The Czech Republic will begin their EuroBasket campaign in Riga with a difficult opener against Portugal.

The two teams meet on Friday at the Xiaomi Arena, and although history favors the Czechs, recent results show that the game may be closer than statistics suggest.

Portugal has not appeared at EuroBasket since 2011 but arrives with renewed confidence, strengthened by the presence of NBA center Neemias Queta, who recently won a championship ring with the Boston Celtics.

Queta dominated in qualifying, averaging 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds, and will be the key figure around whom Portugal builds its attack.

For the Czechs, this tournament represents a transition. Long-time leaders Tomáš Satoranský, Jan Veselý, and Ondřej Balvín are all missing, leaving Jaromír Bohačík and NBA guard Vít Krejčí to carry much of the responsibility. Bohačík will be expected not only to provide scoring but also stability and leadership, while Krejčí takes on the role of primary playmaker.

History suggests the Czech Republic should enter the game as favorites. They have won four of their last five encounters with Portugal, holding their opponents to an average of just 68.6 points per game in those matchups.

Yet, Portugal won their most recent meeting in 2023, a friendly in which they outscored the Czechs 91–79. That result is a reminder that past records do not guarantee future success.

The match tips off at 13:45 in Riga. For the Czech Republic, victory would bring much-needed confidence at the start of the group stage.

For Portugal, it is a chance to prove they are more than outsiders and to show that their return to the European stage after fourteen years is not just symbolic.

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