The last two-round week of 2025 takes flight on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Round 16 highlighted by a meeting between the 2025 and 2024 champions. Here’s your overview of all the action.

Game Center, Round 16

## Wednesday, December 17, 2025

### [Zalgiris Kaunas 64-87 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/zalgiris-kaunas-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2025/160/)

The Pablo Laso era at Efes got off to the perfect start as the Spaniard saw his team grab a 61-82 win at Zalgiris, which ended the Turkish side’s three-game losing streak. This victory was Efes’s first on the road since October 28, when it beat Paris in Round 7. For Zalgiris, it suffered its second straight home loss after also falling to Maccabi in Kaunas in Round 14. Efes got off to a fast start on Wednesday and never looked back, while Zalgiris struggled to ever find top gear.

Efes sharpshooter Cole Swider was the game’s top scorer with 18 points, with his teammates Vincent Poirier and Jordan Loyd adding 14 and 12 points, respectively. Nick Weiler-Babb was very impressive at point guard, too, finishing with 7 points and 13 assists. Zalgiris had just two players reach double figures in scoring: Nigel Williams-Goss with 11 points, and Sylvain Francisco with 10.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">👊 Çift maç haftasına galibiyetle başlıyoruz!<br><br>Zalgiris Kaunas 64 - 87 Anadolu Efes | Maç Sonucu <br><br>Cuma günü evimizde buluşalım: <a href="https://t.co/TNug5BuXlz">https://t.co/TNug5BuXlz</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/SalRZWnLk0">pic.twitter.com/SalRZWnLk0</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/2001381157016080807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 76-74 FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-fc-bayern-munich/E2025/158/)

ASVEL rallied back in the fourth quarter to beat Bayern 76-74 on Wednesday night at LDLC Arena. The hosts started strong with Nando De Colo netting two straight layups that saw him become only the second player to reach the 5,000-point mark after EuroLeague's all-time top scorer Mike James.

Bayern took a 15-22 lead by ending the first quarter with a 2-9 run, but ASVEL fought back and secured a 42-38 advantage at the break. The visitors held the French side to just 9 points in the third quarter and took a 51-62 cushion into the fourth thanks to a 0-11 run. But ASVEL bounced back and outscored the German team 25-12 to clinch the win. Having ended its four-game losing streak, ASVEL improved its record to 4-12. Meanwhile, Bayern suffered its seventh straight defeat, dropping to 5-11.

Thomas Heurtel paced the hosts with 15 points, 11 of which were scored in the second half. Glynn Watson netted 9 in the fourth quarter, ending the game on 14 points. Spencer Dinwiddie bagged 15 points, but missed some crucial shots in the closing stages.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">One more in Euroleague ✅<br><br>On se revoit dans moins d&#39;une semaine à la LDLC Arena pour le Christmas Game, let&#39;s go ! 🫵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ynXsm2Hu29">pic.twitter.com/ynXsm2Hu29</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/2001399706002374981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 68-86 Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-virtus-bologna/E2025/159/)

Virtus enjoyed a comfortable road win at Partizan after the Italian team wiped out an eight-point second quarter deficit to improve to 8-8, while the hosts dropped to 6-10.

The lead changed hands several times in a see-saw first quarter before Virtus pulled away into a 19-24 lead on the back of 10 points from livewire guard Carsen Edwards. Partizan hit back with a 9-1 run early in the second and went on to extend its advantage to 37-30 thanks to some monster dunks from big man Bruno Fernando. Virtus then closed out the first half with a 0-10 run to lead 37-40 at the interval, helped by 10 turnovers from the home team. Virtus carried the momentum into the third quarter and carved out a 52-63 advantage ahead of the final 10 minutes as Partizan’s offense was ground to a halt. Another 0-7 at the start of the fourth put Virtus out of Partizan’s reach and the visitors breezed to their third straight road win over the Serbian side.

Edwards paced Virtus on 20 points while Matt Morgan and Derrick Alston chipped in with 14 each. At the other end, Sterling Brown netted 15 points for Partizan and Duane Washington scored 14.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICE COLD IN BELGRADE 🧊 <a href="https://t.co/mS9xvq5Bbr">pic.twitter.com/mS9xvq5Bbr</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusBo/status/2001404426087448706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 85-73 AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/kosner-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-as-monaco/E2025/157/)

Baskonia protected its home floor once again, downing Monaco 85-73 on Wednesday night. It is Baskonia’s sixth straight home win to improve to a 6-10 record, while Monaco dropped to 9-7. Baskonia led by as many as 16 points early in the third quarter, when Monaco responded with a 0-14 run to get within 2 points. But Baskonia quickly restored the margin to double digits, then had a reply any time Monaco tried to make a run. 

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was Baskonia’s top scorer with 19 points, but it was Trent Forrest who led the way with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Markus Howard and Gytis Radzevicius each added 12 points in a win. Mike James has 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a losing effort.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">¡QUÉ PARTIDAZO!<br>Nos imponemos al Monaco y seguimos imparables en casa 💥 <br>El Buesa, nuestro fortín<br>GOAZEN💪 <a href="https://t.co/JHCeJcZcLX">pic.twitter.com/JHCeJcZcLX</a></p>&mdash; Kosner Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/2001406145743736936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Tuesday, December 16, 2025

### [Dubai Basketball 95-97 Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/dubai-basketball-maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/E2025/151/)

Maccabi extended its season-long winning streak to three games as it handed Dubai its first loss at the Coca-Cola Arena with a nail-biting 95-97 victory. Maccabi used some hot three-point shooting for a 17-point lead late in the third quarter. Dubai knotted the game 87-87 with 4 minutes left and tied it again with 27 seconds to play on McKinley Wright’s four-point play. But Maccabi won it on O’Shae Brissett’s dunk with 3.9 seconds left to improve to 6-10.

Jaylen Hoard scored 21 points, Roman Sorkin had 17 points and Iffe Lundberg had 13 points and 4 assists - including the feed to Brissett for his only basket of the game. Dubai fell to 6-9 with now a 6-1 mark in its home arena, though the game was played without fans. McKinley Wright collected career highs of 26 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists, Justin Anderson had 18 points and Filip Petrusev chipped in 15 points in the loss. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">על הניסים ועל הנפלאות 💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/6UTm7nt08u">pic.twitter.com/6UTm7nt08u</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/2000991554471952581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 77-81 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2025/153/)

Panathinaikos ground out a 77-81 win at Fenerbahce on the back of 25 points from Kendrick Nunn in the battle of the last two EuroLeague champions, improving to 10-6 while the hosts dropped to 9-6 after their first loss in 13 games in all competitions.

