By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a significant blow to AS Monaco’s postseason aspirations, forward Nikola Mirotic has been ruled out for an indefinite period following a calf injury.
The 35-year-old veteran has been a consistent presence for La Roca Team throughout the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, appearing in 31 contests and contributing averages of 11.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His absence creates a substantial void in a thinned rotation, including the frontcourt, just as the team enters the most critical juncture of its continental campaign.
The injury news further complicates matters for interim head coach Manuchar Markoishvili, who continues to navigate a depleted roster. With Nemanja Nedovic and Terry Tarpey also remaining on the sidelines, Monaco will be forced to rely on limited options for their regular-season finale. Despite these personnel hurdles, the remainder of the squad is cleared for action as they prepare for an encounter with Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv at the Salle Gaston Medecin on Friday.
Completing its 38-game schedule, the outcome of the matchup will not alter the fact that La Roca Team is headed for the Play-In Showdown, but the final result remains pivotal for seeding. Depending on today’s performance, the final standing will range anywhere between 7th and 9th in the standings, a placement that will ultimately determine their path and homecourt advantage in the fight for a playoff berth.
On the opposite side, Tomer Ginat and Tyler Ennis remain sidelined, but the rest of the players are available. The team coached by Dimitris Itoudis, hoping to jump to 24-14, is looking to secure homecourt advantage in a neutral venue, heading to a best-of-five series opposite Fenerbahce Beko for a ticket to the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad.