Thursday preview: Make-or-break time in all three groups

MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers) - The winners of all three groups in the FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers could become clear after Thursday's action, set to take place in Fribourg, Copenhagen and Luxembourg.

The undefeated Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) will be looking to clinch a ticket to the Second Round in Group A, Denmark and Armenia will leave it all on the floor in a make-or-break battle in Group B, while Luxembourg will try to stop Portugal in Group C.

For a full breakdown of the situation in the standings, please read the permutations page.

Group A: Switzerland (1-1)v MKD (3-0) 

Time: 19:30 CET. Watch live here
Follow this game because: Having registered an upset over Slovakia back in the last game of the February window, Switzerland denied MKD a chance to secure early qualification. The cliff-hanger that lasted four months will now be resolved; one way or another. A loss would mean trouble for the Swiss, while a win would give their qualification hopes a big boost. Meanwhile, MKD still haven't tasted defeat in the Pre-Qualifiers and an 83-68 victory against Switzerland in the first meeting between the teams in Skopje gives Jordanco Davitkov's side quite a cushion before the reverse fixture in Fribourg.
Key matchup: The much-anticipated Richard Hendrix vs Marko Mladjan matchup was not meant to be, with both frontcourt players missing the contest. Instead, we will see the new MKD big man Shayne Whittington test Arnaud Cotture and whatever else Switzerland throw at him.
Fact of the game: MKD have scored 41.3 points per game from the painted area, the most among all teams in the Pre-Qualifiers. They score 51 percent of their total points from the key, which is also the highest number among all teams.
The 'insider' prediction: It's difficult to envision any other outcome than MKD inscribing yet another win in Group A and finishing the First Round with a perfect 4-0 mark.

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

Time: 18:00 CET. Watch live here
Follow this game because: After losing to Denmark in Yerevan, Armenia have been playing catch-up ever since and now is as good time as there will be to actually make a move for the Group B crown. They will be looking to win the game by at least 7 points to undo a 78-71 defeat. The single-digit margin promises plenty of drama, especially if the visitors manage to keep it close against the Danes, who have won both of their games in the Pre-Qualifiers so far and will play another fixture against Albania on Sunday.
Key matchup: Averaging 24.5 points per game, Gabriel Lundberg of Denmark is the top scorer of the Pre-Qualifiers and stopping him will be Armenia's number one priority. Is either of Aragad Abramian or Albert Tatevosyan up to the task?
Fact of the game: Armenia are the only team in the Pre-Qualifiers with more shots scored from behind the arc (28) than from the free-throw line.
The 'insider' prediction: Denmark showed they are the team to beat in Group B by topping Armenia in front of a fantastic crowd on the road, so picking against them on their home floor would simply not be wise.

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

Time: 20:30 CET
Follow this game because: Don't rush to conclusions and dismiss Luxembourg; they gave Portugal a real run for their money when the sides first met in Almada, coming up short in overtime. Although the Luxembourgish side are yet to claim their first win in the Pre-Qualifiers, they have an outside chance of finishing first if they win both of their remaining games and force a three-way tie.
Key matchup: Tomas Barroso collected 26 points and was the main factor for Portugal in a comeback win in the first game between the sides. If there is anyone in Luxembourg's backcourt capable of keeping up scoring-wise, it's point guard Bob Melcher, but he has struggled mightily with his shot in the Pre-Qualifiers, going just 5-of-22 from the field so far.
Fact of the game: Thomas Grun leads Luxembourg in rebounds (7.0) and assists (6.5) per game. He flirted with a triple-double in the first game against Portugal with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists.
The 'insider' prediction: Portugal will not want to risk leaving anything to chance in Group C and will be looking for a win that would automatically seal the deal for them already on Thursday. 

FIBA