Two Turkish Airlines Euroleague powerhouses lock horns in Italy tonight as Montepaschi host Union Olimpija.
Montepaschi head into this match on the back of a key road win in Kazan and wants to kick off the season at home with a victory.
Olimpija registered a 22-point home loss against FC Barcelona Regal and needs to recover quickly to improve its chances of making the Top 16.
Olimpija are 0-3 in Siena, but the two teams have not faced each other since the 2007-08 season. Montepaschi are the favourites given their experience, outstanding ball circulation and fan base, but Olimpija has a lot of young talent ready to prove it belongs at the highest Euroleague level.
Olimpija star Goran Jagodnik is expected to be sidelined for several months because of a leg injury, while Montepaschi are at full strength.
Olimpija must find a way to stop lightning quick point guard Bo McCalebb who has been in fine form recently. To that end, Olimpija may call on Ben Woodside to try to put the brakes on him.
Olimpija get the ball to its big men to get David Andersen and Ksistof Lavrinovic in foul trouble, so Deon Thompson and especially Ratko Varda must play a critical role for the guests from the early going.
Montepaschi has plenty of options at both wings but none as solid as Rimantas Kaukenas, who never disappoints in games like this. His matchup against Euroleague newcomer Danny Green will be one of the keys to this game.
If Olimpija excels on defence and prevents Montepaschi from circulating the ball and controls the boards, they can come away with a win.
