Barcelona vs Zalgiris (Euroleague): odds and picks 23.10.2025

Euroleague match at the Palau with the feel of a modern classic. My take: Barça comes in with more individual firepower and depth (Punter, Clyburn, the Vesely/Willy duo), while Zalgiris relies on Keenan Evans’ leadership, Ulanovas’ character and its patient half-court defence. At home, Barça usually break away after the break with defence + short transition; if the three-pointer appears, the Palau tips the balance.

Overall keys: turnovers (threshold 11-12 for Zalgiris), Lithuanian defensive rebounding to keep the score from getting out of hand and, above all, control of the central pick-and-roll. If Barça dominates the glass and activates Punter/Clyburn in advantage situations, the script will be Barça’s. If Zalgiris slows down, lives off free throws and punishes from 45º, we will have a long final.

Information: date, time and where to watch the game

• Competition: Euroleague
• Date: Wednesday 23 October

Odds for the winner of the Barcelona vs Zalgiris match

 (Reference odds; may vary until the time of the match)

Latest news from Barcelona

A team with a very long rotation and solutions for almost any scenario. Peñarroya is finding an interesting balance: Satoransky to organise, Punter as the executor, Clyburn punishing mismatches and a 5 that forces you to protect the hoop. My ‘but’: some bumps in the road when exchanges speed up, but at home that usually disappears.

Probable starting five and key players

• Point guard: Tomas Satoransky
• Shooting guard: Kevin Punter
• Small forward: Will Clyburn
• Power forward: Toko Shengelia / Joel Parra
• Centre: Jan Vesely / Willy Hernangómez

Script: Sato sets the pace; Punter finishes on direct and cleared blocks; Clyburn opens up the game in 1v1; Toko sets up help at the mid-post; Vesely/Willy finish near the hoop. Bench with immediate points (Laprovittola, Brizuela) for the third quarter surge.

Barcelona: breaking news

Focus on closing down their hoop and punishing over-help with open shots. If they load up on offensive rebounds and reach the bonus later than Zalgiris, the game will go their way. Keep an eye on discipline at the back with Evans’ changes: you can’t give away his first drive.

Current situation in the Euroleague

Solid at home: when their 3P crosses 36% and they win rebounds, they manage their advantages with skill. The third quarter is their comfort zone.

Latest news from Zalgiris

Kaunas is a competitive rock: Evans sets the pace, Ulanovas brings character to the wings and the 5 works hard without the ball. The game works for them at 70-75 possessions, taking care of the ball and living off the cut + free throw. Where they suffer most: in low line-ups if the opponent loads up on glass and in streaks of three-pointers against them.

Probable starting five and key players

• Point guard: Keenan Evans
• Shooting guard: Lukas Lekavičius / Tomas Dimša
• Small forward: Edgaras Ulanovas / Ignas Brazdeikis
• Power forward: Rolands Smits / Brady Manek
• Centre: Kevarrius Hayes / Laurynas Birutis

Plan: Evans at the post to collapse and double; Ulanovas at the high post; Smits/Manek stretch from 45º; Hayes/Birutis seal the rebound and continue hard. If their 3P appears early and they slow down Barça’s transition, they compete.

Zalgiris: breaking news

Priority: long-range losses and protecting their basket without fouls. Tactical signal: deny corners and force mid-range shots. If Evans sees two inside at the start, force help and open up the game.

Current situation in the Euroleague

Away from home, they need high percentages and a positional game. As soon as their opponents increase their possessions and punish them for their balance, they lose their edge.

Recent matchups between Barcelona and Zalgiris

Recent H2H with Barça advantage at the Palau: the Catalans tend to break away after the break when they connect defence + three-pointers. Zalgiris has scraped wins when they controlled turnovers and shot over 38% from outside. The pattern: if Barça dominates the rebound and doesn’t go into the bonus early, the end is usually theirs.

Summary of key factors in this match

• Pace: Zalgiris breathes at half court; Barça dominates at medium-high pace.
• Lithuanian turnovers (≤12) to avoid feeding Barça’s transition.
• Rebounds: Vesely/Willy vs Hayes/Birutis, a silent battle.
• Home team’s three-pointers (Punter/Parra/Clyburn), a barometer of the score.
• Matching up with Evans: don’t give him the first step or commit silly fouls.
• Third quarter run: Barcelona’s usual moment of breakthrough.

Barcelona vs Zalgiris: our prediction