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Besiktas enters the new EuroLeague campaign after an impressive run in the EuroCup last season. The Turkish side reached the final, where it lost to Bourg, but its overall European campaign represented a significant achievement.

Besiktas also finished second in the Turkish league's regular season before losing the championship series to Fenerbahce. The Istanbul side then opened the new season against the same opponent in the Turkish Super Cup, suffering a 72-59 defeat. Jaylen Nowell was Besiktas' leading scorer with 13 points, while also recording three rebounds and two assists.

Home court was one of Besiktas' biggest strengths last season. The team lost only two home games in the Turkish league, underlining how difficult it can be to play in Istanbul. However, the EuroLeague presents a considerably higher level of competition, making this home advantage an important early test for Besiktas.

Valencia also enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign. The Spanish club won the ACB championship for the first time since the 2016-17 season and finished second in the EuroLeague regular season.

Valencia continued its strong European run in the playoffs, defeating Panathinaikos 3-2 in a closely contested quarterfinal series before losing to Real Madrid in the Final Four. The Spanish side also won nine of its 19 EuroLeague away games last season, showing that it could perform effectively outside Valencia.

The team has already played one official game this season. Valencia faced Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and lost 87-86 in a very close contest. Kameron Taylor led the team with 23 points, while T.J. Shorts finished with 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

The narrow defeat nevertheless showed that Valencia was competitive from the opening game of the season. The visitors will now look to carry that level of performance into their EuroLeague opener in Istanbul.

Prediction

Besiktas will have a clear advantage from playing in front of its home crowd, and last season's domestic record in Istanbul shows how difficult it can be to beat the Turkish side on its own court. The hosts also reached the EuroCup final last season, so they have already demonstrated their ability to compete at a high European level. However, Valencia enters this matchup with a stronger recent EuroLeague record. The Spanish side finished second in the regular season last year, reached the Final Four and won the ACB championship. The opening Super Cup results also provide useful context. Both teams lost their respective games, but Valencia was beaten by only one point against Barcelona, while Besiktas suffered a 13-point defeat to Fenerbahce. With no previous head-to-head history and Besiktas holding the home-court advantage, this should be a competitive opening-round game. Nevertheless, Valencia's experience at the EuroLeague level and its performance throughout last season make the visitors the more reliable side to back. Recommended Bet: Valencia to Win

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Match Preview

Fenerbahce enters the new EuroLeague campaign as the reigning Turkish champion and has already built up considerable competitive rhythm. The Istanbul side began the season at the EuroLeague Super Cup, losing 92-90 to Olympiacos in the semifinal before beating Dubai in the third-place game.

Fenerbahce then faced Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup and produced a convincing 72-59 victory to claim its first trophy of the season. Wade Baldwin led the team with 13 points, six assists and two rebounds, while Shavon Shields added 10 points and six rebounds.

The Turkish club has remained one of the strongest teams in the country in recent years. Last season, Fenerbahce won the Turkish championship for the third consecutive time, defeating Besiktas in the final. In the EuroLeague, the team finished fourth in the regular season with a 24-14 record and won 14 of its 19 home games.

Fenerbahce then eliminated Zalgiris in the playoffs before reaching the Final Four. Olympiacos once again proved to be the obstacle, but Fenerbahce enters the new campaign with the experience of competing deep into the EuroLeague and the confidence of already having a trophy this season.

The home record is particularly relevant ahead of this matchup. Fenerbahce have won all four previous meetings with Virtus in Istanbul, with three of those victories coming by a comfortable margin.

Virtus Bologna has also played one official game this season. The Italian side faced Olimpia Milano in the Italian Super Cup and lost 80-71. Kessler Edwards was the team's leading scorer with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Derrick Alston Jr. contributed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Virtus had a perfect record in its preseason games, but last season was considerably more difficult. The team lost to Venezia in the Italian league semifinals and finished only 17th in the EuroLeague regular season with 14 wins and 24 defeats.

Away games were a particular problem for Virtus. The Italian side won only five of its 19 EuroLeague games on the road last season, making the trip to Istanbul a difficult opening-round challenge.

The recent head-to-head record also favors Fenerbahce. Virtus have lost the last five meetings between the teams.

Key Trends

• Fenerbahce have won all four previous meetings with Virtus in Istanbul.
• Virtus have lost the last five meetings between the teams.
• Fenerbahce have already won the Turkish Super Cup this season.

