The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is as unpredictable as ever, and the most passionate league in the world is once again living up to its Every Game Matters billing. With the holidays just around the corner, why not treat yourself – or a loved one – to the gift of the EuroLeague TV Annual Pass, which is on sale until January 31.

Secure the gift of EuroLeague TV – now 30% off!

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is as unpredictable as ever, and the most passionate league in the world is once again living up to its Every Game Matters billing. With the holidays just around the corner, why not treat yourself – or a loved one – to the gift of the [EuroLeague TV Annual Pass](https://www.euroleague.tv/signup?esrefid=4cdee4ed-9291-4434-81cc-ed238fcab817&utm_source=organic&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=dec2024_midseason), which is on sale until January 31.

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This holiday season, enjoy all the action for a reduced price

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Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 18 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub

## Thursday, December 26

### ALBA Berlin vs. Real Madrid (19:00 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We know that ALBA is a team that plays without fear, it is a team that makes many quick shots, at the beginning of the possession, and against which we will have to be attentive to the pace of play that they try to impose. We have to continue with the defensive intensity that we have had in recent games, which allows us to run and have a balance in our game, have good ball circulation and be consistent on the rebounds."

**Usman Garuba, Real Madrid center**

"We are eager to continue adding victories in the EuroLeague and to do so we have to play as a team, with intensity and with great defense, without relaxing at any time. We are playing against a different ALBA Berlin from the one we faced in the first round, which plays at a great pace and will be very motivated against us."

### AS Monaco vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (19:00 CET)

**Tomislav Mijatovic, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**<br>
"We are entering the first game of the second phase of the regular season with a very demanding and challenging road game. Our opponent is a high-scoring potential team with several players who have high scoring capacity. We are ready to face the challenge. We have to play the complete Anadolu Efes game both offensively and defensively and put our maximum effort individually and as a team in order to reach our goal, which is to win the game."<br>
**Jordan Nwora, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward**<br>
"We are going to Monaco to play against a very good team. If we continue to build good habits and grow as a team we can extend our winning streak."

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:05 CET)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach**

"Zalgiris doesn’t score a lot of points, but that’s due to their pace, so first and foremost, defense is key. We have weaknesses on defense, and as a team, we’ll need to compensate for them against very dominant scorers. Every time one of their players has the ball, we’ll need five players focused on him, and that’s something we didn’t do well in the \[Israeli League\] game against Jerusalem. We need to do that much better. Of course, as always against Lithuanian teams, we need to box out well for rebounds."

**Jake Cohen, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv forward**

"We are in the middle of a process and trying to improve. I think the results haven’t been good, but we know what we need to work on and believe in ourselves. \[Coach\] Oded \[Kattash\] will get us there, and the roster is capable. We know what needs to be done to reach the highest levels possible. We were very close in several games. We just need to execute."

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"We face one of the most consistent team in the EuroLeague, a very aggressive team defensively, who will use its quality of passing to free up shooters on offense. We really intend to play a good game, get back on track, and give our fans a game to be proud of, because they have remained very close to us, especially lately, and will our arena one more time."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"It's going to be a tough game. Before the two losses in the previous two EuroLeague games, Milan was on a big winning streak. Also, they played very well against Trapani in the Italian league. As I said, we expect a very difficult game. We will have to fight hard, give our best, and be totally focused in order to get the win. We will miss Nikola Milutinov, and that's a big problem for us. Mensah did travel with us by bus, but as anyone can imagine, he is not ready to help us."

**Nigel Williams-Goss, Olympiacos Piraeus guard**

"Milan is a very good team. Offense is their strength. It is always tough to play away, especially against a talented team like Milan. It is a big challenge for us. We will miss Milutinov, and that means that we all must give our best effort to overcome his absence and get the win. We should stick together and play harder on defense."

## Friday, December 27

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:30 CET)

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CET)

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Paris Basketball (20:30 CET)

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:30 CET)

### FC Barcelona vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Pregame quotes hub: 'We have to play the complete Anadolu Efes game'

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-12-27T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-12-27T19:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Paris Basketball (2024-12-27T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-12-27T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-12-27T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-12-26T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-12-26T19:05:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Real Madrid (2024-12-26T18:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-12-26T18:00:00.000Z)

Here, you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report: Round 18

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### ALBA Berlin

ALBA has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Real Madrid on Thursday.

- ALBA parted ways with Trevion Williams, who joined Maccabi.
- Gabriele Procida last played in Round 14.
- Will McDowell-White has not played since Round 8.
- [Justin Bean](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/justin-bean-out-three-months-with-broken-wrist/) is out until early February after breaking his wrist.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Efes reports that it has a fully healthy squad for its game at Monaco on Thursday.

### AS Monaco

Monaco has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Efes on Thursday.

