ISTANBUL (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Something has to give on Thursday when undefeated sides Slovenia and Spain meet in a mouthwatering Semi-Final match-up.

It is familiar territory for defending champions Spain, who are making their 10th consecutive Semi-Final appearance. Conversely, Slovenia are aiming for a maiden Final berth in captain Goran Dragic's international swansong.

Testament to their records, Spain and Slovenia have been the two best teams of the tournament but only one of them will have their title dreams intact. 

Spain v Slovenia (20:30 CET/ 21:30 local time)

Tournament form - Spain: WWWWWWW - Slovenia: WWWWWWW

Key Match-up: Anthony Randolph v Marc Gasol. When the enigmatic Randolph plays well, Slovenia jump to another level and look as potent as anyone. After a slow start to the tournament, the EuroBasket rookie has had a major influence over the past couple of games. 

Against Latvia in the Quarter-Finals, Randolph made his first start of the tournament and was matched up against superstar Kristaps Porzingis. Randolph wasn't able to stop Porzingis but made him work hard for his points and was terrific offensively. He finished with 18 points, including 3-of-5 from three, and 9 rebounds to add another weapon alongside Dragic and Luka Doncic. 

However, Randolph will also need to keep his emotions in check, something that almost hindered Slovenia in the Quarter-Finals.

In a tight affair against Germany in the Quarter-Finals, Marc Gasol turned the game on its head with an 18-point explosion in the third term to inspire Spain to victory. 

Gasol has somewhat been overshadowed as Spain have preferred going through his brother Pau. Against Germany, the younger Gasol's all-round prowess - including his rediscovered three-point stroke - came to the fore during his third-quarter heroics. 

When the Gasols dominate in that fashion, Spain are almost unbeatable. Randolph, with his length and athleticism, will undoubtedly rotate on the Gasols and needs to be at his very best for Slovenia to cause an upset.

Breakdown: In many ways, this game is worthy of a Final, so intoxicating is the match-up filled with a slew of superstars. The teams contrast in styles adding to the intrigue. 

Blessed with brilliant playmakers Dragic and Doncic, Slovenia like to run and gun and are capable of scoring in bucket loads - testament to their 103 points against Latvia. 

Dragic and Doncic are both brilliant in transition and also in isolation making them able to score or set up buckets in different ways. They will look to be aggressive and drive to the rim in a bid to get the Gasols in foul trouble, much like they successfully did against Porzingis. 

Their vision and slick passing skills ensure Slovenia get plenty of open looks. However, for Slovenia to cause a boil over, they will have to match Spain's unparalleled inside strength. 

Against Latvia, Randolph and Gasper Vidmar were tireless helping Slovenia gain a major advantage on the boards. They will need to replicate that effort and fight against Spain. If they can, Slovenia will have every reason to feel optimistic about their chances of making a first-ever Final.  

FIBA