In a physical and low-scoring first quarter, Panathinaikos nosed ahead 16-17 with the opening 10 minutes marked by an audacious Talen Horton-Tucker dunk at one end and a Kendrick Nunn shot from way downtown at the other. The Greens pulled away into a 27-37 lead in the second as Nunn caught for the visitors, but Fenerbahce fought hard to stay in touch and slashed the deficit to 37-41 at halftime. An 11-0 run at the start of the third quarter turned the tide and gave Fenerbahce a 48-41 lead, and the hosts stayed in the driving seat to take a 57-50 advantage into the final 10 minutes of the contest. The Greens conjured a 5-16 run early in the fourth quarter to nose ahead 62-66 and held on to their lead in the home straight, as Nunn sank four successive free throws while TJ Shorts added another to silence the home crowd.

Nunn added 4 assists and as many steals to his tally while Cedi Osman chipped in with 11 points for Panathinaikos. At the other end, Talen Horton-Tucker netted 22 points for Fenerbahce, Tarik Biberovic chipped in with 15 and Wade Baldwin added 11, but the competition’s holders were undone by 22 turnovers having only managed 14 assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BIG W IN ISTANBUL ☘️<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/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://t.co/zEGgGGaitO">pic.twitter.com/zEGgGGaitO</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/2001017459470688729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv 84-78 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/hapoel-ibi-tel-aviv-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2025/154/)

Hapoel stayed top of the standings by tasting victory in its first ever EuroLeague game in Israel, outlasting Crvena Zvezda 84-78. The first half was very closely contested as neither team led by more than 5 points, and the interval arrived with Hapoel narrowly ahead, 40-37. After a third quarter of momentum swings it stayed close right until the final few possessions, when two key baskets from Chris Jones made the difference.

Hapoel was paced by a spectacular Elijah Bryant with 28 points and 9 rebounds, while Dan Oturu added 18 points and Jones netted 15. Jared Butler led Zvezda with 27 points and 8 assists, with Codi Miller-McIntyre (13), Jordan Nwora (11) and Semi Ojeleye (10) also scoring in double digits. Hapoel improved to 12-4 in first place while Zvezda dropped to 9-7 after three straight losses.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">אימפריה. <a href="https://t.co/gH8gjnilnb">pic.twitter.com/gH8gjnilnb</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/2001039163731112372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Olympiacos Piraeus 92-99 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/olympiacos-piraeus-valencia-basket/E2025/155/)

Valencia recorded its fifth straight victory by stunning Olympiacos 92-99 on Tuesday night at Peace and Friendship Stadium. A back-and-forth first half saw the visitors take a narrow 47-49 lead into the second half, but Olympiacos opened the third quarter with a 12-0 run and even led by 13 with 1:21 left. Valencia bounced back in the fourth, firing on all cylinders from beyond the arc to outscore the Reds 16-32.

Having grabbed its second win on Greek soil in less than two weeks, Valencia improved its record to 11-5. Meanwhile, the hosts suffered their fourth loss in five games, dropping to 8-7. It should be noted that the road team has won eight straight and 13 of the 17 games between Olympiacos and Valencia this century.

Nathan Reuvers bagged a career-high 21 points and Matt Costello netted 14, having gone 4-for-8 from deep. Josep Puerto and Jean Montero scored 13 each, with Darius Thompson pairing his 12 points with 6 assists. Sasha Vezenkov paced Olympiacos with 24 points, while Nikola Milutinov registered 13 points and 8 rebounds in a losing effort.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">TOMAAAAAAAAA 🧡<br>VAMOOOOOOOOOOOS 😍<br><br>🔥 ¡Gigante último cuarto! 🔥<br>🔥 ¡Ganamos en el Pireo! 🔥<br>¡Ya son 1️⃣1️⃣ en <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>! <br><br>🏆 J16 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a><br>🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympiacos_BC</a> 92<br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 99<br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/MGS_Seguros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MGS_Seguros</a> <a href="https://t.co/g2ktup4egI">pic.twitter.com/g2ktup4egI</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/2001038378431582252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 89-82 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-real-madrid/E2025/152/)

Milan continued its impressive start to life under Peppe Poeta by beating Real Madrid 89-82 at Allianz Cloud, marking the Italian side’s third straight home win in games against *Los Blancos*. Coach Poeta’s men led by as many 16 points in the third quarter, but a late push towards the end of the third made it a 6-point ballgame entering the fourth. Marko Guduric notably stepped up in the final frame, helping Milan reestablish a double-digit advantage, but back-to-back threes by Facundo Campazzo created some nerves inside the arena at 84-80. However, Guduric was on hand to score a crucial three – Milan’s 14th on the night – to push the gap to 7 points (87-80) as the Little Red Shoes came away with the win.

Now 9-7 on the season, Milan is 3-1 since Coach Poeta was named head coach on a full-time basis. Real Madrid fell to the same 9-7 record. Guduric was Milan’s top scorer with 22 points, followed by Zach LeDay with 14, Armoni Brooks with 13, and Quinn Ellis and Shavon Shields with 10 apiece. Real Madrid was led by Campazzo with 25 points. Trey Lyles added 14 points for the visitors, while Mario Hezonja had 11. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A WIN 🤍❤️ <a href="https://t.co/XeExlpzYF4">pic.twitter.com/XeExlpzYF4</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/2001047928203305266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


### [Paris Basketball 69-85 FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/paris-basketball-fc-barcelona/E2025/156/)

FC Barcelona recorded its fourth consecutive victory by downing Paris Basketball 69-85 in the French capital in Round 16. Barca improved to 11-5 in the standings. Meanwhile, Paris dropped to 5-11 and is now on a five-game losing streak, matching its longest ever in the competition.

Kevin Punter led the winners with 21 points. Will Clyburn added 19 and 11 rebounds, Dario Brizuela had 18 points, Willy Hernangomez got 13 while Joel Parra contributed 11 for Barca. Nadir Hifi paced Paris with 16 points, Jared Rhoden added 15, Allan Dokossi 14 and Lamar Stevens 12. 

Barca dominated the game almost from start to finish, and Paris's only lead came at 8-6. Barca build a 13-30 margin after 10 minutes, extended it to 29-52 at halftime behind an unstoppable Clyburn and kept a safe lead all the way until the final buzzer.  

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Triomf 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 a París! <a href="https://t.co/5itn1mpsEG">pic.twitter.com/5itn1mpsEG</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/2001048832734286132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There were four road victors on Tuesday evening

Game Center: Efes, Virtus shine on the road; Baskonia makes a statement; ASVEL downs Bayern

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Virtus Bologna (2025-12-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v AS Monaco (2025-12-17T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v FC Bayern Munich (2025-12-17T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-12-17T18:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v FC Barcelona (2025-12-16T20:00:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Real Madrid (2025-12-16T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Valencia Basket (2025-12-16T19:15:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-12-16T19:05:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-12-16T17:45:00.000Z)

Dubai Basketball v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-12-16T16:00:00.000Z)

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs ahead of Round 16 of the 2025-26 season.