- Monaco deregistered Furkan Korkmaz.
- [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) has not yet played this season.
- [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-basket-loses-alpha-diallo-to-knee-injury/) is out for at least two weeks with a knee injury.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Paris on Friday.

- [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot-sidelined-with-calf-injury/), who last played in Round 11, is dealing with a calf injury, but no timetable has been set for his return.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Crvena Zvezda has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Barcelona on Friday.

- Ognjen Dobric missed Round 17 with an ankle injury.
- [John Brown signed for Crvena Zvezda last week](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-signs-defensive-ace-john-brown/) and he has been registered, but has yet to play.
- Milos Teodosic and Branko Lazic were not available last week. Teodosic also missed Round 15.
- [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-bolomboy-hyperextends-knee-avoids-acl-tear/) returned to action last week after missing 11 games.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Josh Nebo is the only player not available for Milan's game against Olympiacos on Thursday.

- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/josh-nebo-to-be-reevaluated-in-3-4-weeks/) suffered another injury in Round 17 and is expected to miss extended time, according to Coach Ettore Messina.

### FC Barcelona

Barcelona has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Zvezda on Friday.

- [New signing Raul Neto](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-brings-in-ex-nba-guard-raul-neto/) made his debut in Round 12, but has since been sidelined by a groin injury.
- [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-loses-chimezie-metu-for-6-8-weeks/) has been out with a sprained knee.
- [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nico-laprovittola-to-undergo-knee-surgery/) was ruled out for the season due to an ACL and meniscus injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Bayern has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Panathinaikos on Friday.

- Bayern has been without Vladimir Lucic (muscle bruise) since Round 2.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Fenerbahce has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Partizan on Friday.

- [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wade-baldwin-out-with-hamstring-injury/) is out with a hamstring injury suffered in Round 16.
- Fenerbahce parted ways with Boban Marjanovic.
- Devon Hall returned to action in Round 16.
- [Arturs Zagars](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/arturs-zagars-fenerbahce-beko-foot-injury/) suffered a foot injury ahead of Round 15.
- [Dyshawn Pierre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahces-dyshawn-pierre-sidelined-by-calf-injury/) suffered a calf injury in Round 12.
- [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Virtus on Friday.

- [Mbaye Ndiaye ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mbaye-ndiaye-ldlc-asvel-out-for-several-months-with-knee-injury/)has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is likely out for the season.
- [Edwin Jackson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/edwin-jackson-to-miss-six-weeks-with-hamstring-injury/) has been out since Round 7 with a hamstring injury, but he has rejoined group practices.
- [Charles Kahudi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/charles-kahudi-out-for-four-weeks-with-groin-injury/) is out until mid-January with a groin injury.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Jasiel Rivero is the only Maccabi player out for its game against Zalgiris on Thursday.

- [Trevion Williams joined Maccabi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-signs-trevion-williams-away-from-alba-berlin/) from ALBA and has been registered ahead of Round 18.
- Wenyen Gabriel parted way with Maccabi and joined Panathinaikos.
- [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-jasiel-rivero-again-to-torn-hamstring/) is out until early-to-mid January with a torn hamstring.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Olympiacos confirmed that Nikola Milutinov (gastroenteritis) and Giannoulis Larentzakis (neck muscle strain) are both out for the game at Milan on Thursday.

- [Nathan Mensah joined Olympiacos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-signs-nathan-mensah/) and has been registered ahead of Round 18, and has traveled with the team, the club confirmed.
- [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/moses-wright-out-for-the-season-with-health-issue/) is out for the season with a health issue.
- [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-star-keenan-evans-out-long-term-after-knee-surgery/) remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery. He has not yet been registered for the competition.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Panathinaikos has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Bayern on Friday.

- [Wenyen Gabriel joined Panathinaikos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-moves-for-wenyen-gabriel/) from Maccabi, and has been registered ahead of Round 18.
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) suffered a broken fibula in Round 17 and will miss several months.
- Ioannis Papapetrou did not play in the last two games.
- Marius Grigonis (lower back surgery) has not played since Round 4.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Baskonia on Friday.

- Daulton Hommes has not yet played this season.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Patizan has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Fenerbahce on Friday.

- Vanja Marinkovic missed Round 17 with an Achilles injury.
- Mitar Bosnjakovic missed a domestic league game on Monday with an ankle injury.
- Frank Ntilikina did not play in Rounds 16 and 17.
- Iffe Lundberg (foot) last played in Round 12.
- Mario Nakic (ankle) has returned to action in Round 17.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game at ALBA on Thursday.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Virtus has not yet sent an injury report for its game against ASVEL on Friday.

- Toko Shengelia did not play in Rounds 16 and 17.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Maccabi on Thursday.

