Local pride and much more is at stake as Partizan (1-3) hosts Zvezda (1-3) for the always-passionate Belgrade derby in Thursday's opening tip-off. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing twice in the double round week, and history suggests we should expect a tight game after both meetings last season were decided by a single possession in favor of the visitor. Zvezda's new head coach, Ioannis Sfairopoulos, will look for his team to improve on inside efficiency after only making 48.3% of its two-point shots so far. Partizan, conversely, leads the league in two-point efficiency (61.4%) and will look for Zach LeDay (12.0 points per game) to win his personal battle against Rokas Giedraitis (11.8).
Pre-game quotes: Partizan vs. Zvezda
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Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach
"It is very important for us to come out with an absolutely different motivation than it was against Mega and with more energy. We will play in the Arena in front of our fans, who have always done everything they can for the team, I hope my boys will understand that and that they will come out with a different motivation and energy. And that is the most important thing. Alen Smailagić did not train tonight, he has pain in the leg area. Also, Ponitka did not train. For Alen, tomorrow morning we will see if he will be able to play. I hope so. "Smiley" is someone who was always ready to help the team. I hope it will be the same this time as well. We deal with ourselves, to understand what we need to do and how to behave. Desire, motivation, a full Arena of people cheering you on , does anyone need anything more?"
Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda head coach
"First I want to say that this is a very important match for us and for them. Everyone knows the importance of the derby. I think the players know how important it is for the entire Crvena Zvezda institution to win, and that's why I want us to fight, to respect Partizan, but to do our best. We are Zvezda and we will fight. I have some ideas that I am slowly incorporating into the team. We work on priorities first, and then on other things."
Regular Season
Round 5 of 34
Regular Season
Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePAR
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Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet BelgradeCZV
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Ognjen Jaramaz, Partizan player
"We have to start very aggressively. To show our fans that we are a better team and to do our best. I think it will be very challenging, after all, we are playing two derbies in five days. It is a specific situation, but I hope that we will win."
Adam Hanga, Zvezda player
"It's the derby. We are all excited, since the schedule was announced this summer we have all been waiting for this match. We have two derbies in a row. Our situation, I will not say that it is complicated, but we have gone through changes in the last few days. We are trying to adapt to a new coach, a new system, to change small things. We didn't have time for big changes. The coach has a new influence, it's a process, we are excited for the match."