Injury report: Round 16

## Wednesday, December 17

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (19:00 CET)

##### Zalgiris Kaunas

Arnas Butkevicius is doubtful for Zalgiris's game against Efes on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- Arnas Butkevicius missed Round 15.
- Dovydas Giedratis returned to action in the Lithuanian League over the weekend. He is available for Round 16.

##### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Ercani Osmani is questionable while Shane Larkin, PJ Dozier, Georgios Papagiannis and Burakcan Yildizli are ruled out for Efes's game at Zalgiris on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- In Round 16, [new Efes head coach Pablo Laso](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-appoints-pablo-laso-as-head-coach/) will oversee his first EuroLeague game since taking charge.
- Forward Ercan Osmani is questionable for Round 16.
- [Shane Larkin will be out until early February](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-undergoes-groin-surgery-out-for-two-months/) after undergoing groin surgery, the club announced on December 3.
- PJ Dozier is out for 4-6 weeks with a thigh tear, [the club confirmed on November 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/pj-dozier-to-miss-4-6-weeks-with-thigh-tear/).
- [Georgios Papagiannis is expected to miss eight months](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-ercan-osmani-out-three-weeks-georgios-papagiannis-to-miss-eight-months/) following ACL surgery, the club confirmed on October 18.
- Vincent Poirier, who had been out for [4-6 months after knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-timetable-for-poiriers-return-set-at-4-6-months/), made his season debut in Round 15.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:00 CET)

##### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Bayern on Wednesday.

- [Edwin Jackson](https://www.leprogres.fr/sport/2025/10/20/asvel-plus-de-peur-que-de-mal-pour-edwin-jackson) last played in Round 5 due to a heel injury.
- Armel Traore, who missed last week's game with a back injury, returned to action in the French League over the weekend.

##### FC Bayern Munich

Bayern has not yet sent an injury report for its game at ASVEL on Wednesday.

- Kamar Baldwin was a late scratch for Round 10 and has not played since.
- Justus Hollatz did not play in Round 15.
- Leon Kratzer last played in Round 11.
- [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayerns-rokas-jokubaitis-suffers-knee-injury/) will be sidelined until the spring following knee surgery.
- Elias Harris has yet to return to action following a knee injury suffered in June.
- Aleksa Radanov (coach's decision) did not suit up for the first 15 rounds.

### Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. AS Monaco (20:30 CET)

##### Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Monaco on Wednesday.

- Trent Forrest returned to action in Round 15.
- Tadas Sedekerskis missed Rounds 14 and 15.
- Eugene Omoruyi has been training with the club and could make his debut this week.

##### AS Monaco

Monaco has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Baskonia on Wednesday.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Virtus Bologna (20:30 CET)

##### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Partizan has four unavailable players - Carlik Jones (ankle), Aleksej Pokusevski (ankle ligaments), Miika Muurinen (ankle) and Mario Nakic (knee) - for its game against Virtus on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- Miika Muurinen did not play in Round 15 due to an ankle injury.
- Aleksej Pokusevski suffered an ankle injury in Round 14 and has yet to return.
- Carlik Jones (ankle), who last played in Round 5, is not expected to return this week.
- Mario Nakic has been sidelined with a knee problem.

##### Virtus Bologna

Dusko Ivanovic has his entire roster available for Virtus's game at Partizan on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- Brandon Taylor returned to action in the Italian League over the weekend.
- Matt Morgan sat out Virtus's Italian League game on Sunday with a wrist injury, but is listed as available for Round 16.

## Tuesday, December 16

### Dubai Basketball vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (17:00 CET)

##### Dubai Basketball

Dubai has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Maccabi on Tuesday.

- Aleksa Avramovic, who did not play in Round 15, has returned to practice.
- Klemen Prepelic did not play in Rounds 14 or 15.
- Dwayne Bacon is sidelined after being diagnosed with a [fracture of his right thumb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dubais-dwayne-bacon-sidelined-with-thumb-fracture/).
- Dzanan Musa has been out since Round 2 with a knee injury.
- Nate Mason, who hasn't played this season, has undergone a discectomy after sustaining a cervical injury during practice.
- Summer signing Mam Jaiteh suffered an Achilles injury and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

##### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

Maccabi has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Dubai on Tuesday.

- [Jeff Dowtin Jr. is expected to be out until February](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-jeff-dowtin-out-six-weeks-with-foot-injury/) with a torn ligament in his foot.
- Marcio Santos left Maccabi's Israeli League game on Saturday with an ankle issue, but traveled with the team to Dubai and is expected to be available.
- New signing Zach Hankins has been registred and could make his EuroLeague debut.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:45 CET)

##### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

- Mikael Jantunen is a game-time decision with an ankle injury.
- Onuralp Bitim suffered an ankle injury, [the club announced on December 2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-loses-onuralp-bitim-to-ankle-injury/).
- Scottie Wilbekin is receiving treatment for knee swelling, [the club confirmed on November 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/scottie-wilbekin-receiving-treatment-for-knee-swelling/).

##### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

- Cedi Osman has not played since an ankle sprain in Round 12. He has returned to training and could play against Fenerbahce.
- [Richaun Holmes suffered a torn medial collateral ligament](https://x.com/Paobcgr/status/1983302468785319949) in his right knee in Round 7.
- Mathias Lessort, still recovering from an injury, is yet to play this season.

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:05 CET)

##### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Hapoel has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday.

- Guy Palatin missed the last three rounds with a back injury.

- Tai Odiase returned to action in the Israeli league on Sunday.

- [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoel-bruno-caboclo-undergoes-back-surgery/) is recovering from back surgery. There is no timetable for his recovery.

##### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

- Chima Moneke missed a domestic league game with an Achilles problem. He also did not feature in Round 15. He has not made the trip to Israel for Round 16.
- Ognjen Dobric sustained an injury in Round 14. He is still recovering from this knock and is ruled out for Round 16.
- Yago dos Santos last played in Round 12 due to a leg injury.
- Tyson Carter has been [diagnosed with pulmonary embolism](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zvezdas-tyson-carter-facing-extended-absence-with-pulmonary-embolism/) and faces a lengthy absence. He has been discharged from hospital and will continue his treatment at home.
- Jasiel Rivero hurt his foot in Round 1 and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
- Isaiah Canaan [suffered an ACL injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-loses-isaiah-canaan-to-acl-injury/) and is out long term.
- Joel Bolomboy is out long term.

