On Friday night, Panathinaikos BC and Olympiacos BC will go head to head in the EuroLeague's latest Rivalry Series game at OAKA.

It’s almost time: Panathinaikos vs. Olympiacos is days away!

Basketball fans right across the globe are all looking forward to one fixture this week: [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/?season=2024-25) versus [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/?season=2024-25). The Greek derby – this week’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Rivalry Series game – is always must-watch television, and this latest edition has all the hallmarks of a classic.

Both the Greens and the Reds are on winning streaks, with Panathinaikos having won three straight while Olympiacos has emerged victorious from its last two.

Some big teams have been beaten by the Greek duo over that stretch, too, with Ergin Ataman’s men [defeating Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-roars-back-for-a-thrilling-76-81-win-at-fenerbahce/) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-claws-out-big-win-at-crvena-zvezda-77-81/) on the road in Rounds 5 and 7, respectively, and Georgios Bartzokas’s troops [downing Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-beats-real-madrid-79-69-in-rivalry-series-clash/) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-cruises-past-barcelona-95-74/) in last week’s double-round week.

All that is the perfect recipe for this 22nd edition of the Greek derby in the EuroLeague this century.

“It’s wild. You can’t describe it to people. You have to live it, you have to feel it, you have to see it,” explains Olympiacos forward [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/).

“One of the craziest games we’ll play all season,” adds Panathiniakos guard [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/).

<center>
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Both Vezenkov and Nunn have experienced the passion of this rivalry before, but is a newbie feeling ahead of derby day?

“Two teams who really don’t like each other and there’s a big history there, so now I get to experience it,” comments Olympiacos’s [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/), who joined the club after spending 12 seasons in the NBA.

“It has to change, it has to change,” declares new Panathinaikos forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), fresh off seven seasons in the NBA, after discovering that Olympiacos has won the last six EuroLeague derbies.

Greens coach Ergin Ataman remains stunned by the intensity shown whenever Panathinaikos and Olympiacos face off.

“I’ve never seen in my life that kind of passion for the game, for the team,” he says. “They are part of the team. They are like in the locker room.”

### How to watch the Greek derby

Make sure to tune in for the Greek derby pre-game and post-game shows [on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@euroleague), while you can catch the game itself [on EuroLeague TV](https://euroleague.tv/home) from 20:15 CET.

The Greek enemies face each other at OAKA on Friday night

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-11-08T19:15:00.000Z)

Round 8 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is headlined by a must-watch Greek derby, while the surprise early-season league leader will look for a sixth straight win. Here’s your guide to all the action.

At a glance: The Greek derby headlines an exciting Round 8

Round 8 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is headlined by a must-watch Greek derby, while the surprise early-season league leader will look for a sixth straight win. Here’s your guide to all the action.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. ALBA Berlin

Two teams on a four-game losing streak go head to head as Zvezda (3-4) hosts last-placed ALBA (1-6). Long-range accuracy could be crucial: Zvezda has the league’s best three-point shooting percentage (42.4%), led by [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) (11.1 points per game) sinking 56% of his attempts and making multiple triples in four straight games. [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) is also a threat, making 6 of his 7 deep strikes in last week’s loss to Panathinaikos. ALBA, conversely, ranks last in that category with only 27.7% of three-pointers made, despite [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) shooting at 50% from beyond the arc (15.7 points per game on 11-of-22 three-pointers). So the German team needs others to step up from deep, while also needing players like ever-present [Louis Olinde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/) to defend diligently on the perimeter.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Real Madrid

Real (3-4) is aiming for its first road win as it travels to a Milan team (2-5) hoping to use last week's Italian derby triumph as a springboard to start climbing the standings. [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) excelled in the win over Virtus with 18 points and 6 boards and will now look to punish his former team, but Milan will have to cope without injured-again big man [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/). Real also has more injury problems with [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) absent, so will need fellow forward Mario Hezonja to maintain his hot streak after scoring 15 and 18 points in the last two games. Real will hope [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game) can dominate the paint, but he will be tested by the dynamic energy of [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) (13.3 ppg).

