After five consecutive defeats, Panathinaikos finally got a win against Basconia last week, despite its own significant absences. The greens won 75-63 and thus reached 5 victories in 20 games. For sure, it has to be mentioned that Baskonia was full of absences too.

Panathinaikos do not have the slightest hope of recovery to claim something better than the 15th instead of the 16th place until the end of the season. In the Greek championship, they won Aris 103-83 at home on Sunday. As for the injured, center Papagiannis returned (he played against Aris) after a two-week absence, but the American guard Daryl Makon, who has ten days to play, remains extremely doubtful.

The captain Papapetrou (10.9 points, 3.1 points, 2.4 assists average) is out and underwent surgery (sinusitis). The Serbian guard Jovic made his debut last Friday as a replacement for Perry (4.8 points average).

We have to stand on Jovic, who has a good performance. He is the kind of player that Panathinaikos did not have in its roster, as he is a typical point guard, who knows how to create, keep the tempo and score when it is necessary. Alongside Nemanja Nedovic, they can become a great duo for Panathinaikos.

On top of its form ... having consecutive victories (counting three away games in the Euroleague), Monaco lost two games at home in three days and its psychology dropped. Last Friday, they lost to Real after a double-overtime with 90-84, losing twice the chance for victory after having the last attacks. Thus, its record fell to 10-12 but they remain in contact with the playoff zone. It is evident that they have much greater motivation than Panathinaikos.

In the French league, however, they lost 115-106 at Boulogne-Levalois despite the 23 points of James and the 22 of Bacon. Defensively, however, it was ... crap after receiving 18/30 three-pointers!

Veteran guard Westerman is out (6.7 points, 2.7 assists), while the American Thomas now plays only in Euroleague matches. Sasa Obradovic has suffered two failures in a row for the first time since he returned to Monaco.

Mike James returns to OAKA as an opponent. This is not the first time that this happens, but every time is something exceptional, as James had some really good moments in Panathinaikos.

The two teams have faced each other in 1 Euroleague game. Panathinaikos has 0 wins, while Monaco has won 1 time.

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

• FullTime Result: 2.04 (Panathinaikos) - 1.96 (Monaco)
• Over/Under 161.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 1.95 (Panathinaikos) - 1.90 (Monaco)

*bet365 odds are correct at time of publishing (01/02, 15:00 CET) and are subject to change | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Jovic vs. James

He may play for the first time for Panathinaikos in Euroleague, but Jovic is an exceptional points guard. Both his quality and experience allow him to play a crucial role for Panathinaikos. He is really good in defense, so he will try to stop James.

The American star can kill any opponent at any time if he gets in a stable rhythm and mood. He is the leader of Monaco and if he achieves to overcome Jovic defense, then Monaco will be too close to victory.