Prediction

Fenerbahce have several factors working in their favor ahead of this matchup. The team have already played three official games, won a domestic trophy. The contrast with Virtus is significant. The Italian side struggled throughout the previous EuroLeague campaign, finishing 17th and winning only five of 19 away games. Its opening competitive match this season also ended in defeat against Olimpia Milano. The head-to-head record adds another important factor. Fenerbahce have won the last five meetings and have a perfect record against Virtus in Istanbul. With the Turkish side already in competitive rhythm and playing its first EuroLeague game of the season at home, the conditions are in place for another convincing performance. Recommended Bet: Fenerbahce -10 Asian Handicap

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Match Preview

Partizan enter their first official game of the season after a preseason campaign that included five friendly matches. The Belgrade side won three of them, including a convincing 101-77 victory over JL Bourg in its most recent outing.

Last season ended without a trophy for Partizan. The team reached the ABA League final but lost to Dubai, while its Serbian SuperLeague campaign ended in the semi-finals against FMP Beograd.

Partizan finished 15th in last season's EuroLeague regular season with 16 wins from 38 games. Their home record was considerably stronger, with 11 victories in 19 games in Belgrade. That home advantage could again be important, particularly against an opponent that has historically caused problems on this court.

Olimpia Milano already have competitive basketball under their belt. The Italian side won the Italian Super Cup, beating Virtus Bologna in the semi-finals and Venezia in the final. Milano therefore enter their EuroLeague opener with two official victories already secured.

The club also won the Italian championship last season, beating Venezia in the final. It was their fourth domestic title in the last five years.

In the EuroLeague, however, Milano finished only 14th last season with 17 wins and 21 defeats. Their away record was modest, as they won six of 19 road games. The long-term head-to-head record against Partizan nevertheless gives the Italian side confidence.

The last six meetings between the teams are evenly split at three wins apiece, but Milano have dominated the longer-term matchup. They have won eight of the last 11 encounters. The Italians have also won five of the last seven games played at Partizan's home court, although the Serbian side edged last season's Belgrade meeting 80-78.

Prediction

Partizan will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd and finished their preseason with a convincing win over Bourg. Their 11-8 home record in last season's EuroLeague also shows why Belgrade can be a difficult venue for visiting teams. Milano, however, arrive with greater competitive rhythm. They have already played two official games and won both, while their recent head-to-head record against Partizan is particularly strong. The Italian side has also repeatedly produced positive results in Belgrade, winning five of the last seven meetings there. Partizan should make this a competitive opening-round matchup, but Milano's early-season rhythm and strong record in this particular fixture make the visitors capable of starting their EuroLeague campaign with another win. Recommended Bet: Olimpia Milano to Win

• Also read: Will Olimpia Milano's Strong Start Give Them the Edge in Belgrade? Partizan vs Olimpia Milano Preview | September 25, 2026

Match Preview

Perth finished fourth in last season's regular season with a 21-12 record. The Wildcats then beat Melbourne United 95-77 in the quarter-finals before losing their semi-final series against Sydney 0-2.

The new campaign began with a difficult home defeat to South East Melbourne, as Perth lost 79-100. However, the Wildcats quickly responded in their next game against Adelaide. They trailed heading into the final quarter but turned the game around to secure a narrow 98-97 victory. Eli Pepper led the way with 25 points, while Joseph Lual-Acuil added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Perth won 10 of 17 home games last season, and their record against New Zealand at home has been particularly impressive. The Wildcats have won their last three home meetings with the Breakers and lost only once in their last 10 games against them in Perth.

New Zealand finished seventh last season with 13 wins and 20 defeats, missing out on the playoffs. Their away record was also inconsistent, with six wins from 17 road games.

The Breakers have started the new campaign with mixed results. They opened with an 95-81 victory over Illawarra Hawks before narrowly losing 85-88 to Brisbane Bullets. Parker Jackson-Cartwright was the team's leading scorer against Brisbane with 26 points, while Dejan Vasiljevic contributed 17.

Both teams currently have a 1-1 record. New Zealand sit fourth in the standings on tiebreakers, while Perth are eighth, but the head-to-head history strongly favors the Wildcats. Perth have won five consecutive meetings with the Breakers, while their dominance in home games against New Zealand has been even more pronounced.

