Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda – Preview & Prediction: In the Game 1 of the ABA League Playoffs, Partizan will host Crvena Zvezda.
At Basketball Sphere, basketball isn’t just a game – it’s a passion we turn into detailed analysis and winning betting tips. Every day, we bring you comprehensive game predictions, helping you place bets smarter and with more confidence. Looking for the best picks? Check out our Acca of the Day, a carefully selected combination of wagers for those who enjoy a bit more excitement. Join a community of real basketball experts and bet with trusted insights and expert advice, making every game even more thrilling!
Best Betting Odds
Standings
Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda Preview
Partizan are slowly bringing a highly turbulent season to a close. After a disastrous start to the campaign and the events surrounding Zeljko Obradovic’s departure from the black-and-whites’ bench, Partizan managed to regroup and produce a very strong second half of the EuroLeague season, while entering the ABA League playoffs as the competition’s second-seeded team. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Bosna in two games in a series that was routine on paper, but far from easy in reality, with final scores of 81-73 and 87-73.
It seemed as though a certain level of fatigue and saturation appeared among some Partizan players following the end of the EuroLeague season and ahead of the ABA League playoffs, as the black-and-whites opened the series against Bosna quite poorly. An additional issue for Partizan was the fact that the first game of the series, due to scheduling conflicts at their usual home arena, had to be played at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall. However, unfamiliarity with the environment and the venue was far from the only reason behind Partizan’s slow start. The team’s energy level was not where it needed to be, while shot selection was also extremely questionable. Those problems persisted throughout the entire game, with Joan Penarroya’s side shooting just 43% from the field, scoring only 81 points, and allowing the opposition to grab 13 more rebounds. The Spanish coach highlighted all of those issues after the game, but his players responded with a far more focused and composed performance in Game 2. The only real concern in Sarajevo was related to Carlik Jones’ foul trouble. Nevertheless, Dylan Osetkowski and Tonye Jekiri both delivered excellent performances, while Isaac Bonga quietly stepped up with 18 points, helping the black-and-whites book their place in the semifinals. Still, the series against Bosna also brought fresh injury concerns for Partizan. Shake Milton suffered an injury on the very first possession of Game 1 that will sideline him for several weeks, while Nick Calathes – alongside Duane Washington, Partizan’s best performer in the opener – picked up a minor injury early in the second half of the Sarajevo clash. However, Nick Calathes is expected to be available for his coach, while the black-and-whites desperately need stronger performances from Carlik Jones than they have received in recent weeks.
Crvena Zvezda also had to work extremely hard in their ABA League quarterfinal series against Cedevita Olimpija. The Belgrade side advanced thanks to two home victories, but neither came easily. In fact, Cedevita Olimpija entered the fourth quarter of the decisive Game 3 with a four-point lead, but the quality and experience of the EuroLeague roster ultimately prevailed, allowing Crvena Zvezda to turn the game around and secure a semifinal berth.
Before that, the red-and-whites had squandered a 21-point first-half advantage in Ljubljana, forcing them into a major battle to eliminate the dangerous Slovenian side. Crvena zvezda have been struggling for form for quite some time now. They closed out their EuroLeague campaign in disappointing fashion, with the key defeat proving to be the loss against Partizan. Crvena Zvezda had a packed arena behind them that night, but the black-and-whites delivered one of their most mature performances of the season and deservedly claimed the victory. In the end, that loss proved crucial, as it prevented Crvena Zvezda from finishing seventh or eighth in the EuroLeague standings and significantly increasing their chances of reaching the playoffs. Following the end of their EuroLeague season, the red-and-whites also suffered a defeat to Zlatibor in the Serbian League quarterfinals, although they still managed to advance to the Final Four with two home wins. To be fair, Crvena Zvezda greatly missed Codi Miller-McIntyre during that stretch, considering he is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in Europe. The red-and-whites undoubtedly possess tremendous quality and experience within their roster, but they will need to play with far more discipline on defense and greater intelligence on offense if they want to reach the ABA League Finals. Everyone understands the importance of home-court advantage in this competition, although it is interesting that clashes between the Belgrade rivals in the EuroLeague have often been won by the visiting side. One encouraging sign for Crvena Zvezda was Jared Butler’s performance in Game 3 against Cedevita Olimpija, as he finished with 19 points and seven assists. Butler remains an extremely important factor in the team’s offensive production.
Claim Now Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda H2H
These two teams have already faced each other four times this season, with Partizan holding a 3-1 advantage in those meetings. Partizan won both EuroLeague clashes (79-76, 89-82), while the ABA League regular-season series ended tied at 1-1.
Injuries and Suspensions
Partizan will be without Vanja Marinkovic and Shake Milton, while Crvena Zvezda cannot count on Isaiah Canaan and Donatas Motiejunas.
Where to Watch Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda?
Partizan vs Crvena Zvezda Best Betting Tip and Prediction
The black-and-whites have already beaten Crvena Zvezda three times this season, which clearly shows they have reason to believe in their own quality. Partizan will have home-court advantage and the support of their fans, and in addition, Joan Penarroya’s team has had several extra days of rest compared to their rivals, who went through a tough quarterfinal series against Cedevita Olimpija. There is no doubt that the black-and-whites will approach this matchup well-prepared tactically, and motivation will certainly not be lacking. Because of all that, we believe Partizan will win Game 1, covering the spread in the process.
Tip-off Time: Monday, 18.05.2026, 20:00 CET
Prediction: Partizan -3.5
Odds: 1.70
Stake: 2 Units
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
*To get the best odds, join our Telegram channel HERE, where analysis and picks are posted the very moment they go live on the site while the odds from the article are still active
Sign up at 22Bet and claim your first deposit bonus!
More Picks
Where to Bet? The Best Online Sportsbooks in 2026
Finding the right sportsbook in 2026 is just as crucial as picking the right bets. The top-rated betting sites this year stand out with high odds, secure platforms, fast payouts, and a smooth user experience. Whether you prefer a trusted sportsbook with a long track record or a mobile-friendly betting site for wagering on the go, Basketball Sphere has carefully reviewed and listed the most reliable options.
🔥 Why these sportsbooks?
✔️ Safe and licensed platforms
✔️ Competitive odds across all major sports
✔️ Fast withdrawals with multiple payment options
✔️ Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
Bet smart, stay safe, and enjoy the best betting experience in 2026 – wherever and whenever you like!
