Monaco vs Barcelona: Analysis and Prediction – Monaco will play at home against Barcelona in the EuroLeague Round 17.
Monaco vs Barcelona Odds
Monaco Team News
Monaco has lost two consecutive games in the EuroLeague three times this season, and each time, they responded with a win on the road. Last week, they defeated Bayern in Munich, with Mike James leading the way. With that triumph, Sasa Obradovic’s team reached a 9-7 record.
Monaco doesn’t appear as dominant as they were last season, but there are several objective reasons for that. Jordan Loyd has been off the court more often than not in the first three months. Elie Okobo is starting to resemble his true self only in the last couple of games, while Kemba Walker is still adjusting to European basketball. James is the only one consistently contributing offensively. Therefore, Monaco should intensify their defensive efforts because it seems that they aren’t performing at their potential on that end of the court either. With players like John Brown, Alpha Diallo, Donta Hall and Jaron Blossomgame, more is expected.
Despite all the challenges, Monaco has a chance to re-enter the top 4 with a win in this game. Last week, they suffered a painful defeat to Panathinaikos at home, and now they will surely aim to play focused for the entire 40 minutes. That’s the only way to outplay Barcelona.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona had a tumultuous journey in the EuroLeague double round last week. First, they experienced a shocking loss in the German capital against Alba Berlin, and then they managed to break Zalgiris’ resistance in Kaunas only in the final moments of fourth quarter. This brought them to a more than decent 11-5 record.
Even though 11 wins suggest that Barcelona is performing well, that’s not the case. With the players they have, more is expected from them. Besides Nicolas Laprovittola, few are capable of creating something in this team. Tomas Satoransky seems to have stagnated, and even Jan Vesely isn’t as dominant as before. Jabari Parker had a few brilliant moments, but he is certainly not at the level Nikola Mirotic was when he wore Barcelona’s jersey. Head coach Roger Grimau will have to find a way to lift his team as soon as possible.
One way to achieve that would certainly be a road win against Monaco. They are facing a team with identical ambitions as Barcelona, and those ambitions are the highest possible. If they manage to stop James, they will have a chance, but that is much easier said than done.
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Monaco vs Barcelona H2H
In the last three years, Barcelona has won all four regular-season games against Monaco. The only win for Sasa Obradovic’s team was in the 3rd-place game at the EuroLeague Final Four seven months ago.
Absences and Injuries
Jordan Loyd is injured and will not play for Monaco in this match. Alex Abrines is questionable for Barcelona.
Monaco vs Barcelona Prediction
It’s time for Monaco to defeat Barcelona for the first time in the regular season in the EuroLeague. The guests are in a very poor momentum and haven’t played up to expectations for a month. Monaco showed character against Bayern and will now want to confirm that on their home court. They’ve had a few unexpected losses in front of their fans, so this is the best opportunity to make amends and get closer to the top of the table.
Tip-off Time: Friday, 29.12.2023, 21:00 CET
Prediction: Monaco -2.5
Odds: 1.83
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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