League leader Real (23-6) could clinch homecourt advantage for the playoffs against rock-bottom ALBA, which only has pride at stake.
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid: 'They are not a predictable team.'
Seasons
3 Mins read
The reigning champ will be keen to stay on the right track after ending a three-game losing streak by winning at Virtus last week and will look to dominate the frontcourt through Guerschon Yabusele, who top scored with 15 points in that game, alongside Walter Tavares and the league leader in blocker shots, Vincent Poirier. ALBA forward Johannes Thiemann will try to counter them after returning from injury with 11 points and 7 rebounds in last week's narrow loss to Monaco. Mario Hezonja was the star performer, pouring in 26 points on 10-of-13 field goal shooting, when Real cruised past ALBA, 99-75, earlier in the season.
Israel Gonzalez, ALBA head coach
"We're hosting the EuroLeague champions of last season on Tuesday. Once again this season, the Madrid squad is incredibly high-caliber with big names in every position. Both offensively and defensively, Real hardly show any weaknesses. But we want to focus on ourselves, be smart, do the little things right and bring a lot of intensity on the court. Then there's the home advantage: our fans can push us to our best, especially in games like this."
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach
"We have to play a serious game and face it with the right mentality. We cannot look at the standings and think that the job is done. That worries me because ALBA Berlin is a dangerous team. They have players who can score in situations we are not used to. They are not a predictable team. They can also have impossible scoring runs and they are not afraid to keep shooting. We must be careful because ALBA is a courageous team."
Louis Olinde, ALBA player
"Real Madrid is not only a very talented team offensively, but also strong defensively - especially with Tavares under the basket, who prevents almost every shot on the court in defense. Of course we want to win, but we also know that it will be very, very tough. We just want to enjoy the experience of playing against such a top team. Whenever we enjoy games, we perform better!"
Walter Tavares, Real Madrid player
"Every EuroLeague game is important and a new win would give us more confidence to face what's ahead. We want to have the home-court advantage in the playoffs as soon as possible so we can focus on other goals, but playing against ALBA is not easy - not at home, not on the road. They always play the same style, no matter the score. Win or lose, they will keep running and doing their thing, fighting until the end."