Žalgiris

Kaunas Žalgiris (15-15) after unsuccessful recent games is currently ranked only 11th in the standings. The Kaunas team, which has suffered 3 consecutive losses, will try to prove that it cannot be written off prematurely and will seek to break the losing streak. 2 of the last 3 lost matches were played away, where they lost to Anadolu Efes (62-89) and Fenerbahce Ulker (61-84). The last home game was lost against Milano Armani (64-69). Looking at the results of the last matches, it is quite obvious that the main problem of Žalgiris is the completely stalled offense, which makes it extremely difficult to win against stronger teams.

With Artūras Milaknis out of the lineup, Žalgiris' offense has clearly weakened, and although many basketball fans do not appreciate Milaknis' contribution to the team's game, it is clear that his importance to this team is significant. The only player from the entire team who maintained stability and took the initiative despite matches with strong opponents was Marius Grigonis, although it was not enough to put up a serious fight.

However, it must be admitted that the losses were suffered against higher-caliber teams, while on Thursday a match awaits against the Tel Aviv Maccabi team, which has not found its game this season. Although Žalgiris lost to Maccabi by a margin of 28 points away this season, taking the last 5 head-to-head meetings of these teams, Žalgiris has won 4 of them. Given the importance of this match, and Maccabi playing only for pride, it can be expected that Žalgiris will find ways to revive the offense and delight the fans by keeping the chances to fight for a playoff spot.

Maccabi

Tel Aviv Maccabi (11-17) is currently ranked only 14th in the standings, which is a real disappointment for a team that set high goals before the season. This year's lineup is really competitive: European players returning from the NBA were attracted, the core of the team was retained, including leader Scottie Wilbekin, as well as important players like O. Hunter and T. Dorsey.

Tel Aviv Maccabi is one of the worst Euroleague teams playing away, having achieved only 4 wins in 14 away games. Undoubtedly, the most memorable victory was achieved away, defeating the Barcelona team, which is ranked 1st in the Euroleague standings. Maccabi plays quite unproductively away, so by involving opponents in a sluggish, defensive game, this team feels best, despite having individually strong players who can run into a fast offense.

Maccabi should be at full strength in the match against Žalgiris, but considering how poorly the team looks away and that this match practically has no significance for the team's entry into the Top 8, one should not expect the team to suddenly transform and drastically improve their game. Of course, this team should not be underestimated, as the players are individually very strong and can punish opponents in practically all positions, but individual strength alone is not enough to achieve victories in the Euroleague, as many teams have already proven.

Prediction

In the odds set by bookmakers, Žalgiris is highlighted as a slight favorite of the match – 1.57 odds against 2.35 for Maccabi. Under other circumstances, it would be worth trying Maccabi's victory, but considering the huge importance of this match for the Žalgiris team, it is easy to understand why Žalgiris is considered the favorite. Although the last few matches did not go well for the Kaunas team, this team usually plays better in important matches than usual, so it is to be expected that this match will be no exception.