- All of Zalgiris's players were available in Round 17.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 18: Milutinov out for the Reds

EuroLeague.net's team of experts - Geoff Gillingham, Javier Gancedo, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic - provide their updated power rankings for the midway point of the 2024-25 EuroLeague regular season

EuroLeague Power Rankings at the midway point of the regular season

Welcome to the December edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Power Rankings. The following list is the brainchild of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net)'s team of experts, which is made up of [Geoff Gillingham](https://bsky.app/profile/geoffgillingham.bsky.social), [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto), [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) and [Igor Petrinovic](https://x.com/IgorPetrinovic).

The power rankings represent where the experts rank if compared to all teams right now and not necessarily where they feel they will be at the end of the season.

Next to each team, there are several numbers. First is the team's record. It is followed by the highest rank on any individual ballot and the next number represents the lowest.

### 1. Olympiacos Piraeus (11-6); 1, 2

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 2. November - 1.**

**Best case scenario:** [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) cannot be stopped and [Olympiacos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/roster/oly/?season=2024-25) takes the crown for the first time in more than a decade.

**Worst case scenario:** The Reds drop a few unexpected games, don’t have home-court advantage for the playoffs and miss out on the Final Four.

### 2. AS Monaco (11-6) 1, 3

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 6. November - 8.**

**Best case scenario:** Coach [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/spanoulis-vassilis/?season=E2024) has the magic touch he possessed as a player and [Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2024-25) makes history with its first EuroLeague championship.

**Worst case scenario:** A bevvy of road games and some injuries stop Monaco from reaching its peak and the team falls out of the top four and loses in the playoffs.  

### 3. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (10-7) 2, 4

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 1. November - 2.**

**Best case scenario:** The EuroLeague Trophy returns to Athens for the second straight season.

**Worst case scenario:** The Greens never fully recover from the injury to [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) and are not up to the task when the playoffs roll around.

### 4. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (10-6) 4, 8

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 3. November -3.**

**Best case scenario:** [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) become the league’s most dangerous scoring tandem and lead [Fenerbahce](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25) to an assault on the title.

**Worst case scenario:** Inconsistency plagues the team and drives [Coach Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/jasikevicius-saras/?season=E2024) mad as Fenerbahce drops into the Play-In Showdown range.

### 5. Paris Basketball (11-5) 3, 8

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 17. November - 4.**

**Best case scenario:** [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) keeps [Paris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2024-25) on its miracle run all the way to the Final Four.

**Worst case scenario:** The marathon of the EuroLeague schedule catches up with the debutant, which slips out of the playoff picture.

### 6. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (10-7) 5, 9

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 7. November - 7.**

**Best case scenario:** A healthy [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) rekindles the [Efes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/?season=2024-25) magic and - after a two-year hiatus – leads the team back to the Final Four.

**Worst case scenario:** Larkin cannot capture his peak form, the chemistry never fully develops and Efes loses in the Play-In Showdown. 

### 7. FC Bayern Munich (11-6) 5, 9

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 15. November - 6.**

**Best case scenario:** [Bayern](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2024-25) never loses at home, [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) leads the league in scoring and [Coach Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/herbert-gordon/?season=E2024) guides the team to the Final Four.

**Worst case scenario:** A grueling stretch of games to start the second-half of the regular season deflates Bayern, which never recovers and finishes the regular season outside the top 10.  

### 8. Real Madrid (8-9) 6, 9

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 4. November - 9.**

**Best case scenario:** All the players get healthy, management adds a key reinforcement and *Los Blancos* play in the championship game for the fourth year running.  

**Worst case scenario:** Age and injuries take their toll and [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/roster/mad/?season=2024-25) has to fight just to make the Play-In Showdown.  

### 9. Zalgiris Kaunas (10-7) 7, 12

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 13. November - 10.**

**Best case scenario:** [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/) and co. continue to thrill fans across Europe all season long, [Coach Trinchieri](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/trinchieri-andrea/?season=E2024)’s defense wreaks havoc and [Zalgiris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/roster/zal/?season=2024-25) parties its way to Game 5 of the playoffs.

**Worst case scenario:** Walker leaves during the season, the Zalgiris attack sputters and the team cannot qualify for the Play-In showdown.

### 10. FC Barcelona (9-8) 7, 13

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 5. November - 5.**

**Best case scenario:** The balance between [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) on the perimeter and a deep frontline wears down opponents and [Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2024-25) marches to the Final Four.

**Worst case scenario:** Barcelona can’t find a remedy for its inconsistency and its defensive flaws keep the team from reaching the playoffs.

### 11. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (9-8) 6, 14

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 8. November - 13.**

**Best case scenario:** [Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/roster/mil/?season=2024-25) finds a solution at center, the duo of [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) and [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) do the heavy lifting as Milan works itself back into the playoff picture.

**Worst case scenario:** Milan’s six-game winning streak proves to have been an aberration, and the team struggles to stay pace with the top 10 in the standings.

### 12. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (8-9) 10, 12

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 16. November - 15.**

**Best case scenario:** [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) enters the MVP discussion as [ASVEL](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/roster/asv/?season=2024-25) stuns fans across the continent and reaches the playoffs for the first time under the modern format.

**Worst case scenario:** Teams find a way to stop Maledon and ASVEL cannot respond. The team falls back to the far end of the standings.

### 13. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (9-8) 12, 14

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 12. November - 11.**

**Best case scenario:** [Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2024-25) gets even tougher with the addition of [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-brown-iii/010588/) and the magic of [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) shines in key moments as Zvezda plays its way into the Play-In Showdown.

**Worst case scenario:** It turns out that Zvezda has peaked too early, the team cannot win close games and it does not threaten for a spot in the next stage by the end of the season.

### 14. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (7-10) 11, 14

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 9. November - 17.**

**Best case scenario:** [Coach Obradovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/obradovic-zeljko/?season=E2024) is able to maximize the talent on the roster and [Carlik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) and [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) lead [Partizan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-nis-belgrade/roster/par/?season=2024-25) on an impressive winning streak and into the top half of the standings.

**Worst case scenario:** The talent is not enough; Partizan pays dearly for some narrow losses and the dream of reaching the postseason goes up in flames.

### 15. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (7-10) 15, 16

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 11. November - 14.**

**Best case scenario:** Thanks to [Coach Laso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/laso-pablo/?season=E2024)’s championship pedigree, [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/)’s superstar skills and [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/)’s otherworldly shooting, [Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/roster/bas/?season=2024-25) gets hot and plays its way into the postseason.

**Worst case scenario:** The Round 15 loss to Virtus haunts the team, which heads into a tailspin and finishes near the bottom of the standings.

### 15. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (4-13) 15, 16

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 16. November - 16.**

**Best case scenario:** [Coach Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko/?season=E2024)’s fire turns this team around and [Virtus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2024-25) makes a run at the Play-In Showdown.

**Worst case scenario:** Even the coaching change is just a short-term boost and an aging roster dooms Virtus to a spot near the bottom of the standings.

### 17. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (4-13), 17, 17

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 14. November - 12.**

**Best case scenario:** Everyone gets healthy, the rookies take a step forward and a feisty squad gives fans reasons to dream for next season.   

**Worst case scenario:** The bottom drops out and [Maccabi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25) falls to its worst regular season finish under the current EuroLeague format.

### 18. ALBA Berlin (3-14) 18, 18

**Previous rankings: Preseason - 18. November - 18.**

**Best case scenario:** [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/), [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) and [David McCormack](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/david-mccormack/013386/) emerge as a dangerous core that can compete with any team.

**Worst case scenario:** The losing takes the sting out of [ALBA](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/roster/ber/?season=2024-25)’s top talents and the team finishes the season with a whimper.

 

The Euroleague.net experts provide their updated power rankings for the midway point of the 2024-25 regular season

Power Rankings at the midway point of the regular season

LDLC ASVEL announced on Monday night that big man Mbaye Ndiaye has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Mbaye Ndiaye out for 'several months' with knee injury

[LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) announced on Monday night that big man [Mbaye Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mbaye-ndiaye/012731/) has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Ndiaye, who has averaged 7.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games for ASVEL this season, will undergo surgery to address the injury, which came during the team's [Round 16 win at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-stuns-partizan-for-first-road-win-79-82/) on December 17.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">La nouvelle que l&#39;on craignait est malheureusement officiellement tombée pour Mbaye Ndiaye... 😔<br><br>Notre intérieur sénégalais souffre d&#39;une rupture des ligaments croisés du genou droit. Il sera opéré demain matin et éloigné des terrains plusieurs mois.<br><br>Sois fort Mbeasy, tout le… <a href="https://t.co/Swf52P7v3d">pic.twitter.com/Swf52P7v3d</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1871260093070590166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The news we feared has unfortunately officially arrived for Mbaye Ndiaye..." read ASVEL's tweet. "Our Senegalese center has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee. He will undergo surgery tomorrow morning and be out of action for several months. 

"Be strong Mbeasy, the whole club is with you and wishes you the best in your recovery!"

The 25-year-old is in his second season at ASVEL and second in the EuroLeague. He previously played for fellow French teams Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2017-20) and ADA Blois (2020-23).

More ASVEL News

He suffered the injury in ASVEL's Round 16 win at Partizan

Following Mathias Lessort fracturing his fibula last Thusday, Panathinaikos BC has moved quickly and brought in Wenyen Gabriel from Maccabi Tel Aviv on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Panathinaikos moves for Wenyen Gabriel

Following [Mathias Lessort fracturing his fibula](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) last Thusday, [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) has moved quickly and brought in [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) from [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Gabriel (2.06 meters, 27 years old) only came to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this past summer after spending the first six years of his career between the NBA and the G League, while he also had a brief stint in Puerto Rico at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Injuries limited his participation for Maccabi somewhat, but Gabriel averaged 5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks across nine EuroLeague appearances for the Israeli side.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wenyen Gabriel joins the Green family! <br><br>Welcome 💪🏿☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://t.co/jWD7fiuY5E">pic.twitter.com/jWD7fiuY5E</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1871241019745784098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A member of South Sudan's roster at the 2024 Olympic Games, Gabriel's final game for Maccabi came in Round 16, when he played just four minutes having picked up a hand injury.