### Paris Basketball vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Partizan (2-5) will look to end a three-game losing slide with a trip to face a Paris team (4-3) which has shown it can win in different ways. The French club edged a defensive battle with Baskonia last week despite nobody scoring more than [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/)’s 9 points, but it is still the league’s fifth most potent offense with 84.0 points per game. Partizan needs to improve its perimeter defense after allowing 19 three-pointers at Fenerbahce last time out, and that frailty will be tested by Paris forward [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/), who has made at least three triples in four straight games. Offensively, the Serbian team will hope for more leadership from [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/), whose aggressive attacks to the basket saw him score 14 points in Istanbul last week.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Shorts vs. Jones

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:45 CET)

After moving clear at the top of the standings by grinding out two narrow home wins last week, Zalgiris (6-1) will aim to keep on rolling with a tough trip to Bayern (5-2), which has won four in a row and remains perfect in Munich. The Lithuanian team's outstanding defense will be tested by [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), who has scored at least 10 points in five straight games, while [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) rediscovered his shot with 3-of-4 triples in last week’s win at ASVEL. Zalgiris’s team ethic was illustrated by [Arnas Butkevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/arnas-butkevicius/002676/) top scoring in the Round 6 thrilling triumph over Monaco with his first double-digit performance of the season (13 points), and the ability of former Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team to negotiate tight finishes could be crucial.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Weiler-Babb vs. Sirvydis

## Friday, November 8

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. AS Monaco (18:00 CET)

Two teams currently tied for sixth place meet in Istanbul with Efes (4-3) hosting Monaco (4-3). Veteran shooter [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) is in fine form for Efes with 8 three-pointers in his last three games, and [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) has compensated for the loss of injured star [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) by averaging 14 points and 7 assists over the last three games. Monaco has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over the last five games, and needs to improve its three-point shooting after only making 2 triples on 19 attempts in last week’s loss at Zalgiris. That game featured a breakout performance from the previously struggling from [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), who will look to stay hot after scoring 18 points in Kaunas.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Oturu vs. Motiejunas

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20:00 CET)

ASVEL (2-5) will attempt to end a three-game losing run with a visit from high-flying Fenerbahce (5-2). ASVEL playmaker [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) warmed up for his reunion with his former club by recording 19 points and 7 assists in last week’s loss against Bayern, while another ex-Fener star, big man [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/), should be fit for action after missing the last three games. The Turkish team will hope that [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) continues his strong form after netting 20 and 24 points in last week's two victories, and [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) is in great form from long range with an average of 3.8 triples per game across his last four appearances. ASVEL must focus on improving its defense, after allowing at least 84 points in each of the last three.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:15 CET)

The latest chapter of one of sport's most passionate derbies will see Panathinaikos (5-2) host Olympiacos (4-3). Both teams are confident after gaining a pair of triumphs in the double-round week, with the Reds seeing off both Real Madrid and Barcelona behind a strong pair of performances by [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) (23 and 18 points). Round 7 saw the Greens show great character to launch a fourth-quarter comeback at Zvezda partly thanks to a pair of clutch triples from former Red [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), with the strong form of [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) – 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds this season – adding to the weapons at Ergin Ataman’s disposal. Olympiacos has won the last six EuroLeague meetings between the teams, so the reigning champ will believe it’s high time to end that streak.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Sloukas vs. Walkup

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

Virtus (1-6) will make its latest attempt for a first home win with a visit from a Maccabi team (3-4) lifted by last week’s win over Real Madrid. The leadership of [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) was crucial to that success with 17 points and 7 assists. Virtus can also offer plenty of backcourt threat with the directness of [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (14.1 points per game) and the sharp shooting of [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), who emerged from a slump in form to fire 21 points on 5-of-8 from deep in last week’s loss at Milan. [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) will attempt to impose himself in the paint for the host after scoring 21 and 25 points in the last two games, but he’ll be confronted by [Will Rayman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/william-rayman/013381/), who grabbed 14 boards in the win over Real.

### FC Barcelona vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CET)

To conclude Round 8, Barcelona (5-2), one of the four teams currently tied for second place, will seek a return to winning ways with a visit from Spanish rival Baskonia (4-3). The hosts were thrashed by Olympiacos in Round 7 and needs to improve its long-range shooting after only making 4-of-17 three-pointers in Piraeus. [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) is in good touch, scoring 21 and 12 points with 5-of-8 triples over last week’s two games. Baskonia has not yet won on the road because of offensive problems, averaging only 68.3 points on its travels. Changing that stat will need a good night from the dangerous but erratic [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who averages 13.0 points this season but made just 1 of his 11 three-point attempts in last week’s loss at Paris.

