NLB MATCH OF THE ROUND: Can Zvezda become the first team to beat Budućnost in the 2023/24 season?
In this week’s NLB Match of the Round we will watch the clash of two old rivals.
(Photo: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic)
2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League Round 6, Sunday, 5 November 2023:
CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET - BUDUĆNOST VOLI
Where? Štark Arena, Belgrade
When? 19:00
Story of the game: In this week’s NLB Match of the Round we will watch the clash of two old rivals. It’s Crvena zvezda Meridianbet vs. Budućost VOLI on Sunday evening in Štark Arena.
After suffering two consecutive defeats against their arch rivals Partizan Mozzart Bet, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet have bounced back by scoring a big win at home against Bayern Munich in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague on Thursday evening. That win has boosted the team morale in the right moment as this weekend, the Belgrade troops are about to host 2023/24 AdmiralBet ABA League leaders Budućnost VOLI in Štark Arena. The red-and-whites are therefore now determined to get back on the winning track in the regional league as well and to clinch the win that would definitely have huge value in the race for the top spot in the regular season.
On the other side, Budućnost VOLI could not have dreamed for a better start of the season as after the opening 5 rounds they are sitting all alone at the top of the table being the only team with the perfect score in the league. The Podgorica side are therefore coming to Belgrade full of optimism that they may stun the big rival on the road and therefore show to everyone that they are the real candidate for winning the regional league title.
Match-up in focus: In these games when both teams are packed with top-class players it is hard to single out anyone that may decide the upcoming derby. Yet, we will dare to say that the key in this match lies in the battle of points guards. On one side there are Crvena zvezda Meridianbet’s star players Miloš Teodosić and Shabazz Napier, while on the other are Budućnost VOLI‘s floor generals McKinley Wright IV and Colbey Ross.
Each of them can single-handedly make big difference down on the court and each of them may easily become the hero of this week's NLB Match of the Round.
Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 32:25; In Belgrade 25:5.