Key Trends

• Perth won 10 of 17 home games last season.
• Perth have won five consecutive meetings with New Zealand.
• Perth have lost only once in their last 10 home games against the Breakers.

Prediction

Both teams have already shown resilience during the opening two rounds. New Zealand recovered from its opening victory with a narrow defeat to Brisbane, while Perth responded to a heavy loss against South East Melbourne by producing a strong fourth-quarter comeback against Adelaide. The difference comes from the matchup itself. Perth have dominated the Breakers in recent seasons, winning the last five meetings, and their home record against New Zealand is particularly strong. With 9 wins in their last 10 home meetings with the Breakers, the Wildcats have consistently found a way to perform well in this fixture. New Zealand should be competitive, but Perth's home advantage and outstanding head-to-head record make the Wildcats the more convincing side to continue their winning run against the Breakers and claim a second victory of the season. Recommended Bet: Perth Wildcats -4.5 Asian Handicap

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Match Preview

Brisbane started the new season with an 88-85 victory over New Zealand Breakers. Arnas Velicka was the standout performer with 23 points, five rebounds and 14 assists, while Tyrrell Harrison added 22 points and 7 rebounds. The win was particularly important after Brisbane had gone 15 consecutive games without a victory before ending that run in the season opener.

Home form was a major problem for Brisbane last season, as the team won just two games on its own court. The Bullets now have an early opportunity to match that total with another home victory, although their record against Illawarra in Brisbane has been evenly split recently. The teams have each won three of their last six meetings there, but the Bullets lost the last two.

Illawarra, meanwhile, opened the season with an 81-95 defeat to New Zealand Breakers. William Hickey led the Hawks with 18 points and nine rebounds. Last season, Illawarra finished eighth with a 13-20 record and won six of its 17 away games.

The Hawks have nevertheless dominated this matchup. Illawarra have won seven consecutive games against Brisbane, including a 113-75 victory in the most recent meeting. Their offensive production has also been particularly consistent, with the Hawks scoring more than 100 points in each of their last six games against the Bullets.

The contrasting results against New Zealand make this matchup even more interesting. Brisbane defeated the Breakers 88-85, while Illawarra lost 81-95. However, the Hawks' long winning streak against Brisbane suggests that the opening-round results may not tell the whole story.

Key Trends

• Illawarra have won 7 consecutive games against Brisbane.
• Illawarra scored more than 100 points in each of their last six meetings with the Bullets.
• The Hawks won the most recent meeting 113-75.

Prediction

Brisbane deserve credit for starting the season with a win, particularly after struggling at home throughout the previous campaign. However, Illawarra have consistently caused problems for Brisbane and have won the last seven meetings between the teams. The Hawks have also shown an exceptional ability to score against the Bullets, surpassing 100 points in each of the last six encounters. After an opening-round defeat, Illawarra should be highly motivated to respond, while the historical matchup remains a major factor. Brisbane's improved start makes this a more competitive contest than the recent head-to-head record might suggest, but the Hawks have the stronger track record in this particular matchup. Recommended Bet: Illawarra Hawks to Win

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• The Aces are riding a six-game winning streak.
• Phoenix have won their last two home games.
• The Mercury have been unable to beat the Aces at home since 2021.
• The Aces have won 11 consecutive away games against Phoenix.

Phoenix enter their final regular-season game with a record of 16 wins and 27 losses. The team lost its mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs long ago, so the remaining games are primarily about ending the season on a positive note and assessing the condition of key players.

At the same time, the team has won three of its last five games, pointing to a noticeable improvement in its results down the regular-season stretch. In their most recent games, the Mercury defeated Portland Fire 94:91. It was a hard-fought win, but the team held its nerve down the stretch and preserved its lead. Phoenix then also beat Dallas Wings, though they had lost to Dallas in their head-to-head meeting the day before.

Overall, the results of recent weeks show that the Mercury can cause problems for opponents even without any playoff race motivation. Phoenix's main offensive force remains Kahleah Copper. This season, she is averaging 21.6 points per game while spending nearly 33 minutes on the court.

The Mercury's biggest problem and the main reason for their struggles remains their overall offensive efficiency. The team averages 84.4 points per game and has a negative points differential.

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Las Vegas come into the game in significantly more impressive form. The Aces have won six straight and currently own a record of 30 wins and 13 losses. The team has already secured its place in the playoffs and currently sits third in the standings, behind only Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries.