Round 8 Head-to-Head: Metu vs. Hall

There are several mouth-watering games this week

Paris Basketball v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-11-07T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-11-07T19:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Real Madrid (2024-11-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v ALBA Berlin (2024-11-07T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v AS Monaco (2024-11-08T17:00:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-11-08T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-11-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-11-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Nico Mannion has officially signed for Olimpia Milano after an impressive spell with Pallacanestro Varese.

Olimpia Milano signs Nico Mannion

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has announced the signing of [Nico Mannion](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/profile/011064/) on a two-year deal, which includes an option for a third year.

Mannion (1.90 meters, 23 years old) joins Milan after emerging as one of Europe's most promising young guards with his performances at Varese.

Last season, the Italian averaged 20.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 18 Italian League games for Varese, while he has posted 26.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists in his first three games of the 2024-25 Italian League campaign.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Nico Mannion a Milano: &quot;Orgoglioso e motivato&quot;<br><br>La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo pluriennale con il playmaker Niccolò Mannion, 1,90, nato a Siena il 14 marzo 2001, proveniente dalla Openjobmetis Varese.<br><br>🇮🇹 Comunicato ufficiale 👉🏻… <a href="https://t.co/fpY1bFw7NX">pic.twitter.com/fpY1bFw7NX</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1853471015537463317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mannion has 27 games of experience in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, having made 19 appearances for Virtus Segafredo Bologna in 2022-23 and played eight times for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2023-24 before departing the team and heading back to Italy with Varese.

Through those 27 games, of which three have come as a starter, Mannion's EuroLeague averages stand at 5.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 13:31 on the court.

During his first year at Virtus, in 2021-22, the Italian was part of the squad that helped the Bologna outfit win the BKT EuroCup and secure the club's return to the EuroLeague for the first time since 2008.

Nico Mannion highlights

However, an intestinal infection at the start of that 2021-22 season meant that Mannion was always playing catch-up after losing a lot of weight, plus he found himself behind legendary point [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) in the rotation.

Mannion, who started his professional career with the Golden State Warriors in 2020-21, joins Milan at a time when he is playing the best basketball of his young career, having rediscovered his confidence at Varese. Now, he will hope to show EuroLeague fans what he can do among the continent's elite.

More Milan News

The Italian side has bolstered its options at the point guard position

Milan signs Nico Mannion

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC announced that it has signed point guard David DeJulius from Aris BC on a two-year contract.

Maccabi signs guard David DeJulius away from Aris

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25) announced that it has signed point guard [David DeJulius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/david-de-julius/013250/) on a two-year deal.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🔏<a href="https://twitter.com/DavidDejulius?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavidDejulius</a> <a href="https://t.co/zZt2m4YL8f">pic.twitter.com/zZt2m4YL8f</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1853444658862375024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DeJulius (1.83 meters, 25 years old) arrives from [Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-midea-thessaloniki/ari/), where he made his BKT EuroCup debut this season. He averaged 14.3 points and 2.7 assists in six games.

So far this season, DeJulius has scored in double figures in every game, including a [personal-best 30](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/jerusalem-rallies-back-to-beat-aris-68-78/) against Maccabi rival Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in Round 4. He made 54.2% of his two-pointers and 41.7% of his threes in compiling a PIR of 14.2.

David DeJulius highlights with Aris

After playing college basketball at the University of Michigan and the University of Cincinnati, the Detroit native made his professional debut in 2023 in Greece with Lavrio where he produced 14.4 points and 3.6 assists in 13 games. DeJulius finished that season in Germany with club BG Goettingen, where he averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 assists in 20 games. He was 10th in the league in assists.

More Maccabi news

The guard made his EuroCup debut this season 

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo has offered his latest recommendations in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge heading into Round 8.

Fantasy tips, Round 8: Players on the rise

This time, I will stay away from the Rivalry Series game, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens against Olympiacos Piraeus, as both teams know each other way too well.

Instead, I will recommend some players who have been on the rise lately, including a former MVP who is playing at a very good level. Here are my recommendations for this upcoming round.

Darius Thompson, Mikael Jantunen, Shabazz Napier, Nikola Mirotic and Saben Lee are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 8

### Nikola Mirotic, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (16.2 credits)

Milan comes off a big victory in last week’s Rivalry Series game against Virtus Segafredo Bologna, a triumph that saw [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) do a little bit of everything: 21 points, 13 rebounds, 6 fouls drawn and a PIR of 28. In other words, he was his usual, dominant self, and that's great news for fantasy managers. He has scored 21 points or more in each of the last three games, too.