Gabriel will now look to fill the Lessort-shaped hole in Panathinaikos's frontcourt and battle the likes of [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) and [Kostas Antetokounmpo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-antetokounmpo/011221/) for minutes at the '5' position.

More Panathinaikos News

The South Sudan international made nine appearances for Maccabi in the first half of this season

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his tips for Round 18 of the 2024-25 season.

Fantasy tips, Round 18: Enjoy unlimited trades!

This promises to be quite an eventful week in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. First, managers can enjoy unlimited trading for the third time since the start of the season. Second, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague enters Round 18, meaning all teams have played each other at least once and scouting reports should be even more accurate now. 

This time, given the circumstances, I am recommending a superstar and two high-level players on the rise as budget options plus two cheaper players to fill your roster. Here they are.

Terry Tarpey, Dzanan Musa, Isaia Cordinier, Ercan Osmani and Theo Maledon are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 18

**Theo Maledon, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (17.3 credits)**

[Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) is my superstar of choice. ASVEL is 4-1 this month and Maledon is a strong candidate for the MVP of December award. He has the numbers to back this statement, averaging 21.4 points on 35-of-38 free-throw shooting (92.1%), 4.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 6.4 fouls drawn for a PIR of 27.2. His consistency has been outstanding.

**Ercan Osmani, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (7.5 credits)**

[Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) was simply outstanding against Partizan in Round 17. He finished the game with a career-high 25 points, 10 more than his previous best, by making 6 of 7 two-pointers and 4 of 7 three-pointers plus 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 assists and 5 fouls drawn for a personal-best PIR of 29. Buy him now!

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD0KWM5OtC-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erxhan (Ercan) Osmani (@erxhanosmani)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**Terry Tarpey, AS Monaco (5.0 credits)**

A coaching change has resulted in [Terry Tarpey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/terry-tarpey/012515/) seeing extended playing time and he is definitely making the most out of it. After hardly playing in the first 13 rounds (a total of 46 seconds), Tarpey has averaged 4.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals without any turnovers for a PIR of 8.0. Not bad at all for 5.0 credits, right?

**Dzanan Musa, Real Madrid (12.8 credits)**

After being injured and playing in pain, [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) started to feel better in Round 15 against Zalgiris and has been his usual dangerous self ever since. Musa has boosted his numbers to 16.3 points on 12-of-16 two-point shooting (75%) and 4-of-9 on threes (44.4%) for a PIR of 19.0 in the last three games. For 12.8 credits, he is a steal.

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**Isaia Cordinier, Virtus Segafredo Bologna (12.7 credits)**

First things first, [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) comes off an outstanding performance, getting a personal-best 24 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 fouls drawn for a career-high PIR of 38 against Barca. He matches new head coach Dusko Ivanovic's winning mentality, so expect more games like this from Cordinier as Virtus hosts red-hot ASVEL this week.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his tips for the week ahead

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has confirmed that center Boban Marjanovic has departed the club, with the Turkish side exercising an exit clause in his contract.

Fenerbahce, Boban Marjanovic part ways

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) has confirmed that center [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/boban-marjanovic/lmg/) has departed the club, with the Turkish side exercising an exit clause in his contract.

Marjanovic made a total of six appearances for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this season, he has played just once since Round 6 having featured in [Fenerbahce's Round 14 win at Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-blasts-past-real-70-82/). In six games, the 36-year-old averaged 4.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in 10:04 minutes per night.

"We have parted ways with our player Boban Marjanovic, who joined Fenerbahce Beko in September, by exercising the exit option in his contract," read Fenerbahce's statement.

"We would like to thank Boban Marjanovic for his contribution to our team and wish him all the best for the next phase of his career."

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Her şey için teşekkürler Boban Marjanovic! 💛💙<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/6y1rplZKf7">https://t.co/6y1rplZKf7</a> <a href="https://t.co/p023HDManJ">pic.twitter.com/p023HDManJ</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1871161864912359916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Marjanovic returned to Europe this past summer after a nine-year spell in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. 

Before heading to the NBA in 2015, Marjanovic made his name in the EuroLeague with a standout 2014-15 season with [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/), posting 16.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He also split the 2010-11 season between [CSKA Moscow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/cska-moscow/csk/) and [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/), and spent the 2013-14 campaign with Crvena Zvezda.

More Fenerbahce News

He made just six EuroLeague appearances after joining this past summer

The second half of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season starts with a bang, as Round 18 features four games between direct rivals in the race for the playoffs. Here's your guide to the final games of 2024.