Las Vegas therefore still have plenty to play for: every win down the stretch could matter when it comes to their final playoff seeding. The Aces' latest run has been particularly convincing. They beat Seattle Storm twice in a row, winning the second meeting 98:77. Earlier, Las Vegas demolished Seattle 114:77 and also comfortably handled Toronto Tempo. This run of results shows just how intense a level the Aces can maintain at the end of the regular season.

Las Vegas' key figure remains A'ja Wilson. The four-time league MVP is enjoying another outstanding season, averaging 26 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. In August, Wilson was once again named the Western Conference Player of the Month, earning the award for the fourth time already this season.

The Aces also hold a significant edge in the team statistics. Las Vegas average 91.3 points per game and allow 85.9, while Phoenix average 84.4 and concede 87.3.

On paper, Las Vegas have a clear advantage. The Aces have won six straight, sit among the WNBA's leading teams and remain highly motivated ahead of the playoffs. Phoenix, by contrast, are no longer competing for a postseason spot, and their season-long numbers are noticeably inferior to those of their opponents. If Las Vegas can impose their familiar high tempo from the opening minutes, Phoenix will find it extremely difficult to withstand the pressure for the entire game, but a blowout is not expected. I am backing the home team with a +15-point handicap.

• Also read: The favorite's match: Senegal vs Mozambique. Prediction for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on September 25

• Minnesota finished as the best team in the regular season.
• The Lynx have won just one of their last four games.
• Indiana have won two consecutive road games.
• The last three regular-season meetings between these teams on the Lynx's home court ended in victories for the hosts.

Minnesota are enjoying one of the best regular seasons in franchise history. The team enters its final game of the season with a 32-11 record and sits atop the overall standings. The Lynx have already secured the status of the regular-season's best team and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. However, ending the season with a home win after the unexpectedly heavy defeat to Indiana will surely be one of the team's priorities.

At the same time, Minnesota's recent results have been mixed. The Lynx have won just once in their last five games, suffering four defeats. Before the setback in Indianapolis, the team defeated Connecticut Sun 101-89, having previously fallen to New York Liberty 93-81. This run stands in contrast to their otherwise impressive season and shows that the team has been less consistent down the stretch of the regular season than it was several months ago.

One of the key factors behind the Lynx's current position has been the play of Olivia Miles. The point guard is enjoying an outstanding rookie season, averaging 19.8 points and 6 assists per game. However, her absence was one of the main reasons for Minnesota's struggles in the most recent meeting with Indiana: Miles missed the game with a calf injury. Her status for the rematch remains uncertain, so the lineup situation will be hugely important for the Lynx.

Overall, the Lynx score around 91 points per game, shoot at a high percentage and remain one of the most balanced teams in the league. But without Miles in the last head-to-head matchup, Minnesota lacked its usual offensive organization, while after halftime the coaching staff significantly reduced the playing time of its key players.

• Also read: Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt vs Angola. Prediction for the qualification match on September 25

Indiana enter the rematch in considerably stronger form. The Fever have won four of their last five games and own a 28-15 record. They sit fifth in the overall standings, and with all eight playoff participants already determined, their main objective down the stretch is to improve their position ahead of the postseason. Indiana still have a chance to fight for fourth place and home-court advantage in the first round.

The most telling performance came in the previous meeting with Minnesota. The Fever virtually killed off the contest in the first half, taking a 57-34 lead into the break. The team allowed its opponents to close the gap in the third quarter, but pulled away again late on to win 96-77. For Indiana, this was more than just a victory over the league leaders—it was confirmation of how dangerous the team looks offensively at the end of the regular season.

The star of that game was Caitlin Clark. The guard scored 27 points, added 9 assists and 7 rebounds, and went 9-for-18 from the field. Clark is averaging 22.8 points per game this season, and her ability to create opportunities both for herself and her teammates makes the Fever's offense especially versatile. However, her status ahead of the rematch requires attention: preliminary reports list her as questionable because of back problems.

Kelsey Mitchell's contribution is no less important. She scored 20 points in the latest game against Minnesota, extending her streak to 27 consecutive games with at least 20 points—a new WNBA record. Aliyah Boston added 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Indiana are averaging 96.7 points per game and rank among the league's highest-scoring teams. Over their last ten games, the Fever are 7-3 and averaging 98.1 points.