### Shabazz Napier, FC Bayern Munich (13.7 credits)

It looks like a lot of players are doing great at Bayern at the moment and it is no surprise that coach Gordie Herbert's team is 5-2. [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) has been simply outstanding all season long and did even better in the last two games, averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 5.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 19.5. A solid choice at the guard position.

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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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### Mikael Jantunen, Paris Basketball (10.5 credits)

Paris has adjusted really well to the competition, bringing its unconventional, fun-to-watch basketball to the very elite of European basketball. [Mikael Jantunen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mikael-jantunen/012613/) is a key player in coach Tiago Splitter’s system and is showing his worth, averaging 11.3 points on 10-of-23 three-pointers, 8.3 points and a PIR of 15.8 in the last four games. He’s available for less than 11 credits – a bargain!

### Saben Lee, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (13.4 credits)

[Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) keeps providing highlight moments in his young EuroLeague career. His first-ever EuroLeague basket was a huge dunk and last time out, he hit a game-winning shot against Real Madrid. His self-confidence is off the charts and Lee is primed to improve on his already great numbers this season of 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and a PIR of 17.4. He is just getting started!

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### Darius Thompson, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (12.3 credits)

[Shane Larkin remains sidelined](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-out-for-3-4-weeks-with-ankle-sprain/), so other players have had to step up. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) is one player who has taken his game up a notch of late, averaging 14.0 points on 90.9% two-point shooting (!), 7.0 assists and a PIR of 21.3 over the last three games. Expect Thompson to keep performing well and running Efes's offense for the foreseeable future.

Fantasy expert Javier Gancedo is back with his weekly recommendations

Kevin Punter of FC Barcelona has earned MVP of the Month honors in the EuroLeague for October 2024.

Barcelona's Kevin Punter named October MVP

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/?season=2024-25)’s signing of [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) over the summer has paid immediate dividends, with the guard offering scorching-hot shooting to put his team within one win of the top of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings. The club authored a five-game winning streak between Rounds 2 and 6 to temporarily enter into a tie for the best record in the season, and Punter was at the heart of his team’s success. Punter’s efficient and outstanding scoring numbers to put his club into the top quartet of teams in the standings led to his selection as Euroleague Basketball’s MVP for October.

Through October’s seven games, Punter averaged 18.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals. He made 62.2% of his two-pointers, 47.5% of his threes and 95.8% of his free throws for a performance index rating of 19.9. Those numbers rank Punter second in the league in scoring and sixth in PIR. No player ranked among the top 10 scorers has been more efficient than Punter, who ranks 20th in the league in true shooting percentage (71.0%), but first among players with at least 10 shots attempted per game.

Kevin Punter | October MVP |2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Punter wins monthly MVP for first time

The MVP of the Month is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performances. The award for October covered the seven games played by all teams between Thursday, October 3, and Friday, November 1.

This marks the first time that Punter has snagged monthly MVP honors and it is the 14th time it has gone to a Barcelona player, which is third most in competition history behind only CSKA Moscow (18) and Real Madrid (15). He is the first Barcelona winner since [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) was the MVP for December 2021.

### A magnificent opening salvo with Barcelona

Punter has settled into Barcelona better than anyone could have expected. The 31-year-old scorer has reached double figures in scoring and made at least 1 three-pointer in every game he has played. He has been particularly lethal in Barcelona’s victories. Punter has averaged 20.2 points on 14-of-29 three-point shooting (48.3%), 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals for a PIR of 21.8 in his team’s five wins.

After a bumpy start, Punter hit his stride by Round 3. He opened the season with an 11-point output in [an opening-night loss at Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-powers-past-barcelona-74-67/). He wasn’t needed much as Barcelona bounced back to [beat ALBA Berlin by 15 points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-goes-up-a-gear-to-beat-alba-88-73/) in Round 2. Punter contributed 14 points to that effort. He then scored at least 20 in each of the next four games; Punter netted 21 in [an 86-71 victory over AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-breezes-past-monaco-86-71/), 26 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting in [a 94-98 overtime win at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/punter-barcelona-edge-crvena-zvezda-94-98-in-ot-classic/), 20 in [a 90-83 triumph over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-edges-asvel-90-83-to-notch-fourth-straight-win/); and 20 in [an 88-97 road win at Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-beats-efes-to-stay-top-of-the-standings-88-97/). In Barcelona’s final game of the month, [a 95-74 road loss at Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-cruises-past-barcelona-95-74/), Punter again led Barcelona in scoring with 18 points.

