With or without Russian teams, Barcelona remains the absolute boss of the regular Euroleague season. Its only "problem" is the fact that she has to play for the tournament for almost a month, since February 11, when she defeated Real Madrid 86-68 in Madrid. This was followed by another (more) victory over the "queen" in the final of the Copa del Rey, confirming her form but mainly her superiority over the Madrilenians. Its record without Russian teams in the standings is 17-4 and she has already secured her presence in the playoffs and almost certainly the home advantage.

In the championship, they defeated Andorra 107-88 on Tuesday in a postponed match. The American scorer Corey Higgins (9.2 points average) has been out of action until the end of the season, something that made the renewal of the contract of the Australian guard Dante Exum as urgent as it happened. Apart from Higgins, center Oriola will be absent (3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds average).

Barcelona's last game in the EuroLeague was a 18-point prevail upon Real Madrid in the Spanish capital in which one of its just issues was halting Walter Tavares (25 points on 10-of-10 shooting). It likewise had issues easing back Georgios Papagiannis of Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (18 points, 8-of-10 shooting) in Round 26.

Containing Monaco's principle frontcourt reference, Donatas Motiejunas, should assist Barcelona with being much more grounded on guard. Brandon Davies and Sertac Sanli should see most playing time against him. Barcelona drives the EuroLeague in three-point shooting (40.8%) and has held adversaries to 31.8% shooting from downtown, so adhering to those extraordinary numbers could be vital, as well.

If there is one team that "paid" unjustly for the imminent expulsion of the Russian teams from the Euroleague, it is without a doubt Monaco, since the 4 victories (in 5 games) that it counted on them will be deducted from its assets! 2/2 with Unix, 1/1 with CSKA, 1/2 with Zenit. So its record will be set at 10-12 at the moment and will be below Efes and Maccabi which under other conditions would be below her.

Sasa Obradovic's team, however, as it showed last week with its two victories over Unix (postponed) and Fenerbahce (92-78) showed that it continues to be in excellent condition and with high morale. The experienced French international playmaker Westerman is back, as well as the key American forward Bacon, a player who changes the balance.

Monaco falls off a 92-78 home win against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in which it just permitted its adversaries to make 20 two-point efforts. Fenerbahce's most reduced mark this season had been 31 two-point shots endeavored.

Protecting the paint and getting the guarded sheets to get its progress game going through Mike James and Paris Lee could be basic for the guests. Halting Nikola Mirotic could likewise be significant and Monaco depends on Will Thomas to do as such since he has displayed in the past that he can cause him to feel truly awkward with his actual protection.

The two teams have faced each other in one Euroleague game. Barcelona won the game in the first round.

Let's take a look at main and special odds markets offered at bet365 website :

• FullTime Result: 1.15 (Barcelona) - 5.75 (Monaco)
• Over/Under 160.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 1.41 (Barcelona) - 2.70 (Monaco)

*bet365 odds are correct at time of publishing (03/03, 15:00 CET) and are subject to change | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Nick Kalathes vs. Mike James

They have used to be teammates in Panathinaikos, but they also have played against each other.

Nick Kalathes is great at organising the games, maybe the best ever in assists in Euroleague, and he will try to stop the American star.

Mike James is a combo guard, but he prefers to execute than to pass. Monaco depends on him in a great percentage.

If Calathes stops James, then Barca will have gone the major step to winning.