Olomoucko vs SK Slavia Praha on 24 January
On January 24th, 2026, a thrilling matchup awaits in the NBL tournament as Olomoucko takes on SK Slavia Praha. With both teams eyeing crucial points, this clash will be a pivotal moment in their seasons. Olomoucko, riding the momentum of a solid start, will face a determined SK Slavia Praha side eager to climb the standings. The stakes couldn't be higher for either team: one looking to cement its position in the upper half of the table, while the other seeks to close the gap to a playoff spot. With intense competition and pride on the line, this game promises to deliver fireworks on the court.
Olomoucko: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Olomoucko enters this matchup with a mixed bag of results in their last five games, posting a 2-3 record. Their performance has been characterized by an efficient but occasionally erratic style of play. Offensively, they rely on a balanced attack that utilizes both inside scoring and perimeter shooting. They have averaged 82 points per game over the last five outings, with a strong 37.5% conversion rate from beyond the arc. However, inconsistency in shooting efficiency has been a concern, as their field goal percentage hovers around 45%. They are also heavily reliant on fast breaks, generating around 12 points per game in transition.
Defensively, Olomoucko has shown vulnerability, particularly in defending against the pick-and-roll, which has led to a higher number of easy points in the paint. Their opponents have averaged 34 rebounds per game, and Olomoucko’s defensive rebounding remains a point of weakness. With a rebounding percentage of just 49%, they struggle to secure possession after missed shots, leading to second-chance opportunities for their adversaries.
Key players for Olomoucko include their star point guard, Jan Novák, who averages 6 assists per game and is the primary facilitator for the offense. Forward Petr Hlava has been the most consistent scorer, with 18 points per game, and he will be critical in both scoring and rebounding. However, they will miss the services of center Milan Vavra, who is sidelined due to injury, a blow to their already struggling interior defense.
SK Slavia Praha: Tactical Approach and Current Form
SK Slavia Praha has shown steady improvement in their last five games, winning 3 and losing 2. Their offensive system is built around high ball movement and spacing, which generates quality looks from the outside. They are one of the top three-point shooting teams in the league, boasting a 39% shooting rate from long range. Their ability to stretch the floor and create open shots is their main weapon, but they also possess a strong inside game led by power forward Jakub Mrazek, who averages 20 points and 9 rebounds per game. Slavia Praha's offense flows through Mrazek, with many possessions running through him as both a scorer and a passer.
Defensively, Slavia Praha is more methodical, favoring a half-court defense that focuses on limiting fast-break opportunities and closing out on shooters. They are excellent in defending pick-and-pop actions, but they sometimes struggle with guarding players who can drive to the basket with speed. Their defensive rebounding has been solid, ranking in the top half of the league with a 52% rebound rate, and they tend to control the tempo by dictating the pace of the game.
Slavia Praha’s biggest challenge will be overcoming a potential absence of their key shooter, Milan Houska, who has been dealing with an ankle injury. His presence on the floor, especially from long range, has been critical to their offensive rhythm. If he is unavailable, the onus will fall even more heavily on Mrazek to lead the charge.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The past five encounters between these two teams have been fiercely contested, with Olomoucko edging out Slavia Praha in three of those matchups. However, the most recent meeting was a dominant victory for SK Slavia Praha, who defeated Olomoucko by 15 points, thanks to a huge performance from Mrazek and their impeccable shooting from beyond the arc. The psychological advantage seems to tilt in favor of Slavia Praha, who have looked more confident recently, while Olomoucko will be eager to exact revenge on their home court.
Historically, these two teams have been evenly matched, with no team holding a clear upper hand. This has contributed to an intriguing rivalry that promises to produce another close and intense encounter. Both teams are aware that a victory here would give them significant momentum as the season reaches its critical stages.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most intriguing matchups will be the battle in the paint. Without Milan Vavra, Olomoucko will struggle to contain Jakub Mrazek, who is a dominant force inside. Mrazek’s ability to overpower defenders in the post and finish through contact will be a significant challenge for the undermanned Olomoucko defense. The second key duel will occur at the perimeter, where Olomoucko’s defense against the three-point shot will be tested by Slavia Praha’s sharpshooters. If Slavia Praha can get hot from beyond the arc, they will likely pull away in the second half.
Another critical area will be the fast break. Olomoucko’s ability to get out in transition and score quick points will be pivotal in counteracting Slavia Praha’s more methodical offensive scheme. The tempo of the game will ultimately be dictated by how well Olomoucko can disrupt Slavia Praha’s half-court offense and generate easy transition opportunities.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario is a closely contested game in the first half, with both teams exchanging baskets in a high-paced, high-scoring affair. Slavia Praha will likely struggle to create their usual flow without Houska, but Mrazek will provide the necessary offensive punch. Olomoucko will attempt to push the tempo and capitalize on fast-break points, but without Vavra to anchor the paint, they will struggle defensively against Mrazek and Slavia Praha’s three-point shooting.
Ultimately, the match will hinge on how well Olomoucko can defend the perimeter and control the rebound battle. If they allow Slavia Praha to hit threes at a high rate and fail to secure second-chance points, they will be in for a tough night. On the other hand, if Olomoucko can disrupt Slavia Praha’s offensive rhythm and score in transition, they may just pull off an upset.
Prediction: SK Slavia Praha to win, but only by a narrow margin. Expect a final score around 85-80, with Slavia Praha's shooting efficiency and Mrazek's dominance in the paint proving the difference.
Final Thoughts
This match will answer a critical question: Can Olomoucko find a way to combat the loss of Milan Vavra and slow down Jakub Mrazek, or will Slavia Praha’s depth and three-point shooting prove too much? The outcome of this encounter will have significant implications for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the NBL standings. With both teams playing for pride and position, this promises to be a game of high stakes and high intensity.
