The Daily Star Ireland
Red Star Belgrade host Žalgiris Kaunas in EuroLeague 2025/26, set for 14 October 2025 at the Belgrade Arena (Stark Arena), with tip-off scheduled for 18:00 UTC. This matchup reignites a storied rivalry—Red Star want to assert Balkan dominance early in front of their crowd, while Žalgiris arrive with hope and shooting threat, seeking to silence a difficult road atmosphere.
Red Star Belgrade Preview
Red Star’s philosophy blends physical defense, aggressive rebounding, and pick‑and‑roll disruption. Coach Dušan Alimpijević (or his current staff) will push defensive intensity and try to force turnovers. Offensively, Red Star lean on isolations, backdoor cuts, and timely three-point shooting when rotations leave gaps.
Defensively, they often use switch-heavy schemes on the perimeter, with help-side traps in passing lanes. Their interior defense is anchored by physical bigs who contest the paint, but they can be vulnerable to efficient spacing and pick‑and‑pop actions. Their rotation typically spans 8–9 players; bench depth and mid-game rest patterns are notable, especially if foul trouble arises.
Injuries or game-time decisions may affect wing depth or frontcourt rotation. A limited roster depth could hurt in late stretches, especially if the starters log heavy minutes. Their strengths include home crowd energy, physical toughness, and defensive grit; their weaknesses lie in consistency in offense, three-point vulnerability, and depth under fatigue or foul trouble.
Žalgiris Kaunas Preview
Žalgiris bring a more fluid, spacing-oriented style. Their offense thrives on ball movement, screening, and driving kick-outs. Guard Sylvain Francisco, a recent standout, is central to their creation and shooting attack. They often run off multiple pick-and-rolls and off-ball screens to free shooters.
Defensively, Žalgiris mix man‑to‑man with zone/drop coverages to protect inside while contesting the outside. They risk being punished on the boards and in transition, especially when the opponent crashes aggressively. Their rotation is deep, giving them freshness late. In clutch moments, Žalgiris run spacing-driven plays and rely on shooters/creators to deliver.
Injuries may affect wing rotation or shooting availability, but their core seems mostly intact. Strengths: spacing, basketball IQ, perimeter shooting, depth. Weaknesses: being overpowered inside, rebounding deficits, and lapses against high-pressure defenses.
Journey So Far & Head-to-Head
Last season, Žalgiris edged Red Star 86–80 in Belgrade, evidencing that even on the road they can impose themselves. Red Star have historically used home advantage to dominate rivals, but have also faltered when shot-makers are locked down. For Red Star, early-season home wins are critical to build confidence; for Žalgiris, road wins are signature statements.
Recent Form & Trends
- Red Star: L–W–L–W–W
PPG ~82, Opponent PPG ~85, turnover rate moderate, home form key. - Žalgiris: W–W–W–L–W
PPG ~88, Opponent PPG ~80, good shooting splits, stronger in rebounding margin regionally.
Žalgiris appear to be in better shooting rhythm, while Red Star’s defense is better when energized home. Red Star’s tendency to slump on offense in stretches could be decisive.
Key Players to Watch
Red Star
- Jordan Nwora (if active): strong scoring wing who can stretch the floor and drive.
- Ognjen Dobrić: veteran at handling pressure moments and delivering shots in traffic.
Žalgiris
- Sylvain Francisco: creator, shooter, and catalyst for Žalgiris’ spacing.
- Moses Wright / Chima Moneke: frontcourt presence; ability to contest inside while stretching the floor.
What to Watch Live
Tempo: Red Star will try to push pace when they sense defensive lapses; Žalgiris will prefer measured possessions and spacing. Mid-game adjustments on defense—zone switches, closeouts—will shift momentum. The interior battle and rebounding edge will matter heavily. Bench scoring and rotation flexibility under fatigue or foul trouble will be critical. Foul trouble on bigs or wings can change matchups late. In the fourth, which team has the cleaner execution and composure may win.
Where to Watch
EuroLeague TV (international), local broadcasts in Serbia and Lithuania. Tip-off 18:00 UTC, 14 October 2025.
Betting Insight
Moneyline: Red Star are slight favorites at home
Spread: Red Star –3.5 to –5 plausible
Total Points: lean Over if Žalgiris get in rhythm early; Under if Red Star clamp down
Props:
- Francisco over points or assists line
- Nwora over points line
- Team rebounds over for Red Star
- First team to 10 points angle: Žalgiris thrives off quick starts
Betting verdict: Back Red Star to win and cover ~–4.5 range unless Žalgiris arrive with hot shooting.
Prediction
Projected Winner: Red Star Belgrade
Predicted Score: Red Star 84 – Žalgiris 80
X‑Factor: Home defense adjustments and offensive rebounding depth. I expect Red Star to lead late, though Žalgiris keep it close thanks to shooting and rotation.
This Red Star vs Žalgiris preview suggests a tightly contested EuroLeague game, but home edge, depth under pressure, and defensive grit tip it toward Red Star.
