Barça Basket took a big step towards making the EuroLeague Playoffs by beating FC Bayern Basketball in Round 32.

Barcelona on the cusp of making playoffs after beating Bayern

FC Barcelona (21-11) took a big step towards securing a playoff berth in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after [a clinical 79-87 win at FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-fc-bayern-basketball-vs-fc-barcelona/), which came as a result of a cohesive team effort against shorthanded opposition.

With Devin Booker, Niels Giffey, Andy Obst and Danko Brankovic missing from the home team’s roster, Barcelona fired on all cylinders for three quarters before battling Bayern made a fight of it in the fourth.

### Barcelona got its work done early

Having won the opening period 19-25, Barca then steamrolled into a whopping 21-43 lead before Bayern trimmed its deficit to 30-47 at halftime. It was pretty much the same script in the third quarter, with the *Blaugrana* taking a 53-71 advantage into the home stretch. Only then did Bayern step up to the plate and cut the gap to 77-83 in the closing stages, but the hosts ran out of time to force what would have been a spectacular comeback.

A pair of giants take to the European stage bidding to restore winning-ways and revive their respective postseason aspirations. Two veteran Spanish stars could dominate in different ways, with Bayern hoping to control the paint through Serge Ibaka while Barça looks for orchestration from Ricky Rubio.

FC Bayern Munich-FC Barcelona | Round 32 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Power forward Serge Ibaka, who played extended minutes at center in the absence of the towering Devin Booker, came up big for Bayern with 17 points and 12 rebounds, but his valiant solo effort was cancelled out by a flowing team work from Barca.

Among a crop of players who contributed for the visiting team, [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) earned the player of the game accolade with 15 points and he summed up that hitting the ground running at Bayern was crucial for Barcelona.

“We were up against a very talented team and we had to get going at the beginning of the game,” Parker said in a flash post-game interview. “We had good energy and played good defense, so the offense kind of took care of itself.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨̀𝐫𝐢𝐚, 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐜̧𝐚! 💙❤<br><br>Ens queden dues finals. Volem ser als play-offs i volem ser caps de sèrie 💪 <a href="https://t.co/WbnL8d5PNg">pic.twitter.com/WbnL8d5PNg</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1773462914571055502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Head coach Roger Grimau added: “We had a great first half and a good third quarter. They pushed us hard in the fourth but we controlled the game and eventually won it. We moved the ball well and found some clear situations.”

### A big game on the way

Barcelona next play Maccabi Tel Aviv at Palau Blaugrana in the penultimate round of the regular season and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/), who racked up 9 points and 8 rebounds, succinctly summed up what the clash meant to Barcelona in its bid to secure a playoff berth.

Barcelona will be assured of finishing in the top six on Friday in the unlikely event that bottom team ALBA Berlin (5-26) wins at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (19-12), but Hernangomez had his sights on what should be a titanic tussle with Maccabi. 

“It’s going to be like a final,” he commented. “I am really looking forward to it as we’re playing at home where the fans are like an extra man on the court.”

Willy Hernangomez spoke to the media after FC Barcelona beat FC Bayern Munich in Round 32 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Willy Hernangomez speaks post-Bayern win

Bayern head coach Pablo Laso acknowledged that his team was left with a mountain to climb after being blown away in the first half. “We played better offensively in the second half and made some shots, so we got back into the game,” said Laso. “However, we played a great team and they found solutions in the right moments.”

Game News

The FC Barcelona players come together after beating FC Bayern Munich in Round 32 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The Spanish giant closed in on a top-six berth after a dominant performance in Munich

FC Bayern Munich v FC Barcelona (2024-03-28T19:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco took another critical step to reach the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs by downing LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 77-87 on the road in Round 32 on Thursday

Monaco dominates late for 77-87 W at ASVEL

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EuroLeague Live Blog: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. AS Monaco.

The visitors used a 0-13 fourth-quarter charge to break open a tie game

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v AS Monaco (2024-03-28T20:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s veteran duo of Shane Larkin and Will Clyburn stepped up as the two-time champion rolled past Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 76-97 for its first road win of 2024 to stay in contention for a spot in the Play-In Showdown. 

Larkin, Clyburn shined in Efes’s first road win of 2024

Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s veteran duo of Shane Larkin and Will Clyburn stepped up as the two-time champion rolled past Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 76-97 for its first road win of 2024 to stay in contention for a spot in the Play-In Showdown.

Larkin drained 5 three-pointers in scoring 28 points and Clyburn poured in 20 points to help Efes improve to 15-17 with its fourth win in the last five games. The win also upped the team’s road mark to 3-13, snapping an eight-game losing streak going back to December 7 at ALBA Berlin.