The rematch promises to be far more competitive than the game in Indianapolis. Minnesota are at home and will surely look to respond after the heavy defeat, but Olivia Miles' absence could once again seriously affect the quality of their offense. Indiana, by contrast, are in full stride and have won four of their last five games. I expect a hard-fought contest in which Indiana maintain their high-scoring form, but Minnesota, powered by home-court advantage and a more motivated performance from their key players, will be able to avenge that defeat. My prediction is a Lynx win with a +8-point handicap.

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• ASVEL have lost their last three official games.
• Tony Parker began his tenure at the French club with a defeat.
• Maccabi won the Israeli Super Cup a few days ago.
• ASVEL have failed to beat Maccabi in their last ten meetings.

ASVEL head into the EuroLeague opener after an unconvincing start to the season. The team made its first official appearance under star coach Tony Parker in the French Super Cup semifinals, where they lost to Roanne 71-73. It was an extremely tense and uneven contest: ASVEL made too many mistakes on offense and could not convert the game-winning shot in the closing seconds.

However, the team's problems had already emerged during the preseason. ASVEL lost four games in a row, falling to Pau-Orthez, Roanne, Bayern and Maxima Rome. Turnovers and the battle on the boards were particularly concerning — those were precisely the areas that prevented the team from controlling games. Parker had only a few days before the EuroLeague opener to fix the main deficiencies.

ASVEL's roster underwent major changes over the summer, so a lack of cohesion is entirely understandable. Tremont Waters, Patty Mills, TyTy Washington, Jae Crowder, Joel Bolomboy, Miles Cale and several other new players joined the team. In their official debut, Waters emerged as the main leader, with the point guard scoring 20 points and recording five steals. Crowder added nine points, while Mills was held to five in his first game in France.

The home-court factor also deserves special mention. ASVEL will begin its European campaign in Lyon, where the support from the stands could provide a significant advantage. At the same time, the team must substantially improve the quality of its half-court offense and cut down on turnovers. The latest game against Roanne showed that when their shots are not falling, ASVEL are forced to rely far too heavily on Waters' individual play.

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Maccabi head into the EuroLeague opener in a far more positive mood. The Israeli club have already claimed their first trophy of the season, thrashing Hapoel Tel Aviv 101-83 in the Super Cup. Oded Kattash's team delivered an impressive offensive performance, making 25 of 32 two-point attempts and 10 of 19 from three-point range.

Maccabi showed not only high-scoring ability but also excellent roster depth. Six players scored in double figures. Roman Sorkin led the team with 16 points, Bonzie Colson and Yam Madar added 13 apiece, while Jonathan Leaf and Iffe Lundberg finished with 11 each. Such a balanced distribution of the workload is especially important ahead of a long EuroLeague season.

Maccabi's biggest advantage right now appears to be their cohesion. Unlike ASVEL, who have assembled an almost entirely new roster and are still adapting to the demands of a new coach, the Israeli club have already played several official games.

In addition, Maccabi can cause problems with the sheer number of players capable of creating their own shots. That will be a serious test for ASVEL's defense right from the opening round.

ASVEL will have home-court advantage, but Maccabi look like the stronger team based on their current level of readiness. The French club are still in the process of building a new team, whereas the visitors have already played several official games and won the national Super Cup. At the same time, ASVEL possess enough individual talent to keep the game competitive, so I will back them to win with a +6-point handicap.

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Match Preview

Panathinaikos enter the new EuroLeague season in good form after winning all four of their friendly matches during preseason. The Athens side finished last season seventh in the EuroLeague regular season with 22 wins and 16 defeats. Home form was one of their main strengths, as Panathinaikos won 13 of 19 games in Athens. The team then reached the EuroLeague quarter-finals, where it lost to Valencia 2-3 in the series.

The Greek side was less successful domestically last season, losing the Basketball League Greece final to Olympiacos 2-3. Panathinaikos have therefore gone two consecutive seasons without winning the Greek championship. Starting the new EuroLeague campaign at home gives them an opportunity to set a different tone from the beginning.

Paris Basketball are entering only their third EuroLeague season. Last year, the French club finished 16th in the regular-season standings with 15 wins from 38 games, including seven victories in 19 away games. Paris performed better domestically, reaching the French league final before losing to Monaco.

