Monaco Still Shorthanded Before Paris Showdown
Ahead of the trip to Paris, AS Monaco Basket faces the same uncertainties as in recent days. As in Valencia, Nancy, and against Gravelines-Dunkerque, the Roca Team could once again have to manage without Daniel Theis, while Yoan Makoundou remains unavailable. This is far from insignificant before facing a Paris team renowned for its offensive rebounding presence, even though this area has been less decisive in recent weeks as opponents have adapted better.
More Uncertainty in Monaco’s Frontcourt
Tuesday night, during the comfortable victory against Gravelines-Dunkerque (101-82), Daniel Theis (6’8″, 33 years old) and Yoan Makoundou (6’9″, 25 years old) were already rested and left on the sidelines. This situation could repeat itself on Thursday, as indicated by the Principality club on its official website.
« Daniel is getting better and better. However, we can’t yet say precisely when he’ll be able to return. Yoan continues working to get back to full fitness, we expect him back by the end of the week, » explained Monaco head coach Vassilis Spanoulis.
While Daniel Theis’s progress remains encouraging, there’s no guarantee of his availability for this European fixture. For Yoan Makoundou, he appears ruled out, which continues to reduce Monaco’s interior options.
Nationality:
A Physical Challenge Against Paris
This prolonged absence comes at a time when they face Paris, one of the most aggressive offensive rebounding teams in the EuroLeague. Even though the Parisian team has seen its numbers slightly decrease in this area recently, it remains a major test for a Roca Team deprived of depth in the paint. Without Theis or Makoundou, Vassilis Spanoulis heavily relies on former Paris player Kevarrius Hayes and finds himself shifting Nikola Mirotic, Jaron Blossomgame, and Alpha Diallo positions. The latter two played extended minutes at big man positions in last Thursday’s win in Valencia.
Already dealing with a dense schedule, Monaco must manage players’ workloads while maintaining momentum. Despite these absences, Monaco is riding an impressive nine-game winning streak across all competitions and approaches this away game with confidence, but also caution.
Continued Load Management as a Priority
As against Nancy, where certain key players were rested, rotation management will again be central to the staff’s decisions. With or without Daniel Theis, AS Monaco will look to impose its tempo and collective play to compensate for gaps in the frontcourt and continue competing against a Paris team experiencing a difficult second season on the European stage.
The game tips off at 8:45 PM and can be watched live and free on TV Monaco – available on: Freebox (Channel 900), Bouygues (Channel 500), Orange (Channel 400), SFR (Channel 511), Canal + (Channels 125 and 135), Molotov TV).
🏀 Tonight, the intensity rises!@ASMonaco_Basket takes on @ParisBasketball for a clash full of energy and suspense
🚨 Don’t miss #LApresMatch afterward with Mathieu Laurent and Johann Cheramy to analyze all the highlights of the match
« Paris… pic.twitter.com/RpkL530Cru
— TVMonaco (@tvmonaco_tv) January 15, 2026
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