Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EuroLeague match.
Last season, AS Monaco came close to the Final Four, losing a tightly-contested series to Fenerbahçe (2:3). The team will undoubtedly aim to at least replicate that result and prove they deserve even more. Can they start by doing so in the first round?
AS Monaco
Following a disappointing away loss in the opening round of the French Championship, AS Monaco defeated Strasbourg at home (77:65). It is worth noting that the team bases their play on solid defence, conceding an average of 66.5 points at the start of the season. Looking at their last five games (including friendlies), each featured a total under 152.5.
Olimpia Milano
Olimpia Milano have already claimed the Italian Supercup, defeating Virtus Bologna in the final (98:96 OT), but they succumbed to Pallacanestro Trieste in the first round of the championship (78:84). The team's official matches have not been particularly high-scoring. In two of their three games, they scored less than 79 points, even against opponents clearly below AS Monaco's standard.
AS Monaco vs Olimpia Milano Prediction
Last season, the teams met twice, and in one of those matches, the Italian side scored just 66 points. Considering the French team's strong defensive play and AS Milano's scoring struggles, we expect that the visitors won't be putting up many points.