The team has already played an official matches this season and lifted the LNB Super Cup after beating Roanne. That result gives Paris a positive start before its EuroLeague opener, although the challenge in Athens will be considerably different.

The previous meetings between the teams have produced high-scoring games, with Paris proving difficult for Panathinaikos to handle. The French side has also been particularly effective in Athens, where it has scored 100 points in each of its two previous visits according to the supplied match data.

That makes this matchup especially interesting for Panathinaikos. The teams have met four times in total, with Paris winning three of those games. The French side has also been particularly effective in Athens, winning both previous games played on Panathinaikos' home court. The Greek side will therefore look to reverse that pattern in the opening round.

Key Trends

• Paris opened the new season by winning the LNB Super Cup.
• Paris have won 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings.
• Paris scored 100 points in each of its two previous visits to Athens.

Prediction

Panathinaikos face a difficult matchup against Paris, with the French side having won three of their four previous meetings. The Greek team has also lost both previous games against Paris in Athens. At the same time, the history between these teams points toward a fast-paced and high-scoring contest. Paris scored 100 points in both of its previous visits to Athens, while the previous meetings have regularly produced totals around or above the 200-point mark. Both teams have the offensive quality to maintain a high tempo and create plenty of scoring opportunities. Both teams have plenty of offensive potential and should be capable of playing at a high tempo. Panathinaikos will also be determined to finally beat Paris at home after losing both previous meetings in Athens. The Greek side should have enough quality to end that run and start the new EuroLeague campaign with a victory, while the attacking strengths of both teams could make this another high-scoring matchup. Recommended Bet: Over 170 Total Points.

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Match Preview

Crvena Zvezda enters the new EuroLeague campaign after a mixed domestic season. In the ABA League, the Serbian side was eliminated by Partizan in the semifinals, while its Serbian SuperLeague campaign also ended at the semifinal stage after a narrow 90-89 defeat to Spartak Subotica. In the EuroLeague, however, Crvena Zvezda finished 10th in the regular season with a 21-17 record and was particularly strong at home, winning 13 of 19 games in Belgrade. Its European campaign ultimately ended in the play-in after a defeat to Barcelona.

Crvena Zvezda also defeated Zalgiris 88-79 in Belgrade last season. That victory ended a difficult run against the Lithuanian side, as it was the Serbian club's first win over Zalgiris in their previous four meetings.

Zalgiris enters the new campaign after another strong EuroLeague season. The Lithuanian side finished fifth in the regular season and reached the playoffs, where it lost its series against Fenerbahce 3-1.

One of the biggest storylines for Zalgiris this season is the return of Jonas Valanciunas to European basketball. The Lithuanian center brings extensive NBA experience and adds another major presence inside ahead of the EuroLeague campaign.

Unlike Crvena Zvezda, Zalgiris has already played two official matches this season. The team won both of its opening LKL games, giving it an advantage in competitive rhythm before the EuroLeague opener.

The head-to-head record also favors Zalgiris. Across the last eight encounters, Zalgiris has lost only once, with that defeat coming in Belgrade last season. In the return fixture in Kaunas, Zalgiris produced a dominant 99-67 victory.

Key Trends

• Zalgiris have lost only one of their last eight meetings with Crvena Zvezda.
• Crvena Zvezda won 88-79 in the teams' last meeting in Belgrade.
• Zalgiris won the return fixture 99-67 in Kaunas last season.
• Crvena Zvezda won 13 of 19 EuroLeague home games last season.

Prediction

This should be a competitive opening-round matchup, particularly with Crvena Zvezda playing in front of its home crowd. The Serbian side was strong at Belgrade Arena last season. However, Zalgiris has two important advantages entering this game. The Lithuanian side already has two official victories this season, while Crvena Zvezda has only played preseason games. That difference in competitive rhythm could be valuable in the opening round. The recent head-to-head record also gives Zalgiris considerable confidence. Although Crvena Zvezda managed to end its losing run against the Lithuanian side in Belgrade last season, Zalgiris has otherwise controlled this matchup in recent years and produced a 32-point victory in the most recent meeting. The home advantage should keep Crvena Zvezda within touching distance, but Zalgiris' early-season rhythm and strong record in this matchup make the visitors the more attractive side with a points cushion. Recommended Bet: Zalgiris +5 Asian Handicap