At a glance: A festive feel to Round 18

The second half of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season starts with a bang, as Round 18 features four games between direct rivals in the race for the playoffs. Here's your guide to the final games of 2024.

## Thursday, December 26

### ALBA Berlin vs. Real Madrid (19:00 CET)

On the back of two big wins last week, Real (8-9) will look to continue its resurgence with a trip to last-placed ALBA (3-14). The German team has been weakened by the loss of big man [Trevion Williams to Maccabi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-signs-trevion-williams-away-from-alba-berlin/), so Real will expect league rebounding leader [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (7.9 per game) to be even more dominant in the paint. The visitor will also look for [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) to continue the sharpshooting form that saw him average 17 points on 13-of-19 field goal shooting in the double round week, while ALBA needs guard [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/) to stay hot after netting a season-high 19 points in last week’s narrow loss at Olympiacos. The host is looking to make history after losing all 17 of its previous meetings with Real.

### AS Monaco vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (19:00 CET)

In a key matchup between direct rivals, Monaco (11-6) will look to bounce back from last week's heavy loss in Madrid by overcoming a surging Efes (10-7). The Turkish team has won three in a row, with the return to fitness of [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) helping to spark an offense which was led superbly by [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) in the Round 17 victory over Partizan, dishing 11 assists without a turnover. Forward [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) will look to maintain the best form of his career after averaging 19 points and 6 boards across last week’s two wins. His rebounding ability will test a Monaco line-up which needs more output from big men [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) and [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/), who combined for just 4 points and 3 rebounds in last week’s loss.

Round 18 Head-to-Head: James vs. Larkin

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:05 CET)

Two teams aiming to get back in the win column meet in Belgrade as Maccabi (4-13) hosts Zalgiris (10-7). Maccabi’s frontcourt could be strengthened by [a debut for Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-signs-trevion-williams-away-from-alba-berlin/), who averaged 10.8 points and 6.9 rebounds for previous club ALBA. Zalgiris will hope that key scorer Lonnie Walker can return to form after suffering a rare off night in last week’s home loss to ASVEL, which saw the American guard score 0 points after missing all 5 of his field goal shots. With five straight defeats, Maccabi is on the competition's longest losing run and has already suffered at the hands of Zalgiris’s league-best defense once this season to Zalgiris, going down 78-63 in October as [Edgaras Ulanovas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/edgaras-ulanovas/002329/) netted 14 points.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

Milan (9-8) will attempt to bounce back from consecutive losses by downing one of the four co-leaders, Olympiacos (11-6). Arguably the best two forwards in the competition will go into a direct battle as [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) (23.5 PIR, second in the league) takes on fellow former league MVP [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) (22.9 PIR, fourth-best). [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/)'s latest injury blow is a big blow for Milan in its bid to compete in the paint against a Reds frontcourt featuring [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/), who is coming off his best performance of the season with 18 points on 9-of-9 two-point shooting to help overcome ALBA. The host will also need the all-round game of [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) (9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists per game) to overcome an Olympiacos team which smashed Milan 89-68 when the teams met in October, behind 22 points from [Shaq McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/).

Round 18 Head-to-Head: Mirotic vs. Vezenkov

## Friday, December 27

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:30 CET)

Red-hot ASVEL (8-9) will look for a fourth straight win as it visits a Virtus (4-13) boosted by last week’s home win over Barcelona. The Italian team has toughened up under new coach Dusko Ivanovic, and will be led on the court by guard [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) after his career-best PIR of 38 made him the MVP of Round 17 following the win over Barca. ASVEL triumphed twice on the road last week, with Friday’s win at Zalgiris seeing the always-excellent [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) receive plenty of support from young star [Melvin Ajinca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/melvin-ajinca/010316/): the 20-year-old swingman netted a career-best 17 points on 4-of-7 three-point shooting. Both teams will hope to have key big man back in action, with [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) and [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/) missing from their respective Round 17 triumphs.

Round 18 Head-to-Head: Cordinier vs. Ajinca

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CET)

Another big battle near the top of the standings will see Panathinaikos (10-7) attempt to become this season's first road winners at co-leader Bayern (11-6). The Greens will have to compensate for the injury absence of dominant center [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), with [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) needing to step up from his season averages of 11 minutes, 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Bayern bolstered its confidence with a tough road win at Milan last week, with the in-form [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) orchestrating the offense by combining 10 points with 12 assists. He is also the league’s top ball thief, averaging 1.6 steals per game, and those defensive skills will be important against Panathinaikos scoring star [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) – whose average of 20.2 points per game is only bettered by Bayern’s [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) (20.7 ppg).

