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Plaza: This is our moment

Unicaja improved form at the right moment and are to open the playoffs in a much higher spirits compared to Valencia, who squandered away the top two spots and are constantly struggling with injuries as well

Valencia have been doing brilliantly all season long. They were top table in Spain, top Eurocup team, breaking records in straight wins, but in the end disappointed in all the important games. They were knocked out of Eurocup and King's Cup, while even failing to finish in one of the top two spots in the championship, which seemed like a sure thing.

The pressure is now on Martinez's team. They are the favorites in this series, the expectations are high and the difference in quality between them and Unicaja barely there. 

- We don't need to point out how much we respect them. They are an EL team and they won 10 out of the last 12 games. That say it all about their form. 

Valencia cannot be happy with their form. Also, they have been struggling with injuries lately. Van Rossom has been out for a while now, Sikma is out too, while centers Dubljevic and Hamilton struggle with injuries as well. Both should play today, though. 

- Hamilton will play but he's clearly not at his best. However, his is the playoffs and we need all the help we can get. 

Valencia will get some help in the paint since they signed Peterson. That will improve the offense a lot, especially now that Sikma is not at 4. Peterson, Hamilton and Dubljevic make a brilliant front court capable of hitting as many points as necessary, especial from the three point range. 

Unicaja are different - they do not have that much offensive potential but they do have aggressiveness and athleticism through which they can stand up to the opponents. It seems like Unicaja don't suit Valencia at all. They outrebounded them in both matches of the season, while also enforcing their slower pace. Valencia won one game on account of brilliant shooting but if that fails them today, Unicaja will have a good chance. Their coach Plaza expects that too:

- I'm optimistic. We had a tough season but we improved at the right moment and we are awaiting the playoffs in fine form. I think this is our time and we can make history. 

That might be a big dramatic but Unicaja's recent performances suggest they cannot be written off. Plaza wants to stun the opponents today since Game 1 is always the best chance for it:

- You cannot relax for a second against them especially when you play home. They run you over immediately. We know they can hit a lot of points and that is why we need to make this an unproductive game - Plaza said. 

Martinez won't mind since everything starts with good deafens for him as well. This series will be decided by defense and pace control.

Unicaja will be without Haynes and Nesl in this series since they are not necessary since Markovic and Smith got back. 

Valencia played great basketball all season long but the finish of the season wasn't great, which is why they lost the first two spots in the table. Unicaja have done the opposite. They nearly didn't even make it in the playoffs but a brilliant run towards the end of the season saw them turn everything around. Momentum is now on their side for sure. 

If this game had been played a month or two ago, I would agree with the odds and favoring Valencia. The situation is much different today. Firstly, Valencia have dropped in form, they are struggling with injuries, Sikma and Van Rossom, starting players, are out, Dubljevic and Hamilton have minor injuries so that's not good either, and Peterson whom they acquired, is still adjusting. A few weeks ago, these two teams played a game like the one I expect today. Tough defense, great fight, and all of that suit Unicaja who easily won back then. The team from Malaga won 10 of the last 12 games, all of their players have recovered, so they again have Markovic and Smith in the starting five, with them they get defense and organization, Nedovic has revitalized, Kuzminkas as good as always, and Cooley fit in great in the paint. Unicaja have the strength and quality with which they can threaten Valencia in this game. The last reason is the most important one, Valencia lost all important games this season (Eurocup, Cup of the King, finish of the regular season). That cannot be a coincidence and Pedro Martinez' team will feel that pressure today. Even though I see Unicaja as the winners today, and as the winners of the series, I will decide on the safer option with the handicap which, in my opinion, is worth high stake.