MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers) - Cyprus and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia could become the first teams through to the next phase of the FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers.

While the two sides will be looking to make spots in the Second Round a reality against Portugal and Slovakia respectively, Albania will be aiming for their first win in Yerevan against a short-handed Armenia.

Group A: Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (2-0) v Slovakia (0-2)

Time: Sunday, 20:15 CET
Follow this game because: Although Slovakia's victory against Switzerland made it very difficult for MKD to secure qualification already during the current window, the Jordanco Davitkov-coached team can come very close to doing so if they are able to move to a 3-0 record. Meanwhile, a defeat would most likely spell the end of the FIBA EuroBasket dream for Slovakia.
Key matchup: It won't come as a surprise that the head-to-head battle between Kyle Kuric and Vojdan Stojanovski is bound to draw the most attention on the court in Skopje. After playing 43 minutes on Thursday, Slovakia's go-to man Kuric may be slightly exhausted, while Vojdan Stojanovski can always count on his twin brother Damjan for back-up.
Fact of the game: Providing they get a win, MKD could mathematically clinch a ticket to the Second Round if Cyprus beat Portugal and Albania win against Armenia.
The 'insider' prediction: Still undefeated in the Pre-Qualifiers, MKD will feel confident they can maintain their superior status in Group A, having won the first duel in Slovakia 74-66 and are now enjoying the home court advantage.

Group B: Armenia (1-1) v Albania (0-2)

Time: Sunday, 16:00 CET
Follow this game because: Albania put together a credible challenge against Group B leaders Denmark on Thursday, which might make the Armenia's playcaller Niksa Bavcevic a little bit nervous, since he will not have Ryan Boatright available for Sunday's game and the two other leading scorers Albert Tatevosyan and Andrew Chrabaszcz arrived to training camp carrying injuries.
Key matchup: Klaudio Ndoja has emerged as Albania's leader, registering the best scoring mark among all forwards in the Pre-Qualifiers with an average of 23.5 points per game. He will be going up against an excellent defensive player in Andrew Chrabaszcz of Armenia.
Fact of the game: Armenia's bench players have only scored 3.5 points per game, the fewest in the Pre-Qualifiers.
The 'insider' prediction: The absence of Boatright and the uncertainty surrounding Tatevosyan and Chrabaszcz raises a valid question of whether Armenia should still be considered favorites. This appears to be a toss-up.  

Group C: Portugal (1-1) v Cyprus (2-0)

Time: Sunday, 17:00 CET
Follow this game because: Cyprus could become the first team officially through to the Second Round of the Pre-Qualifiers with a victory against Portugal. They would become unassailable in Group C with a 3-0 record. However, the Portuguese could swing the entire momentum in their favor with a positive result, especially since they only lost the first game by a couple of points, 69-67.
Key matchup: After scoring 26 points in a win against Luxembourg on Thursday, Andreas Sizopoulos put a target on his back ahead of the clash with Portugal. However, he will also have his hands full on the other end of the floor guarding one of Portugal's top scorers, Tomas Barroso of SL Benfica.
Fact of the game: Joao Gomes is the only player to figure in the Top 5 in points (4th with 21.5 per game), rebounds (4th with 11.0 per game) and blocks (1st with 2.5 per game) in the Pre-Qualifiers. The Portuguese forward has had a double-double in both games.
The 'insider' prediction: It's now or never for Portugal. And while they have more than enough talent to get a win against Cyprus, they will be playing under a considerable amount of pressure.  

FIBA