Round 18 Head-to-Head: Voigtmann vs. Hernangomez

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Paris Basketball (20:30 CET)

Paris (11-5) coach [Tiago Splitter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/splitter-tiago/?season=E2024) will make an emotional return to his former club with a trip to Baskonia (7-10). The French team will hope to have a full roster available after illness forced the postponement of last week’s scheduled meeting with Fenerbahce, and is aiming to get back on track after a two-game losing run. Baskonia has also struggled recently with three losses out of four, but showed it knows how to slow down Paris’s explosive offense when it was narrowly edged out, 67-65, in November’s meeting between the teams – the only time all season that [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) has been restricted to single digits scoring. But the Spanish team also needs its own offense to function better, after netting just 69 points in last week’s crushing 35-point loss at Panathinaikos.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:30 CET)

Two teams hoping for a change in momentum meet as Partizan (7-10) hosts Fenerbahce (10-6). The Turkish team has lost four of the last five due to a leaky defense allowing an average of 92 points in those losses, and will be eager to get back on the court after the postponement of its Round 17 game at Paris. Partizan is also coming off a bad double round week, losing to ASVEL and Efes despite big man [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) patrolling the paint with an average of 19.5 points on 15-of-21 two-point shooting. [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) has hit his best form of the season, averaging 16.3 points over the last four games, and Fener would love to answer him through an improvement from [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/), who has only scored three field goals in the last three games.

### FC Barcelona vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

Two direct rivals on the edge of the playoffs places look to strengthen their challenge as Barcelona (9-8) hosts Zvezda (9-8). Veteran forward [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) (9.2 points per game on 48% three-point shooting) will hope his long-range shooting can cause problems for his former team, while dynamic guard [Yago dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) will look to stay hot after pairing 15 points and 7 assists to help overcome Maccabi last time out. Barca needs to bounce back from last week’s loss at Virtus, and will hope that big man [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) can deliver another strong performance after netting a season-high 14 points last time out. His battle alongside [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) with the fit-again [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/), who bagged 17 points and 6 rebounds in the win against Maccabi, could be decisive.

Round 18 Head-to-Head: Punter vs. Nedovic

Four games take place on December 26 and five on December 27

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv fortified its frontline by signing big man Trevion Williams from ALBA Berlin. 

Maccabi signs Trevion Williams away from ALBA Berlin

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25) fortified its frontline by signing big man [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trevion-williams/012604/) from [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/roster/ber/?season=2024-25). The contract is through the end of the 2025-26 season. 

Williams (2.06 meters, 24 years old) has averaged 10.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 16 EuroLeague games this season. He is fourth in the league in [rebounding](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2024&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds). At Maccabi he will help upgrade a frontcourt that has suffered from injuries this season to center [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/), who is currently [out with a torn hamstring](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-jasiel-rivero-again-to-torn-hamstring/) and [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/twill___?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@twill___</a> 🔏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreMaccabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreMaccabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/ec4V0huS0P">pic.twitter.com/ec4V0huS0P</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1870814840320938449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Head coach, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 

"Trevion Williams is a player we already looked at this summer and really liked what we saw. He is a versatile player with a high basketball IQ and will add depth to our frontcourt. The main goal is to integrate him into our rhythm as quickly as possible so he can help us during such a busy period."

Williams's first season on the Old Continent was sensational as he averaged 14.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals over 18 BKT EuroCup games for [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/games/ulm/?season=2023-24) last season. He led the competition in [rebounds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds) and his 12 double-doubles were tied for the most by any player in a single EuroCup season. Williams ranked second in the competition in average PIR with 22.1 and led all centers in assists.

Best of Trevion Williams with ALBA Berlin

Williams starred at Purdue University, where he was a teammate of FC Bayern Munich star [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), and helped the USA national team to the gold medal at the 2019 U19 World Cup. He made his professional debut in the 2022-23 season with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League and also played for the Capital City Go-Go before coming to Europe.

"I am extremely excited to get started in Maccabi," Williams said after signing. "I’ve watched so many great players come through this club and I want to make an impact right away. It’s a blessing to have anyone believe in you and I couldn’t be happier about this new journey."

Latest Maccabi news

The All-EuroCup big man made his EuroLeague debut this season

Two wins in three games - both victories coming in close battles - could be exactly what Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach Dusko Ivanovic, who believes the Italian side still has a strong season ahead of it, needed

New Virtus boss Ivanovic: 'This was what we needed'

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2024-25) opponents beware - the Black V just might be back. Two wins in three games - both victories coming in close battles - could be exactly what the doctor ordered. The doctor in this case is new head coach [Dusko Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko/?season=E2024), who believes the Italian side still has a strong season ahead of it.

Virtus crossed the midway mark of the regular season with just a 4-13 record - five victories from 10th place, where the club finished last season to earn a spot in the Play-In Showdown. But Ivanovic has helped the club to a 2-1 mark since taking over the team starting in Round 15.