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Valencia Basket (20:15 CET)

##### Olympiacos Piraeus

- New Olympiacos [signing Monte Morris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monte-morris-joins-olympiacos-bc/) will not debut in Round 16.
- Tyson Ward, who last played in Round 13, remains sidelined due to an injury.
- Shaquielle McKissic, who last played in Round 11, is not fit to play in Round 16.
- Keenan Evans missed the first nine rounds as he recovered from a knee injury, but [he ruptured his Achilles just two minutes into his return in Round 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/keenan-evans-suffers-achilles-rupture-in-euroleague-return/).
- [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-center-moustapha-fall-suffers-knee-injury/) could miss the entire season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the Greek League finals in June.

##### Valencia Basket

- [Braxton Key suffered a minor knee injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/valencia-braxton-key-suffers-minor-knee-injury/) in Round 13 and has not yet returned to action, although he is listed as available for Round 16.
- Xabi Lopez-Arostegui has been ruled out for the last two rounds and is again unavailable in Round 16.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Real Madrid (20:30 CET)

##### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

- Lorenzo Brown is available to return to action this week.
- Leandro Bolmaro left last week’s game with an injury and is not fit to return in Round 16.
- Diego Flaccadori is not fit to play in Round 16.
- Nico Mannion suffered a nasal fracture during practice, [the club announced on December 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/nico-mannion-suffers-nasal-fracture-during-practice/).
- Ousmane Diop had arthroscopic knee surgery, [the club announced on December 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ousmane-diop-has-arthroscopic-knee-surgery/).
- Stefano Tonut has missed the last four rounds and is not expected back this week.
- Nate Sestina picked up a triceps injury in Round 10 and has not played since.

##### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Milan on Tuesday.

### Paris Basketball vs. FC Barcelona (21:00 CET)

##### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Barcelona on Tuesday.

- Lamar Stevens did not feature in Round 15, but returned to action in the French League over the weekend.
- Derek Willis missed Rounds 14 and 15.
- Ismael Bako last played in Round 13.

##### FC Barcelona

Barcelona has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Paris on Tuesday.

- Jan Vesely left Sunday's Spanish League game with an ankle injury.
- Joel Parra suffered a broken nose against Olympiacos in Round 15.
- Nico Laprovittola is out for four weeks with an adductor injury, [Barcelona confirmed on November 26](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcas-nico-laprovittola-out-4-weeks-with-adductor-injury/).
- [Juan Nunez is out ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-guard-juan-nunez-to-miss-6-months/)due to a knee injury. He expected to be sidelined until April.

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

Injury report, Round 16: Ercan Osmani questionable, Butkevicius doubtful

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 16 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 16

## Wednesday, December 17

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (19:00 CET)

**Tomas Masiulis, Zalgiris head coach**

"Our opponent has a new coach, so the team will definitely have reacted. We saw that they played the Istanbul derby with a lot of energy and will certainly want to get back on the winning track. We’re facing a dangerous opponent with a lot of talent. Even though some players are injured, they’ll definitely have enough guys to play. It’s going to be a tough game."

**Nigel Williams-Goss, Zalgiris guard**

"Our chemistry will be important — since my return, we’ve already spent quite a bit of time on the court together, getting used to each other. Of course, making shots is important too, so I think it will take a combination of both. We have to protect our home court. Last time we didn’t do that against Maccabi, so we need to bounce back and feed off the energy of the fans."

**Pablo Laso, Efes head coach**

"Zalgiris Kaunas is one of the surprise teams in the EuroLeague, having started the season in a very solid manner. The combination of Nigel Williams-Goss and Sylvain Francisco provides the team with significant advantages, while the core of Lithuanian players contributes substantially to their overall performance. Although the upcoming away game will be challenging, if I have to be worried about anything right now, it’s about my team’s performance in the right way. This is something we work on every day, fully aware that Zalgiris Kaunas is consistently a tough opponent, supported by passionate fans in a great arena. Therefore, winning in Kaunas will require an excellent overall performance."

**Vincent Poirier, Efes center**

"It will be a big game against Zalgiris Kaunas, a very strong team. We need to be aggressive from the tip-off. They have excellent players and their fans bring a lot of energy, which can really boost their momentum. If we control the rebounds and move the ball with patience and intelligence, I believe we can succeed. Right now, focusing on our strengths is the best approach. It will be an intense game to start our double week, so we need to stay focused for 40 minutes."

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:00 CET)

**Gordon Herbert, Bayern head coach**

"That's another four games in seven days, but that's just the way it is. We're taking it one game at a time. I liked the effort there, especially after the long, long trip and the very tough defeat in Dubai. We still have a lot of games ahead of us in the EuroLeague, but we need to start winning again. Lyon is our next game, and unlike others, I'm not going to talk about how important it is. It's no more important than any other game; it's just the next game. And we're preparing for the next game so that we can win it. To do that, we need to take better care of the ball on offense and rebound better on defense."

### Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. AS Monaco (20:30 CET)

**Vassilis Spanoulis, Monaco head coach**

"We need to get back into our rhythm after the international break. The defeat against Fener highlighted some of our weaknesses that we need to work on. Playing at Baskonia is always difficult. They're a team that plays with a lot of energy and pace, especially in recent weeks."

**Jaron Blossomgame, Monaco forward**

"Playing at Baskonia is never easy. They're a team that has been playing much better in recent weeks, with more pace and skill. We'll have to stop their key players, such as Markus Howard, who is always dangerous from behind the arc. Our plan against TLC's scoring? Alpha Diallo. We have to play our best basketball. We're getting closer to our full potential, but we still need to work on being more consistent. The team still has room for improvement."

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Virtus Bologna (20:30 CET)

**Mirko Ocokoljic, Partizan head coach**

"We are facing an important game, especially considering the moment we are in. The team has put together several consecutive wins, and as a result, expectations are high, both internally and from the public. I hope we will be fully prepared, above all to start the game in the right way, so that we do not repeat previous situations in which we began slowly, had to chase the score, and even put the final outcome of the game at risk. I expect the players to step onto the court highly motivated tomorrow, and I believe they feel the importance of this moment. We had a good practice, although unfortunately we did not have enough time for detailed preparation for the game. Still, we managed to prepare for some of the key characteristics of Virtus, and I hope that will be reflected on the court tomorrow."

**Isaac Bonga, Partizan forward**

"We need to keep moving in this direction and not let anything throw us off. We’re growing as a team from game to game, and we have to make sure we stay on that path."

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach**

"It will be a difficult game against a team that has been playing well in its last four games. The atmosphere at the Beograd Arena is definitely an advantage for Partizan, but above all, they are a top-level team mentally. They have variety in their play, they can exploit one-on-one situations, their shooters can play inside. To win, we will need consistency throughout the game and a high level of intensity. We will take to the court to win, so we will have to play at our best."

**Karim Jallow, Virtus forward**

"It will be a tough match. Partizan has been playing with a lot of energy and physicality lately. We know that it's difficult to beat them at home, but we've shown that we can compete with anyone. We'll have to accept that it will be a physical battle for the entire 40 minutes. We can't afford to lose concentration at any point, knowing that we'll need maximum energy to win this game, physically as well as technically."

