AS Monaco: 2023-24 games to watch

AS Monaco has had an almost perfect Turkish Airlines EuroLeague run over the two seasons it has taken part in the competition. In the first season, the team fell short of making the Final Four in the last game of a five-game playoff series and in 2022-23, it managed to qualify for the Final Four for the first time. Monaco has made headlines this summer with the signing of Kemba Walker from the NBA, too. Here is a look at some of the most interesting games on the Monaco schedule in 2023-24:

AS Monaco regular-season schedule

Coach Obradovic returns to his former home

Round 3: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. AS Monaco

Monaco head coach Sasa Obradovic has history with Zvezda. He made his debut as a pro player there in 1987 and played in Belgrade until 1993. He was back to the team for a couple more stints and then, when he switched roles and became a coach, he would be boss of his beloved team in 2020. That's why it was no surprise that, when Monaco visited Belgrade last season to play Zvezda, Obradovic kneeled in the middle of the court and kissed the huge logo of the team. This will be another special game for Coach Obradovic and there's no doubt that the Zvezda fans will receive him with another standing ovation.

A French League derby to try to turn the tide

Round 7: AS Monaco vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

There is no denying that in the French League derby between AS Monaco and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, the latter is the team with the most tradition on the European stage. However, over the last seasons, Monaco exploded in the EuroCup and managed to lift the title in 2021 (something ASVEL never did) and in its two EuroLeague campaigns, the team from the principality has won three of the four encounters they have had so far while placing above ASVEL in the standings both years. It is clear that Monaco is trying hard to change the status quo in the French League - as a matter of fact, the team just lifted its first French League title last June - and this derby against the other powerhouse in France will be a new opportunity to reach that goal.

A new rivalry takes a few more steps

Round 11: AS Monaco vs. Olympiacos Piraeus

When Monaco advanced to the playoffs in its maiden EuroLeague season, many were suprised, but coach Georgios Bartzokas and Olympiacos were ready for the challenge because they knew what was at stake. And indeed, the series proved to be a long-distance test that went to Game 5, which Olympiacos won 94-88 in Piraeus. It was the spark that started it all. Last season, Monaco came back hard and swept their regular season games, but fate would have another game between these two teams in store: no less than a EuroLeague semifinal in Kaunas. In that game, Monaco led by 12 points at the halftime break, but a 27-2 third quarter allowed the Reds to jump ahead for good. The principality will be waiting for Olympiacos to show that it was just a temporary setback.

A rematch of one of the hottest playoff series from 2023

Round 18: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. AS Monaco

Last season, fate would have it that Monaco would face Maccabi in the best-of-five playoff series that granted a Final Four ticket to the winner. The series was a thrilling back-and-forth one in which Maccabi won the first game in Monaco, but then, Coach Sasa Obradovic's team went on to win Games 2 and 3 to take the lead in the series and be in a position to get one step further than the previous season. Game 4 was hell for Monaco: a 104-69 loss in Tel Aviv that seemed to give Maccabi all the momentum to win the series. However, Monaco stood proud at home led by Jordan Loyd and Mike James with 21 points apiece. The final 97-86 was decisive and Monaco punched the ticket to Kaunas. There's no doubt that Maccabi and its fans will be waiting eagerly for this game.