Win number two under Ivanovic was an impressive [86-81 back-and-forth battle](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-battles-past-barcelona-86-81-in-first-home-game-under-ivanovic/) over [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/roster/bar/?season=2024-25) - Virtus's first home game with Ivanovic on the sidelines.

Game Videos

"I’m happy because tonight we played good defense. We made some mistakes but we never gave up. We believed and we had the energy we needed for 40 minutes," said the 67-year-old Montenegro coach. "This game demonstrated that they have character. They have good energy."

Ivanovic has plenty of experience to help Virtus; he led [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/?season=2024-25) to Spanish championships in 2002, 2010 and 2020, Spanish Cups in 2002, 2004 and 2009 and reached the EuroLeague Finals in 2001 and the EuroLeague Championship Game in 2005. Ivanovic has now coached 402 EuroLeague games - fourth most in history - and he thinks highly of his new team.

"I believe in these guys. This is the reason I am here. Because I believe they can win something this year. We will fight for this," he said. 

Ivanovic might actually just be the lucky beneficiary of Virtus finally breaking through. The team was playing pretty solid basketball but just could not win games late. Through the first 13 games of the season, Virtus suffered seven losses by 5 points or fewer, including five by a single basket. 

The last of those was [Virtus's 88-90 home loss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/alba-beats-virtus-in-ot-88-90/) to ALBA Berlin after which head coach Luca Banchi called it quits and resigned. The team was dead last in the standings with a 2-11 record. 

Game News

Enter Ivanovic, who could not coach the team in Round 14 and then helped Virtus to [an 81-82 thrilling win at Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/clyburn-saves-virtus-81-82-at-baskonia-to-give-ivanovic-victory-in-debut/) in an emotional return to Buesa Arena. A [10-point loss at Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-sinks-virtus-87-77-thanks-to-strong-second-half/) followed to start the double round week before Virtus surprised Barcelona without leading scorer and rebounder [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/).

"This is what they needed before. They were playing good, but lost seven games by 5 points or fewer. This energy can change things," said Ivanovic. 

Both victories under Ivanovic came with key players coming up clutch - [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) against Baskonia and now [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) versus Barcelona. 

"The most important thing for us is fighting - getting back to passion, fight and togetherness," said Cordinier, who set career highs with 24 points and an index rating of 38. “In our position, we are just trying to get back to standards. The easiest way to win a game is to play defense."

After losing those seven tight games, Virtus has now won back-to-back nail biters. And that famous Black V just might be back. 

Dusko Ivanovic has helped Virtus to two wins in three games and believes more will come 

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v FC Barcelona (2024-12-20T19:00:00.000Z)

As the EuroLeague continues the 25th anniversary celebrations, fans have the exciting opportunity to honor the greatest players in league history. The public voting for the All-25 EuroLeague Team, presented by Turkish Airlines, is now open, marking a major milestone in this anniversary celebration.

Vote Now for the All-25 EuroLeague Team, presented by Turkish Airlines!

- Vote [HERE](https://all25voting.euroleague.net) until January 8, 2025!

As the EuroLeague continues the 25th anniversary celebrations, fans have the exciting opportunity to honor the greatest players in league history. The public voting for the [All-25 EuroLeague Team, presented by Turkish Airlines](https://all25voting.euroleague.net), is now open, marking a major milestone in this anniversary celebration.

Building on the tradition of past All-Decade Team selections, this initiative aims to identify the 25 players who have left an indelible mark on the EuroLeague. Fans can choose from a pool of 100 legendary stars, each recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the league over the past quarter-century. The All-25 EuroLeague Team voting is also a fascinating journey through the history of the EuroLeague. In addition to voting, fans will have the opportunity to relive some of the competition's greatest moments through iconic player photos and video capsules showcasing their most memorable performances. Fans will have the chance to win big through a social media raffle! Five exclusive jerseys will be up for grabs, rewarding lucky fans who take part in the voting process.

### How to Vote

The voting platform introduces an innovative swipe-based voting system, allowing fans to engage daily by swiping right to select their favorite players or left to skip them. Fans can cast their votes every 24 hours and share their selections on social media, sparking conversations with fellow basketball fans.

### Selection Process

Fan votes will account for 10% of the final results. The remaining 90% will be determined by:

- Season MVPs and members of the 2000–2010 and 2010–2020 All-Decade Teams (40%)
- EuroLeague Championship-winning head coaches (40%)
- Members of the media (10%)

The top 25 vote-getters, after combining all ballots, will be named to the [All-25 EuroLeague Team](https://all25voting.euroleague.net).

Fans have until **12:00 CET (noon) on January 8, 2025**, to participate in shaping the All-25 EuroLeague Team. This celebration recognizes the iconic performances of players who have provided countless thrilling moments, solidifying the EuroLeague as one of basketball’s greatest stages.

Don’t miss this chance to commemorate 25 years of EuroLeague excellence. [Vote now](https://all25voting.euroleague.net)!

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