Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for this week
Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the Play-In Showdown
Fantasy Challenge
3 Mins read
The 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is in the books and the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge continues with the Play-In Showdown, three do-or-die games that will complete the playoff picture. There is only one turn and limited choices in the game, so fantasy managers should not have second thoughts: it is all about getting the right players, right now, so I am recommending one star per team and another player with added value.
TJ Shorts, Paris Basketball (20.2 credits)
This is a no-brainer. Paris needs one win this week to reach the playoffs and TJ Shorts should lead the way, like he has done since joining the club in the summer of 2023. His only game against Real this season? Shorts had 24 points and 10 assists for a PIR of 25. Was it long ago? Nope, it was earlier this month. Shorts is a solid choice for team captain, as he rarely underperforms.
Walter Tavares, Real Madrid (16.1 credits)
Walter Tavares has been chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for March and April, which says plenty about his great form. Against Paris, Tavares has averaged 12-5 points and 11.5 rebounds over two games for a PIR of 26. Tavares has had a PIR of at least 14 or higher in each of his last seven games and consistency is what you look for in this situation with a limited number of players available.
Carsen Edwards, FC Bayern Munich (15.5 credits)
Carsen Edwards was close to the scoring title, averaging 20.5 points per game this season. He has been to the free throw line consistently, averaging 4.3 fouls drawn and 3.6 attempts per night. Edwards had one of his best games against Zvezda (30 points, 29 PIR) but also one of his worst (3 points, -2 PIR) this season. In this situation, I think Edwards will be very strong.
Filip Petrusev, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (12.5 credits)
Even if Joel Bolomboy returns, Filip Petrusev is a solid choice against Bayern, as he has played well with or without Zvezda's starting center. Petrusev has been able to achieve very good numbers (13.5 ppg., 4.9 rpg., 16.0 PIR) in less than 21 minutes per night. He is the perfect choice for a do-or-die showdown, a smart, versatile forward able to find advantages pretty much everywhere.
Codi Miller-McIntyre, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (9.9 credits)
I have been following him lately and it is time to recommend him. Codi Miller-McIntyre has stepped up at the very end of the regular season, averaging 18.2 points on 21-of-33 two-point shooting and 15-of-35 on three-pointers plus 3.2 assists for a PIR of 16.6 over his last five appearances. In the past, Miller-McIntyre proved he can pass the ball really well. He is scoring a lot now, too. Freed from desire, Codi Miller-McIntyre!