AS Monaco vs Zalgiris

Kaunas Zalgiris head to Monaco for their next EuroLeague clash, aiming to revive their fading postseason ambitions. Currently sitting in 13th place, they trail their fourth-placed hosts by four wins in the standings.

Monaco strengthened their playoff push with an impressive victory over Fenerbahce in their previous outing. Vassilis Spanoulis’s squad outperformed the second-placed Turkish side, securing a 91-82 win and improving their record to 18-12.

However, consistency has been an issue for Monaco, as they have managed just two wins in their last five EuroLeague matches. With four games left in the regular season, their playoff spot is still uncertain, and failing to add to their 18 victories could see them miss out.

Meanwhile, Zalgiris suffered a setback in their bid for the postseason, falling 82-70 to Barcelona in the first game of a three-match road trip. Andrea Trinchieri’s team has now lost three of their last five games, leaving them with a 14-16 record and eliminating their chances of a top-six finish.

Their best shot at reaching the playoffs now lies in securing a play-in spot, though that remains beyond their control. Zalgiris are currently two games outside the play-in bracket and must win all four of their remaining fixtures to stay in contention.

In their previous meeting, the Lithuanian side edged out Monaco in a tight 63-62 battle.

Monaco took a significant step toward EuroLeague success in their last game, securing a crucial 91-82 win over Fenerbahce. This victory not only strengthens their playoff position but also enhances their chances of finishing in the top four and securing home-court advantage. Vassilis Spanoulis’ squad delivered a strong performance on both ends of the floor, with Mike James leading the way, tallying 29 points and six assists. James has recently rediscovered his elite form, and his continued brilliance will be essential if Monaco aims to reach the Final Four for just the second time in club history.

One of the most impactful mid-season acquisitions for Monaco was Daniel Theis, who joined the team a month ago. Despite already having depth at the center position, the club seized the opportunity to bring in the German big man, and he has made an immediate impact. Theis has added physicality in the paint while also demonstrating excellent decision-making near the rim. Elie Okobo has also stepped up with a string of solid performances, and despite a shocking defeat against Maccabi Tel Aviv, the team’s chemistry and morale remain intact. As they approach the decisive phase of the season, Monaco’s experience in high-pressure games could prove invaluable.

Meanwhile, Zalgiris struggled in their recent matchup against Barcelona, falling short in their attempt to pull off an upset and dropping to a 14-16 record. This result has all but eliminated their hopes of reaching the EuroLeague play-in, as even a perfect run in their final four games is unlikely to be enough. It’s a tough blow for the Lithuanian club, especially considering their impressive start to the season, which was later derailed by a prolonged slump. While their defense remains one of the strongest in the league, their offensive struggles have persisted.

Zalgiris has lacked a reliable offensive leader this season, with Sylvain Francisco being the only player to consistently step up. Ignas Brazdeikis was even benched at times, Edgaras Ulanovas has been inconsistent, Alen Smailagic has yet to live up to expectations, and Deividas Sirvydis has struggled with defensive lapses. These collective shortcomings have contributed to Zalgiris' current predicament. The mid-season addition of Lonnie Walker was expected to provide a boost, but despite a few promising performances, his presence ultimately disrupted the team’s rhythm rather than elevating their play.