 is a date basketball fans will want to cross in their calendars, as Spain’s golden boy Ricky Rubio returns to basketball action after his self-imposed mental health break, a news that the world of basketball can only welcome.
Spain and Latvia meet again, after on September 1st underdogs Latvia erased a 14-point deficit to take the decisive Second Round win and force La Roja to a decisive win-or-go-home game against Canada, which Spain lost, exiting the FIBA World Cup earlier than anyone expected.
Without the help of their respective NBA stars, Latvia and Spain still count on elite players to start their continental qualification campaigns on the front foot.
Latvia will start once again as underdogs, as they not only miss their star player Davis Bertans (playing in the NBA) but also FIBA World Cup 2023 standout Arturs Zagars, victim of an unfortunate knee injury that is keeping the playmaker away from basketball in the Betsafe-LKL and EuroCup.
Other than the big news of Ricky Rubio’s return, Sergio Scariolo called up an experienced, well-oiled roster including Juancho Hernangómez, and veteran Rudy Fernández to lead a youthful core.
Spain v Latvia EuroBasket Qualifiers 2025 Prediction
Sergio Scariolo, Spain’s head coach, aims to start their title defense on a high note, especially with the basketball world eager to welcome Ricky Rubio back with a victory.
Luca Banchi’s Latvia will not be an easy opponent, despite Zagars’ injury. Motivation might play a key role, as co-hosts Latvia are already guaranteed a spot at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. However, Banchi will ensure his players stay focused, promising a competitive game against Spain.
Spain is favored to win as they welcome back one of their greatest players.
Spain v Latvia where to watch
Tune in 20 minutes before the game to watch Spain v Latvia live from the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe, Zaragoza on Courtside 1891 with a MAX Annual subscription or a MAX – FIBA Continental Cups Qualifiers pass. Check out our live basketball streaming plans.
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