Greece League: Aris vs PAOK 01/11/2025

Betting on Points

The Thessaloniki derby between Aris and PAOK always attracts special attention, regardless of the teams’ current form or position in the standings. This season, both clubs have built respectable rosters and set clear ambitions — to secure a place in the upper part of the table and bring back their former glory.

Aris, however, have started the season poorly. Three consecutive losses at the beginning of the domestic campaign cost young Serbian coach Bogdan Karačić his job. The management reacted quickly, appointing experienced Croatian coach Igor Miličić, who had achieved remarkable results with the Polish national team in recent years. His task now is to stabilize the squad and restore the players’ confidence.

On the other side, PAOK bounced back after an opening defeat to Panathinaikos, stringing together three straight wins to move up to fourth place in the standings, just behind the Athenian giants. The “Black-and-Whites” are led by another familiar name from the region — Jure Zdovc, who returned to Greek basketball after eight years. His goal is clear: to elevate PAOK’s level of play and make them competitive in the playoff race once again.

Clashes between Aris and PAOK have always been more than just basketball games. Pride, tradition, and deep-rooted rivalry make this matchup special, while the pressure to beat the city’s biggest rival is immense on both sides. That tension will surely be felt on the court as well — fans shouldn’t expect a free-flowing or high-scoring game, but rather a tough, physical battle where every point will be hard-earned. Everything points to a gritty and emotional contest, full of intensity, contact, and passion — exactly what a true Thessaloniki derby should be.