## Tuesday, December 16

### Dubai Basketball vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (17:00 CET)

**Jurica Golemac, Dubai head coach**

Maccabi is a very good transition team with a lot of talent, a team that is playing – the last two weeks – great basketball with a lot of qualities, with experience, a team with a coach who is there for a long time. So the key is going to be to stop their easy baskets, to stop their best shooters. It’s not going to be easy, but as a team we can do it.

**Filip Petrusev, Dubai forward**

“We need to just improve on some things that we struggle with, defensive rebound, and just play better defense and focus on the things they like to do and know individually what they want to do. And you know, try to play at our pace. We play a home without fans, though, so we need to create our own energy. I think individually, their ball handlers are really, really good. They know how to pass, but they also have some really talented offensive players. Still they want to play one-on-one and score the ball, so going to need to contain them and play good defense, which will allow us to play better on offense.”

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach**

“For us, it’s another EuroLeague game, but without fans – something we’re already used to. We’re back in Israel, hoping to return to normality, and I hope games without fans will soon disappear. It’s not an easy place to play; they have a lot of injuries, so we’ll need to see who plays and who doesn’t. When their roster is complete, they’re a very good team. Even with the injuries, it will still be a very tough game.

**T.J. Leaf, Maccabi forward**

“They’re a very talented team, with a lot of weapons. It’s going to be very tough, but it doesn’t matter whether it’s home or away – it’s a very important game for us and we’re taking it extremely seriously. Even when things weren’t going well for us, we felt connected because we knew we were in a process. Now we’re on a bit of a run, but nothing has changed – we’re keeping our feet on the ground. It’s an important week for us and we’ll try to extend the streak. Petrusev and Kabengele are very talented; it will be a challenge against them, but I’m confident we’ll be able to stop them.”

T.J. Leaf: 'It’s an important week for us and we’ll try to extend the streak.'

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:45 CET)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach**

"One of the toughest tests for us of the year. Panathinaikos has a very good roster. Their guard play is also good. The three of them, Nunn, Sloukas and Shorts, are extremely difficult to handle and guard one-on-one, so we will need a lot of team defense and team concepts, and find ways to attack their ball pressure. Don't forget about the big man rebounding and some situations where they can punish us with the three-point shots."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce big man**

"Of course, a very important game, a tough game whenever you face such an important team like Panathinaikos. You know, sold out for us is always an extra boost, but also extra responsibility. We want to do good in front of our fans. Hopefully, it will be a good game. It's a home game. We need to win, to keep this streak going."

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach**

“Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul are in good form, having won their last six EuroLeague games, so it will certainly be a tough match. From our side, however, we need to start winning again, because after four consecutive victories we have suffered two defeats. It will definitely be a difficult game and we are ready to fight for it… For me, the key to winning this game is offense. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul mainly switch on defense, so we must attack without making mistakes and, of course, have good shooting efficiency.”

**Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos guard**

“We are excited about this matchup. They are the champions from last season. We are ready. They are one of the best teams right now, and if we want to be the best, we have to go out there, play our game and beat them.”

Jerian Grant: 'If we want to be the best, we have to go out there and beat them.'

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:05 CET)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach**

"We have to deal with a team that has established a different style of play lately. Due to some absences, they are using a lot of small-ball lineups, spreading the floor, and playing five-out. They have several very good isolation players who can generate a lot of offense, and that’s something we have to match. On top of that, they bring a lot of energy and athleticism. The five-out game requires a different level and dimension of defensive effort, and that’s something we are trying to implement and prepare for."

**Yam Madar, Hapoel guard**

"Crvena Zvezda is an excellent team. It will be a tough game, and we’ll need to be at our best to win."

**Sasa Obradovic, Crvena Zvezda head coach**

"It was important for us to play well yesterday \[in the ABA League\], and even though the players went deep into the red zone, I was afraid we might lose another player. Every game, you lose one or two guys. The stress levels are very high, and it’s not easy to react tactically under those circumstances. We still have players who are adapting and returning from injury. We have to learn from this and maintain the right attitude toward the club. We’ve set big goals for ourselves, and the schedule will only get tougher. Maybe it’s psychologically challenging for them as well since they’re playing away from home, but in Israel, for example, it’s easier than at home—say, in Bulgaria, on their home court. They are a Final Four–level team and they punish every mistake we make on offense."

**Donatas Motiejunas, Crvena Zvezda center**

"For me, they (Hapoel) are one of the most complete teams in the EuroLeague. Their record shows it, and the way they play shows it as well. They’re experienced and know how to play. So once again, it will be a 40-minute battle. We have to be consistent for all 40 minutes, not just 30. We’ll try to attack them—they’re a high-quality team—and we hope they won’t be as efficient offensively as they usually are. As for the atmosphere, we’re not expecting anything special. We play in an incredible atmosphere at home, so it doesn’t affect me much. I understand—they’ve been waiting for this. There will be a lot of people, they’ll be supportive and loud, but it’s nothing new for us."

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Valencia Basket (20:15 CET)

**Giorgos Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach**

“It’s a very difficult game. We need to get back to winning and our opponent is a very good team. That’s evident from the standings, from the way they play, from their statistical numbers, and also from my personal appreciation of their coach. I believe he is a very good coach. They are a team that keeps improving as time goes by. I don’t think I need to say anything about the pace and intensity they play with — everyone knows that. Everyone shoots: their 4s, their 5s; they spread the floor very well and have good spacing. We need good defensive play, good decision-making on offense, and good control of the tempo in order to win the game.”

**Tyler Dorsey, Olympiacos guard**

“Valencia are playing very well. They are one of the most in-form teams in the EuroLeague right now. For us, this is a game we have to win. We’re playing at home after two losses, and it’s a must-win game. We have to find a way to get it done. We need to take it personally, both on defense and on offense. Basketball is a simple game. You don’t need to overanalyze everything.”

**Jaime Pradilla, Valencia center**

"We know they're a team that plays very well together, generating plays based on their ball movement, and we know it's going to be a tough game on a very difficult court. We know it's going to be very difficult to win tomorrow's game here. Their inside players are at a very high level. We're going to try to stop them and control the rebound so that we can also get into our rhythm on offense. I think the key, more or less as we've done so far this season, is to try to implement our rhythm of play and then let the game dictate where it goes from there. But we'll try to play our game and then enjoy ourselves and fight until the end."

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Real Madrid (20:30 CET)

**Peppe Poeta, Milan head coach**

"We face a Real Madrid coming off four consecutive wins, so they are in great shape, with a lot of talent, depth and well coached by Sergio Scariolo. For us, gathering all the mental and physical energy back after the Italian league battle with Bologna will be the first goal. Playing with the right flow and having some good pace offensively will help us to play a game that will need to be a courageous one."

**Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach**

“Watching Milano’s recent games puts us on full alert because they’ve delivered great performances and big wins against Panathinaikos and Virtus, not just winning but dominating those games. This tells us we’re facing a team with a lot of talent across nine or 10 rotation players, all with tremendous experience. Ellis brings different qualities and is doing very well, but the rest have great know-how, toughness, and the ability to compete at a high level. I believe Milano’s true level is higher than what the standings currently show. On our side, the focus we bring to the court will be fundamental because they have players capable of scoring even very late in the possession. We must be ready to defend for the full 24 seconds because Milano has three or four players with the composure and experience to do something dangerous and meaningful with 2, 3, or 4 seconds left — not a rushed shot like less mature or less experienced players might take.”

**Walter Tavares, Real Madrid center**

“We approach this game with a lot of desire because it’s a key matchup for us. We’ve won four straight, but the standings are tight with many teams tied, so we need to try to get another win and then see what the others do to move up a bit. In any case, we have to give everything because we’re playing away, and road games are always tough… The key is to keep doing what we’ve been doing lately: stay calm, stay focused, and fight until the end, knowing that away games are difficult and we’ll need to be concentrated from start to finish to have a chance. Our only goal is to improve every day and try to be as high as possible in the standings.”

Sergio Scariolo: 'Milano’s true level is higher than what the standings currently show'

### Paris Basketball vs. FC Barcelona (21:00 CET)

**Xavi Pascual, Barcelona head coach**

"They set a fast pace, they're a team that plays very well in the opening seconds and scores a lot of points. Normally, in games against them, the number of possessions is very high. Therefore, it's a game in which, beyond being able to counteract them a little defensively, above all, we have to play well in attack, because if we want to win, we'll have to score. We have to be clear about that. Then, we also have to control the rebound, as they are a team that rebounds very well, presses all over the court, and causes that constant acceleration of the tempo. And with the schedule we have, we can't just play a back-and-forth game, but we'll have to control the pace a little bit throughout the game. I think we've played very well in the last four games, regardless of whether we beat ASVEL \[in the EuroLeague\] or Gran Canaria \[in the Spanish League\], but the last four have been very good and we have to keep going. It's not that we've only just started, but it's true that it's a whole process and there's a long way to go, and we have to keep going. Now we've finished this week and we're starting a new one, but the problem is this: in this last game, we had to give some players a lot of minutes because it was difficult to manage the minutes, but we pulled it off and now we have to think about the next one. The feeling is good, but we have to keep going."

**Kevin Punter, Barcelona forward**

"They play very, very fast. They are a talented team on their court. So we are going to have to, as in recent games, arrive, be mentally focused, prepared, and try to win a tough game away from home. We are taking it one game at a time. Tomorrow is Paris, so we are focusing only on Paris, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses, and continuing to take it day by day and game by game."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 16 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

Pregame quotes, Round 16: 'We can compete with anyone'

More and more players are crossing the Atlantic from the NBA to European basketball, yet only a select few have the power to change a team’s destiny

Mid-season roster additions became inevitable for EuroLeague clubs. In many cases, teams looked to add role players or simply patch holes created by injuries or early-season miscalculations.

At times, however, clubs thought bigger. They monitored the fringes of NBA rosters, patiently waiting for training camps to conclude, hoping that a targeted player would fail to secure a guaranteed deal and become available on the market.

One of the most striking examples came in the 2023-24 season, when Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens waited until October 31 to sign Kendrick Nunn. The move proved transformative. Nunn quickly became a difference-maker, lifting the Greens to the 2024 EuroLeague title.

Today, Nunn is a bona fide EuroLeague star — the 2024-25 MVP and one of the league’s premier players.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1908270/nba-to-euroleague-mid-season-newcomers-who-can-change-the-game/).

NBA-to-EuroLeague mid-season newcomers who can change the game

Hapoel beats Zvezda on historic night to stay atop the standings

There was plenty at stake for both teams when Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv hosted Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Jerusalem’s Pais Arena on Tuesday night.

For Hapoel, not only was it a historic occasion, but it also provided an opportunity to start the last double-round week of the year by staying at the top of the standings.

And for Zvezda, it was a chance to snap a two-game losing run and immediately bounce back from the heartache of last week’s Serbian Derby defeat.

In the end, an incredibly close game – which saw neither team lead by more than 7 points at any stage – was settled in the final few possessions, when Chris Jones netted a pair of tough two-point baskets and Zvezda fired blanks at the other end. The final result left the Hapoel fans cheering an 84-78 victory that lifted its record to 12-4.

Along with Jones, another hero for the home team was Elijah Bryant, who added more spectacular numbers to an already stellar season by pouring in a personal best 28 points, including 6 of 11 three-pointers. Fittingly, Bryant scored the final points of the game from the foul line to ensure there was no Zvezda comeback, and his added contributions of 5 assists and 9 rebounds – while spending nearly 39 minutes on the floor – underlined his importance to the Hapoel cause.

Bryant, who is surely among the leading mid-season candidates for the league MVP award, was his usual humble self after the game, telling EuroLeague TV: “We came out and fought to the end. I just try to do whatever I can to help my team win, whether it’s score, assist or rebound.”

He did all three of those things on Tuesday, but victorious coach Dimitris Itoudis preferred to focus on his team’s collective efforts in holding Zvezda’s offense to just 7 points in the last 4 minutes.

“It was not easy, there were a lot of emotions for our first game in Israel,” said Itoudis. “I think, at the end, our hustle gave us the game. We had to change the mindset defensively and the hustle we gave was amazing. \[Jared\] Butler was hurting us with isos onto his dominant hand, but we were able to stop that.”

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From a wider perspective, Itoudis also reflected on his team’s proud position at the top of the EuroLeague standings, expressing his confidence that Hapoel is on the right path to becoming one of the leading teams on the continent.

“We’re in the process of building something good, and I think the fans and the media, everybody is witnessing that,” the two-time EuroLeague champion stated. “We’re trying to build camaraderie, team effort. The one thing we want to say to ourselves is that we never give up, and we also understand that we have qualities that others need to respect.”

Those qualities will certainly be both respected and tested later this week, when Itoudis takes his high-flying team to the place where he developed his reputation with a long spell as an assistant coach: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens. If Hapoel comes through that challenge with another win, there will be no doubting the team’s potential.

Game News

Zvezda, on the other hand, faces a run of games that could well define the remainder of its season. With three straight losses – and a 2-5 record on the road – the Serbian team will be under pressure when the double round resumes with a visit from Virtus Bologna on Friday.

