Two very much in-form teams go head to head as third-place Monaco (21-11) welcomes 11th-place Zalgiris (14-18) for a key meeting in their respective postseason ambitions.
Sasa Obradovic, Monaco: 'They can play without pressure and are all the more dangerous for it'
Victory is the only option for both teams, and Zalgiris will be confident after winning three in a row, partly thanks to Edmond Sumner stepping up in the backcourt to support the always productive Keenan Evans. Similarly, Monaco has benefitted from perennial leader Mike James receiving back up from Elie Okobo, who scored 16 points in last week's French derby win over ASVEL. James, unsurprisingly, was the key performer when Monaco took a 79-83 victory at Kaunas in December, netting 25 points. In the paint, Kaunas native Donatas Moteijunas will look to win the physical battle for Monaco against compatriot Laurynas Birutis.
Sasa Obradovic, Monaco head coach
"Zalgiris is a very well-balanced team, with very shared responsibilities, and a scoring American playmaker in Keenan Evans, who is in the sights of many clubs. Zalgiris still have a chance of making the playoffs, but they can play without pressure and are all the more dangerous for it. At home, some of our key players are understandably tired after a very busy schedule. But we're working hard to go even higher. I have a very dedicated group. Jordan Loyd should find his rhythm again, and that should help us. Our objective is clear: to be in the top 4 for the home advantage in the quarterfinals."
Donatas Motiejunas, Monaco player
"This is an incredibly important game for us, because we want the home advantage in the playoffs, so we need to win the last two games at home. Andrea Trinchieri has played an important role for Zalgiris. They have recovered players from injury and decided to stick to their guns, true to the club's values. Today, they find themselves on the doorstep of the playoffs, just as last year when their place in the playoffs was decided on the last day. I'm expecting a physical, hard-fought match, with a lot of small mistakes, as the stakes will be high for both teams. Zalgiris are in an upward phase, they've put in some solid performances, and we're going to do everything we can to win this crucial match for Monaco."