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### One of the best scorers on the continent

This is Punter’s fifth EuroLeague campaign with as many different clubs. He debuted with Olympiacos in 2019 before a mid-season move to Zvezda. After reaching the 2021 Final Four with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Punter joined coach Zeljko Obradovic at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade for three years – the first of which was in the BKT EuroCup. There, Punter became a superstar, earning All-EuroCup honors for the 2021-22 campaign before being named to the 2022-23 All-EuroLeague Second Team.

After starring at the University of Tennessee, Punter began his career in Greece and also played in Belgium and Poland before making a name for himself by winning the Basketball Champions League in back-to-back seasons with AEK Athens (2018) and Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2019). And ever since, he has been one of the most dangerous scorers at the highest levels of European basketball. Punter is only 75 points shy of another milestone – 2,000 career points in the EuroLeague, which only 67 players have ever reached. 

More Kevin Punter News

Punter's lethal shooting lifted Barcelona to the upper echelons of the standings and made him Euroleague Basketball's choice as MVP for October

The three-ball is becoming a lethal part of several teams' offenses in the EuroLeague, particularly in the cases of Paris Basketball, FC Bayern Basketball and Real Madrid.

Stats review: Threes and the EuroLeague

With seven games in the books and most rotations beginning to crystallize, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is in full swing.  Despite that, without a single team posting a point differential over 50, the year still feels very new with little clarity to be found in the standings.  Even Zalgiris Kaunas – sitting alone atop the league at 6-1 – claimed its pair of victories this week by a combined 3 points. 

The league landscape adds a level of nuance to [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/?season=2024-25)’s 52 three-point attempt barrage in Round 6.  The parity in the EuroLeague is very hard to escape, but shot selection is one way teams have tried to break the mold in recent seasons. Whether it is [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/?season=2024-25)’s long-standing aversion to long three-point attempts, teams hunting threes in the corners over those above the break, or Paris’s aggressiveness from beyond the arc, teams are looking to manipulate the math on the scoreboard in a variety of ways with the three-ball.

Since all the way back in the EuroLeague's inaugural 2000-01 regular season, the percentage of field-goal attempts coming from beyond the arc has risen almost exactly 10% – from 30% in that first season to around the 40%-mark over the last five years. While volume has leveled out recently at the league level, teams continue to push the upper limit of the spectrum, with Paris, [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/?season=2024-25), and potentially Real all positioned to become the first teams to ever eclipse the 30-attempt per game mark for a season.

That trio of teams have taken different approaches beyond the three-point line.  The table above lists the top teams in the EuroLeague in three-point attempts per game this season, with their attempts broken down further into catch-and-shoot and dribble jumpers. Just over two-thirds of all three-point attempts this season have come off the catch, with those shots finding the bottom of the net 37.6% of the time. In contrast, the league average pull-up three-point percentage sits at just 32.3% so far this season. 

With a top-five ranked 72% of their three-point attempts coming in catch-and-shoot situations, Paris has set a record pace with the decisiveness of its spot-up shooters. With well above average 57% of their catch-and-shoot attempts being open shots, that approach is not built on contested looks either. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Paris’s volume is not how consistently they create quality looks along the three-point line, but that they are in position to shatter the record for three-point attempts while attempting almost just as many pull-up two-pointers as pull-up three-pointers. The Parisian team is almost certainly this season’s most jump-shot reliant team, but it is hard to argue with the early results of their maiden EuroLeague voyage.

Bayern falls on the other end of the spectrum, ranking among the most prolific pull-up three-point shooting team in EuroLeague history. That is due in large part to the way their guards have bent the math in their favor with the way they can rise and fire to this point. While conventional wisdom suggests a high volume of dribble jumpers would hurt a team’s bottom line, Bayern has shot 42% pulling up from beyond the arc off the bounce so far this season. [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) rank first and second in pull-up three-pointers made and their accuracy is a big reason why Bayern has looked so dangerous early on. 

Though they hold a catch-to-dribble-attempt ratio similar to Paris, Real has the distinction of having the league’s most extreme midrange tendencies. With a league-low 11% of their jump shots coming inside the arc early on to carry on a tradition formed over the last several years, they are loyal to their principles and the result is often more three-pointers.

Among the other teams on this list, [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/?season=2024-25) is perhaps the most intriguing as they have hit a league-best 42.4% of their three-pointers this season, despite having one of the higher pull-up rates of any team this season. [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/?season=2024-25) has been the league’s most deadly spot-up shooting team, converting 55% of their unguarded catch and shoot three-point attempts early on.

