The highly anticipated EuroLeague clash between Zalgiris Kaunas and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade is set for January 9, 2026, at 18:00 GMT in the packed Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania. This Round 21 matchup in the regular season of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague promises intense action, with referees Juan Carlos Garcia (Esp), Joseph Aliaga (Esp), and Kristaps Baki (Tur) overseeing the game.
Both teams enter this contest with identical 11-9 records after 20 rounds, sitting in the tight mid-table battle for playoff spots. Zalgiris enjoys strong home support in one of Europe’s most atmospheric arenas, while Crvena Zvezda looks to capitalize on recent momentum despite a heavy defeat in their last outing. This game could prove pivotal in shaping their postseason aspirations.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As we dive into this intriguing showdown, recent performances and historical trends provide valuable context for the Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda prediction today. Both sides have shown resilience in domestic leagues but inconsistent results in EuroLeague play. Home advantage often plays a significant role in Kaunas, where Zalgiris has won 6 of 10 games this season. Crvena Zvezda’s road form has been challenging, with only 3 wins away. Key statistical matchups, such as Zalgiris’s superior rebounding and Crvena Zvezda’s perimeter shooting, will likely decide the outcome. Expect a competitive battle with potential for high scoring given both teams’ pace.
Zalgiris Kaunas Results
Zalgiris Kaunas has displayed mixed form heading into this home fixture, blending strong domestic dominance with EuroLeague struggles. They recently suffered a narrow road loss but showed offensive firepower in victories earlier in the month. Home games remain their stronghold, where defense tightens significantly.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 06.01.26 | EUR | Virtus Bologna vs Zalgiris Kaunas | 83-79 | L |
| 04.01.26 | LKL | Zalgiris Kaunas vs Neptunas | 112-77 | W |
| 30.12.25 | EUR | Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Zalgiris Kaunas | 80-93 | W |
| 27.12.25 | LKL | Rytas vs Zalgiris Kaunas | 81-90 | W |
| 23.12.25 | EUR | Zalgiris Kaunas vs Panathinaikos | 85-92 | L |
Zalgiris has won three of their last five games across all competitions, with convincing domestic victories offsetting EuroLeague defeats. Their offense explodes at home, averaging over 100 points in recent LKL wins. The loss to Virtus came despite solid effort, highlighting road vulnerabilities. Two consecutive wins prior to that built momentum. Overall, Zalgiris remains tough to beat in Kaunas, where crowd energy often fuels comebacks.
Crvena Zvezda Results
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade arrives after a disappointing home defeat but with strong wins in previous outings. They excel in the ABA League while maintaining competitiveness in EuroLeague. Recent results show capability for upsets on the road.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 06.01.26 | EUR | Crvena Zvezda vs Valencia | 89-106 | L |
| 04.01.26 | ABA | Perspektiva Ilirija vs Crvena Zvezda | 74-91 | W |
| 02.01.26 | EUR | Anadolu Efes vs Crvena Zvezda | 65-87 | W |
| 27.12.25 | ABA | Crvena Zvezda vs Cedevita Olimpija | 97-77 | W |
| 23.12.25 | EUR | Paris vs Crvena Zvezda | 102-92 | L |
Crvena Zvezda has secured three wins in their last five games, dominating regional competition while splitting EuroLeague results. The heavy loss to Valencia exposed defensive issues against top offenses. Prior road win at Efes demonstrated resilience. Strong ABA performances keep confidence high. The team alternates wins and losses recently, indicating inconsistency but potential for strong showings.
Head-to-Head: Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda (Last 5 Meetings)
These two sides have produced close, competitive encounters in recent years, with home teams often prevailing. Zalgiris holds a slight edge in the latest matchups, particularly in Kaunas.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 14.10.25 | EUR | Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris Kaunas | 88-79 |
| 27.02.25 | EUR | Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris Kaunas | 80-86 |
| 30.10.24 | EUR | Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda | 86-84 |
| 09.02.24 | EUR | Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris Kaunas | 91-93 |
| 13.10.23 | EUR | Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda | 79-74 |
The last five head-to-heads have been decided by single digits, showcasing balanced rivalry. Zalgiris won three of them, including both recent home games. Crvena Zvezda took the most recent meeting in Belgrade. Four of five went over projected totals. Home court has proven decisive in this fixture.
Key Points to Watch
With both teams evenly matched in the standings, several factors could swing this contest. Recent form, injuries, and stylistic clashes will be crucial. Zalgiris’s home dominance contrasts with Crvena Zvezda’s road struggles.
- Zalgiris holds strong home advantage in sold-out Zalgirio Arena, winning 6 of 10 EuroLeague home games this season;
- No major injuries reported for either team as of January 8; full rosters expected;
- Zalgiris on a two-game domestic winning streak, scoring 100+ points recently;
- Crvena Zvezda suffered a 17-point home loss to Valencia but won convincingly on the road at Efes;
- Zalgiris ranks higher in defensive efficiency at home, limiting opponents under 82 points;
- Crvena Zvezda relies on perimeter shooting; poor 3P% could doom them in Kaunas;
- Both teams have 11-9 records, making this a direct battle for positioning;
- Recent H2H games average low margins, suggesting another close finish;
- Pace matchup favors over, as both play up-tempo styles.
Free Tips on Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda
Before placing bets on this EuroLeague Round 21 clash, savvy punters always dig into the underlying statistics from previous matches and direct encounters. Analyzing team and player data provides clearer insights into productivity, defensive strengths, and potential advantages for the upcoming game in Kaunas. These free tips focus on key statistical trends to help identify value opportunities.
- Head-to-Head Statistics: The last five meetings have all been decided by single-digit margins, with Zalgiris winning three, including both recent home games against Crvena Zvezda – expect another tight contest rather than a blowout.
- Home vs. Away Performance: Zalgiris has won 6 of their 10 EuroLeague home games this season (60% win rate), while Crvena Zvezda has only secured 3 victories in 9 away contests – the Lithuanian side holds a clear edge on their court.
- Recent Schedule and Fatigue: Both teams played on January 6, with limited rest before this January 9 matchup; however, Zalgiris benefits from no travel, potentially giving them fresher legs compared to the visiting Serbs.
- Team Motivation and League Position: Sitting tied at 11-9 and battling for playoff spots, this direct mid-table showdown carries high stakes – Zalgiris’s superior point differential (+94 vs +48) suggests greater consistency under pressure.
- Referee Tendencies: The appointed crew of Juan Carlos Garcia, Joseph Aliaga, and Kristaps Baki has overseen balanced games this season; monitor for potential over on total points if they allow physical play inside the paint.
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Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda Match Prediction 2026
In this tightly contested EuroLeague matchup, Zalgiris Kaunas emerges as the slight favorite due to home court and recent defensive solidity. Crvena Zvezda’s heavy defeat last time out exposes vulnerabilities against strong offenses, while Zalgiris thrives in Kaunas with crowd support. Expect Zalgiris to control rebounds and limit second-chance points, leading to a narrow victory. The Zalgiris Kaunas vs Crvena Zvezda odds reflect a close game, but value lies with the hosts covering a small spread. Predicted score: Zalgiris 85-80 Crvena Zvezda.
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Zalgiris Kaunas to win | 1.56 |
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