Coach Sasa Obradovic overcame his obvious disappointment to remain phlegmatic after the latest loss, stating: “We made some tactical mistakes in crucial situations. It was the same as the Partizan game, and we need to learn how to manage these situations.

"We could have won, but this is a game of basketball. We go to the next one.”

For Zvezda, that next one could be crucial.

Coach Itoudis’s charges took a dramatic victory over Crvena Zvezda 

Four players were unavailable but Xavi Pascual's team found the way to dominate in Paris 


Injury-plagued Barca keeps soaring with triumph in Paris 

It was a special night for FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Pascual. More than 15 years after leading Barça to the EuroLeague crown in Paris, Pascual returned to the French capital and guided his team to another big win.

In the 2010 Championship Game, Pascual and Barça bested Olympiacos Piraeus 86-68. Remarkably, the result on Tuesday was similar: Barça beat Paris Basketball 85-69.

It wasn't easy. Barca has been without playmakers [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) and [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/) for a while, and the recently injured big men [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Toko Shengelia ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/)did not travel to the French capital for this game. Nevertheless, Barça put together one of its best first halves of the season. The teams was aggressive on defense, effective on offense and dominated all aspects of the game.

Barca found a go-to guy in [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/), who scored 13 of his 19 points in the first quarter on perfect shooting. [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) came off the bench and did not miss a shot as he racked up 9 points in the first 10 minutes.

Paris Basketball-FC Barcelona | Round 16 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Clyburn kept rolling in the second quarter. His first missed shot was a desperation three deep from the right corner right at the halftime buzzer. He reached the break with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 3-of-3 on free throws for a PIR of 24. By halftime, Barca had outrebounded Paris 22-13, forced the hosts into 9 turnovers and only allowed them to dish 5 assists.

"Indeed, we knew that we were missing guys and everybody had to pick up the slack in every way. So congrats to the guys. Everybody came out here and did their part today. And defensively, we were great, followed the coach's game plan," Clyburn said after the game. "We have a lot of talented guys on this team. And they helped me by being so talented. And I'm kind of in these situations where I'm open to shoot the ball. But congrats to the team today. There's never too much talent."

Without Vesely and Shengelia, Pascual changed his frontcourt rotation and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) had another strong game in the French capital. Last season, Hernangomez led Barca to a 79-90 road win in Paris with 23 points and 10 rebounds for a PIR of 30. This time, Hernangomez saw limited playing time due to foul trouble but still managed to get 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals for a PIR of 21 in 19 minutes. [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-parra/007464/) helped at power forward with 11 points and 7 rebounds in over 30 minutes, and [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) was his usual self, leading all scorers with 21 points.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝟏𝟕 𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢 𝟐𝟒 𝐝𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨́ a la primera part. <br><br>Lo de <a href="https://twitter.com/Da_Thrill21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Da_Thrill21</a> és... <a href="https://t.co/62kpdv5L1R">pic.twitter.com/62kpdv5L1R</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/2001036153772818915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

"It's something that we emphasize. They have been going to the offensive rebound especially really, really well. I think the first half, they only had 5 offensive rebounds, and we tried to minimize that. So it was a great game. We executed Xavi's plan... I'm proud of all my teammates," Hernangomez said. "We got this win here in Paris, which was really hard and now focus on the next one on Friday at home."

To wrap up a near-perfect night, [Nikola Kusturica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kusturica/014128/) made his EuroLeague debut with Barça, becoming the youngest player to do so in club history with 16 years, seven months and 17 days, exactly the same age that [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/) had in his Real Madrid debut. [James Nnaji](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/es/euroleague/players/james-nnaji/010641/) had Barca's record with 17 years, three months and 13 days.

Barca is now on a four-game winning streak and hosts Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 16 on Friday, December 19.

Despite missing Four players, Coach Xavi Pascual's team found ways to dominate in the French capital


Valencia Basket has done it again. Less than a month after edging past Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, the EuroLeague's hottest team at the time, and less than two weeks after outscoring Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on the road, Tuesday night saw the Spanish side pull off another impressive win on Greek soil.

Valencia’s bigs thrived from deep in road win at Olympiacos

[Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) has done it again. Less than a month after edging past Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, the EuroLeague's hottest team at the time, and less than two weeks after outscoring Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on the road, Tuesday night saw the Spanish side pull off another impressive win on Greek soil.

Pedro Martinez’s side downed [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) 92-99 by shooting the lights out on Tuesday night at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. In fact, Valencia nailed half of its 32 three-point attempts, including 6 made threes to turn the game around in the last quarter.

Olympiacos tried to beat Valencia at its own game, turning the first half into a back-and-forth affair, with the visitors securing a 47-49 lead at halftime. The hosts tightened up their defense and opened the second half with a 12-0 run thanks to 9 points from [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), who nailed back-to-back triples before completing a three-point play. [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) scored inside to give his team a 73-60 lead with 1:21 remaining in the third quarter. 

What came next left the home crowd in disbelief as Valencia fired on all cylinders from beyond the arc, netting as many as 39 points in just over 11 minutes to grab the victory.

Olympiacos Piraeus-Valencia Basket | Round 16 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Leading the charge were not Valencia’s explosive guards, but its two bigs: [Nate Reuvers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/reuvers-nathan/012738/) and [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/), who combined for 35 points in the game. 

The former nailed 3 triples to end the game on a career-high 21 points in less than 19 minutes. Meanwhile, the latter drained 4 from deep to bag 14 points just a few days after netting 15 against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

More importantly, they managed to stretch the floor, causing havoc to Olympiacos’s defense.

“We made 29 assists and only 13 turnovers, but I think the difference was that we shot great on three-pointers, especially our bigs, who opened the defense. Reuvers and Costello played great,” Martinez said in the post-game press conference.

A year after Paris Basketball sent shockwaves through the EuroLeague by going on an extraordinary 10-game winning streak, Valencia has been offering a similar, high-pace style of basketball that has captivated fans across Europe. 

The visitors found an extra gear in the closing stages, where Olympiacos collapsed on both ends of the floor, with Martinez explaining the benefits of his own philosophy.

“In basketball, tactics are very important but the most important is the mental situation,” he added. “For me, in the last quarter there are two important things. 

“One is that when we struggled to score, Olympiacos changed its mentality and maybe thought that the game was over. That’s not the reality, and at this point we scored all the shots we made because we were going up and they were going down. 

“But for me the second reason is that if you look at all our players, the one who plays the most minutes is [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/), who played 24. We try to make a fast rotation, something usual for us in all the games, and sometimes it permits us to arrive in a better physical condition in the last quarter.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🎉🧡<br>¡Así celebramos TODOS la victoria 11!<br><br>🏆 J16 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a><br>🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympiacos_BC</a> 92<br>🟠 <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 99<br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/MGS_Seguros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MGS_Seguros</a> <a href="https://t.co/kjULGoDRps">pic.twitter.com/kjULGoDRps</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/2001039860656754863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Very few of Valencia’s made threes came off iso or hero-ball situations in the final seconds of a possession. The guests circulated the ball well, doing a great job of finding the open man. Their 29 assists on the night is a season high, as well as a joint club high and the second highest by any EuroLeague team this term.