While the EuroLeague remains a make-or-miss league and accuracy is often paramount, teams are working the margins on volume as much as ever to start the year.

The three-ball is becoming a lethal part of several teams' offenses

Stats review: Three-pointers and the EuroLeague

A month ago, Saben Lee was virtually unknown to European basketball fans. Now he is a budding Turkish Airlines EuroLeague star with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. 

Saben Lee's life-changing month

A month ago, [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) was virtually unknown to European basketball fans. Now he is a budding Turkish Airlines EuroLeague star with [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/). How did he get here?

Lee started his professional career in the USA, where he split time between the NBA and the G League. Lee played parts of four NBA seasons with three different clubs, averaging [5.2 points per game](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leesa01.html) for the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns. Over the summer, Lee decided to play in Europe and joined Manisa Basket, a growing club that was promoted to the top league in Turkiye in 2022.

He played two Basketball Champions League games with Manisa and led the team to back-to-back victories. In both games, Lee was the BCL MVP of the Round with gaudy numbers. Manisa beat UCAM Murcia in Round 1 and Lee shocked everybody with 36 points on 14-of-14 free-throw shooting, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for a PIR of 39. He did even better in Round 2 against FMP Belgrade; Less tied the competition's scoring mark with [43 points](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIlYnLUSQI0) in addition to 4 rebounds and 3 assists for a PIR of 41. When [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) left Maccabi, management was first in line to make the move and bring Lee in.

Lee made sure he was noticed right away. In his first-ever EuroLeague game in Round 3 against [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/?season=2024-25), he came off the bench for 23 points and 5 assists for a PIR of 26 in less than 23 minutes to lead Maccabi to a [93-91 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/new-look-maccabi-impresses-in-win-over-efes-93-91/). His first basket was one of the best dunks seen in the EuroLeague in recent years, a show-stopping slam that posterized [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/).

Just minutes into his Maccabi start, Saben Lee posterizes Ercan Osmani. Wow!

Saben Lee announces himself to the EuroLeague! Motorola Magic Moment of the Night

Lee has continued rolling in recent weeks, going for 17 points [against Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-overpowers-maccabi-78-63/) and 13 [against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-edges-maccabi-84-82-after-fourth-quarter-comeback/) despite not always practicing with his relatively new teammates during the week. In Round 7 [against Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/lee-lifts-maccabi-past-real-79-78/), Maccabi rallied from a 6-point deficit in the next-to-last minute to get within 77-78. When Maccabi got the ball back with 12.7 seconds remaining, it called timeout and turned to Lee. The guard took full responsibility, going at Gabriel Deck one-on-one and burying a contested jumper to win the game.

"It was amazing. He hit a big shot. Coach drew it up for him to get to his mid-range or whatever he was going to do on offense," Maccabi forward [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) said after the game. "It was a good job. Me, I was ready to crash the boards in case he missed but once I saw it going up, I knew it was good. So, big-time shot! It was a big win for us and hopefully, it can build momentum for the upcoming games and keep us on the winning track."

Saben Lee takes Gabriel Deck one-on-one and buried a highly-contested shot TO WIN THE GAME!

Lee wins it! Motorola Magic Moment

On October 1, Lee made his BCL debut with Manisa and only a few connoisseurs knew about his basketball abilities. At the end of the month, October 31, Lee buried a game-winning shot to beat Real Madrid, the winningest team in European basketball history, had one of the best dunks ever seen in the competition and adjusted perfectly to the EuroLeague, averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 assists and a PIR of 17.4.

"It was tough for me early on. I just tried to keep fighting, we knew it was going to be a tough battle so we just wanted to keep punching and keep going," Lee said after the game.

Game Videos

Noting the tough travel schedule and the fact that Maccabi has been shorthanded, especially in the backcourt, due to injuries this season, Coach Oded Kattash said of the victory over Real: "We didn’t have legs. We were exhausted after the loss \[to Fenerbahce\] The players deserve credit. They showed a lot of heart. I can't take credit for great basketball. It’s a special win that gives us some breathing room."

Lee was at the top of the list of players who showed a lot of heart. And the best may be yet to come. Only time will tell what Saben Lee will be able to do for Maccabi this season.

Game News

From making history in the BCL to defeating a EuroLeague power, what a month of October it was for Maccabi's star guard. 

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Real Madrid (2024-10-31T19:05:00.000Z)

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Look back at all the action from Round 6 and 7 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!