Slovenia vs Croatia FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments How to watch and Game Preview
- → Tipoff at 20:00 CET on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.
- → Match to be played at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Athens (Greece).
- → Luka ready to meet NBA foe Ivica Zubac.
- → Croatia looking to build on positive OQT prep.
Balkans powerhouses meet in Athens as Luka takes on Croatia
Josip Sesar might want to bench LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac when his Croatia team takes on Slovenia on Tuesday to kickstart their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments journey.
It seems that when the Dallas Mavericks superstar crosses paths with the big man, he’s unstoppable (even more than usual). Doncic has a staggering 33.2 points per game average when he faces Zubac with the Clippers.
However, the Croatian has had the upper hand in 11 of the 17 meetings between the two in the NBA.
When Doncic’s Mavs lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, many were doubting Luka would suit up for his national team to play in the OQTs: he was coming from knee and chest injuries, and he could have used some rest.
Doncic surprised some when he turned up against Brazil, putting up 32 points in 31 minutes like it’s a joke. Nikolic added 14, and Slovenia wrapped up their preparations with a famous win over Brazil.
The Brazilians weren’t at all unfamiliar with a player from the Balkans lighting up in their face, as Mario Hezonja dropped 39 in 34 minutes to secure the 2nd win in as many game for Croatia.
With the talent on showcase, this Balkans derby featuring Luka Doncic, Vlatko Cancar, Ivica Zubac, Mario Hezonja, Jaleen Smith and Dario Saric could easily have been a final or a semifinal.
Slovenia v Croatia Preview
The pendulum might swing in favor of whoever’s superstar performs better.
Hezonja’s motivation has been clear as he was red-hot in Croatia’s dismissal of Brazil, with Dario Saric acting as a luxury 2nd fiddle.
Luka did not reserve the Brazilians a better treatment, and despite having less talent in his supporting cast, his presence alone might still prove enough to be the difference in what looks like a tight game.
Where to watch Slovenia v Croatia basketball
Watch Slovenia v Croatia live from the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Athens, on Courtside 1891 with a MAX Annual subscription or with a FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments pass.
A MAX subscription gives you access to ALL the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments action and a year of basketball on the platform.
Check out our live basketball streaming plans.
Depending on your location, blackout restrictions may apply. Check what games are available to you here. This game, and every game at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, will be streamed live on Courtside 1891 with a pass or a MAX account.
