Zalgiris has six consecutive defeats and they have not won even a game the last two months. The last time they were happy was back on December 2 at home 72-68 against Baskonia.

Last week they went to Milan against Armani and lost 65-58. So its record fell to 3-16 and after that, they remain in the last place of the standings. In the Lithuanian championship, they defeated Neptunas 77-60 on the road, playing without the center Nebo (coronavirus, not counted), the unprepared forward Jankounas and the American Cavanaugh (rest).

In the important news is the return to action after more than two months of absence of the main French center Jeffrey Lovern, who played 22 minutes (9 points) against Neptune. The experienced guards Kalnietis and Strelnieks are extremely doubtful.

Coach Zdovc stated about tonight game: "We recall from our first gathering that Maccabi is an extremely athletic group and they are generally excellent experiencing significant change. It was our primary shortcomings thinking back: attempting to beat them exclusively and not returning on defence on schedule. We really want to work on those areas."

This is a key match for Maccabi if they want to maintain hopes of claiming a place in the playoff. The Israeli champs achieved two consecutive victories against Olympiakos and Alba (in postponement) after having suffered 8 consecutive defeats.

They now have a record of 9-11. At this stage, it is a "now or never" game for Maccabi. The match against Fenerbahce was postponed (due to Corona cases in Fener), while in the Israeli championship, they defeated Hapoel Holon 80-79 at home, having the 3rd coach Avi Even on the bench.

The reason why Avi Even was on the bench it was because both the first coach Giannis Sfairopoulos and his Greek assistant Vassilis Geragotelis tested positive for the coronavirus!

Sfairopoulos will be tested on Tuesday morning and if he is negative, he will travel immediately to Kaunas and will arrive shortly before the jump ball, otherwise Even will coach again. On Monday, a new case was announced concerning Jake Cohen, while there are two more incidents, but Maccabi has no announced names so far.

The two teams have faced each other in 28 Euroleague games. Zalgiris has 9 wins, while Maccabi has won 19 times.

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

• FullTime Result: 2.30 (Zalgiris) - 1.66 (Maccabi)
• Over/Under 151.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 2.00 (Zalgiris) - 1.71 (Maccabi)

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

Ulanovas Vs Derrick Williams

Edgaras Ulanovas is too experienced and his basketball IQ is too high. He may not achieve to establish his presence in Fener last year, but Zalgiris is a top player. He can threaten both from the perimeter and in the paint.

The same ability is observed in Derrick Williams. The American can play both as a small and power forward and he also plays strong in defence. His match up with Ulanovas is probably the most important battle for the winner to be decided