The squad led by Sergio Scariolo has the opportunity to consolidate its position in the standings, which would allow them to face the decisive elimination rounds with the support of their home crowd. Last week's 69-74 victory against Fenerbahce was crucial, guaranteeing the Madrid team's presence in the playoffs and leaving them in a favorable position to finish, at minimum, in third place.

Although Real Madrid could still climb to second place if Valencia Basket loses its game against Dubai BC, a defeat today could see them drop to fifth or even sixth position. Despite Scariolo downplaying the importance of home-court advantage, statistics show that playing at home is a decisive factor in the final stages.

The Movistar Arena has become a true stronghold for the white team, which has suffered only two defeats in 30 home games across the EuroLeague and Liga Endesa. In the continental competition, only Panathinaikos has managed to win there since November, and since then, Real Madrid has strung together 12 consecutive victories in front of its fans.

Meanwhile, Estrella Roja arrives in Madrid in seventh place and also with significant aspirations. The Serbian team needs a victory to try and snatch sixth place from Zalgiris Kaunas and, at least, to secure their participation in the 'Play-in' in Belgrade, which would give them two chances to reach the playoffs.

The team coached by Sasa Obradovic has demonstrated its ability to compete away from home, accumulating eight road wins. However, their record at Madrid's Palacio de Deportes is less favorable, with only two victories in their visits and four consecutive defeats in recent encounters.