“We just stuck with the game plan, we’re a run-and-gun team and once we got our opportunities, we started getting stops and things got a lot easier,” Reuvers told EuroLeague TV. “We just keep playing our style, dictating the pace, shooting threes; everyone is hitting shots, playing together. I love this team, I love the guys.”

And who doesn’t love watching Valencia. Having extended its winning streak to five games, Martinez’s men travel to Israel, where they’ll face an in-form Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv side that has won three in a row. But all the Spanish side needs is to play Valencia basketball, execute the plan and they will have nothing to worry about.

Nate Reuvers and Matt Costello combined for 35 points as the guests turned the game around in the fourth quarter

When EA7 Emporio Armani Milan announced ahead of Round 14 that Marko Guduric would spend time away from the team to rehab, the aim was clear: get him fully fit and ready to elevate the squad. On Tuesday night, that plan began to pay off.

Marko Guduric has his first big night for Milan in win over Real Madrid

When [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) announced ahead of Round 14 that [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) would spend time away from the team to rehab, the aim was clear: get him fully fit and ready to elevate the squad.

On Tuesday night, that plan began to pay off.

With several notable figures in attendance – including EuroLeague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga, Italy head coach Luca Banchi, and Milan President of Basketball Operations Ettore Messina, who was watching Milan in a EuroLeague game for the first time since stepping down as head coach – Guduric put on a clinic in his second game back as the Little Red Shoes secured an 89–82 win over [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) at Allianz Cloud. It was Milan’s first game at the venue since 2019.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-Real Madrid | Round 16 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

The 30-year-old, who helped lead Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to the EuroLeague title last season, led Milan in PIR (21), points (22), rebounds (five), and assists (three, tied with [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/)) in just under 20 minutes. The win improved Milan’s record to 3–1 since Peppe Poeta took over as full-time head coach. Including the two games he coached as interim, Poeta is now 5–1, with Milan sitting at 9-7 on the season.

Notably, Poeta remains undefeated in EuroLeague play as Milan’s full-time head coach (3-0) when Guduric is in the lineup – another reason Milan will be cautious with its star guard’s workload.

“I’m just happy to be healthy, to be back, and to help my teammates in the way I know how,” Guduric told EuroLeague TV after the game. “Thanks to our medical team, the doctors, and physiotherapists — they helped me a lot. I’m just happy to be back.”

“It’s a huge win for us,” he added. “We just have to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground. It’s a long season.”

For Guduric, personal accolades aren’t the priority. His focus is on helping Milan secure a spot in the EuroLeague Playoffs.

“I just try to do whatever the team needs from me,” he said. “Sometimes it’s defense, sometimes it’s playmaking, sometimes it’s scoring. Like I said, I’m just happy to be healthy, and I hope to get into even better shape to help the team even more.”

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Another player working his way back from injury is [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), who made just his fourth appearance of the season in Round 16. He finished with eight points, two assists, and one steal in just over 12 minutes. Poeta was pleased to see him back on the floor.

“Super happy for Lorenzo, he gave us a lot,” Poeta said in his EuroLeague TV interview. “He gave us what he can: IQ, control of the game, and tempo. He’s almost fully healthy now. He still needs to find his 100 percent form, but the effort he’s putting in and the way he showed up today is huge.”

Milan will remain at home for the second half of the double-round week, hosting Fenerbahce at Allianz Cloud on Thursday. Real Madrid, meanwhile, dropped to 9-7 and will look to bounce back when Paris Basketball visits the Spanish capital the same night.

The Serbian star did a bit of everything for the Little Red Shoes

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens eked out a 77-81 win at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul thanks to a majestic performance from the 2025 EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn

Kendrick Nunn steers Panathinaikos past champs

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens eked out a 77-81 win at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul thanks to a majestic performance from the 2025 EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn, who produced a brilliant first half and a mature fourth quarter against the competition’s holders.

The Greens, who won their seventh EuroLeague title in 2024, got some measure of revenge on Fenerbahce for an 82-76 semifinal loss at last season’s Final Four, as Nunn scored 15 points in the first half and 10 in the fourth quarter.

Crucially, he sank 4 successive free throws and TJ Shorts added another in an error-strewn finish, as Fenerbahce closed in to 75-76 with a 7-0 run but fell short in the home straight. Nunn, who led all scorers on a game-high 25 points, heaped praise on his high school buddy Talen Horton-Tucker, who paced Fenerbahce on 22 points.

“Hell of a player, that’s my brother,” Nunn said in his postgame comments. “It’s hard to stop him, but we got the victory and that’s the most important thing.”

Nunn, still nursing an ankle injury, shook off the knock and provided the much-needed long-range firepower as he sank a couple of clutch three-pointers, including one from almost the halfway line with a defender in his face. He added 4 assists and as many steals as the Green’s ended Fenerbahce’s 12-game winning streak in all competitions, improving to 10-6 while the Turkish side dropped to 9-6 in Europe’s premier club competition.

“It was a big game and I had to step up. I was undecided pregame whether I was going to play or not because of the ankle, but it was against the defending champs, so I had to come and get the victory tonight. It’s still hurting, but I’m a warrior,” Nunn added.

Cedi Osman contributed with 11 first-half points and big man Juancho Hernangomez made a telling impact with 9 points and 5 boards, as Panathinaikos forced a staggering 22 turnovers from Fenerbahce and picked up 13 offensive rebounds in a physical game. The defensive steel compensated for poor shooting, as the Greens made only 19-of-44 shots from inside and 7-of-21 from downtown, although the visitors were clinical from the foul line as they banked 22 of 25 free throws.  

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“It was a tough game in a tough environment against a great team,” said Hernangomez. “A great win for us and now we turn our focus to Thursday (at home to Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv). “We have a lot of talent on this team and my job is to get the stops and be aggressive.”  

Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius conceded that his shorthanded unit was below par, with an 11-0 run at the start of the third quarter turning out to be a false dawn. For all his prowess when driving to the basket, Horton-Tucker was 0-of-4 from downtown and misfiring from long range ultimately cost Fenerbahce as the Turkish side fell short when the chips were down.

“We didn’t have it today, from the first minute,” said Jasikevicius. “We were a little bit short in the rotation, but in general, we slept through the first half completely. We just weren’t ourselves; we had too many turnovers and we made it easy for PAO. We lacked some freshness as it’s a tough and busy schedule, but it’s not an excuse.”

The Greens prevailed on the back of a rock-solid performance from their leader 