“We know what we are fighting for. Everybody is locked in, everybody is on the same page. We know what our ultimate goal is,” said Clyburn, who started strong in the game.

Larkin eventually took over the offensive responsibility.

“We have a veteran group. We have a lot of new guys but they have all grown during the season. We all understood the importance of this game from the very beginning. We came out intense on the defensive end and stayed focused and didn’t let their shooters get going, and got a big win,” said Larkin.

Shane Larkin put on a show in Vitoria-Gasteiz

25-year-old forward Ercan Osmani chipped in a career-high 15 points; EuroLeague rookie Tyrique Jones scored 8 points on breathtaking dunks and 4 rebounds; and fellow EuroLeague newcomer Justus Hollatz contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

The offense stood strong for Efes, but the team’s third-quarter defense really changed the game, conceding just 8 points in the frame.

“We had to play really well on the offensive end because this team can get out in transition and use their speed, quickness, athleticism and shot-making ability. They’re pretty hard to guard. We had to control the ball on the offensive end,” said Larkin, who also had 2 of Efes’s 10 steals.

“We got a lot of steals on the defensive end. We were active with our hands and helping each other. And that is what will have to do. It will be about us coming out with intensity on the defensive end. If we can do that. Then we can do something special.”

With the likes of veteran leaders Larkin and Clyburn, Efes fans can still dream about the Play-In Showdown.

The two combined for 48 points in the victory

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-03-28T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos BC completed a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat KK Partizan 69-74 in Round 32 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Olympiacos rallies back to stun Partizan, 69-74

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Shaquielle McKissic of Olympiacos Piraeus looks to get past James Nunnally of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 32 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The Reds turned the game on its head with an impressive fourth-quarter comeback

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-03-28T19:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes SK routed Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 76-97 in Round 32 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Efes routs Baskonia 76-97

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Tyrique Jones scored 8 points off the bench for Efes

The visitors pulled away for good with 13 unanswered points in the third quarter

Barça Basket improved to a 21-11 record by downing FC Bayern Munich 79-87 at BMW Park in Round 32 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Barcelona cruises past Bayern, 79-87, as trio stands out

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Jabari Parker of FC Barcelona is guarded by Nick Weiler-Babb of FC Bayern Munich in Round 32 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The Blaugrana took advantage of several key players missing from Bayern's roster to earn an important win

Zalgiris Kaunas improved to 14-18 with an 87-73 victory over Olimpia Milano in Round 32 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Zalgiris pushes past Milan, 87-73

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EuroLeague Live Blog: Zalgiris Kaunas vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.

Keenan Evans ad Edmond Sumner combined for 37 points to pace the Lithuanian champs

Zalgiris Kaunas v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-03-28T18:00:00.000Z)

Historic clubs, great coaches, playoff atmosphere. It could be a special night!

Partizan vs. Olympiacos checks all the boxes for great basketball drama

Let’s get this out of the way. Yes, there are personal connections between these teams. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade’s [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) and [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) both made their EuroLeague debuts with Olympiacos Piraeus. Olympiacos point guard [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/) made his professional debut with Partizan, [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) played for the Partizan juniors and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) signed there as a teenager. 

Whether or not all those players are fit this week is beside the point because those are simply interesting tidbits, but not what this game is all about. [This game will be great](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/284/) because it is essentially a must-win playoff game in March. 

How so? The hosts are one of three teams with 14-17 records vying for 10th place in the standings and the final ticket to the Play-In Showdown. A loss could prove fatal. The Partizan faithful are well aware of the importance and the atmosphere at Stark Arena will surely reflect that.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, entered the week with the potential to already clinch a playoff berth, but that hope was dashed when Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv won on Wednesday. Still, the Reds control their destiny in the race for a top-six regular-season finish, which would be worth an automatic playoff bid without the drama of the Play-In Showdown. Maccabi’s win put more pressure on the Reds, knowing a loss could open the door for the Israeli champs to overtake Olympiacos at the end. 

Olympiacos Piraeus-Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Add to that the fact that due to the long-standing bond between the fans of Olympiacos and Partizan's archrival Crvena Zvezda Merdianbet Belgrade, the diehard Grobari at the arena will bring their A-game to disrupt the visitors. 

Indeed, a playoff atmosphere can be expected and both teams have players and coaches worthy of the bright stage. 

For my proverbial money, this game hinges on the play of the frontcourts and the stats bear this out. Partizan leads the league in two-point shooting (58.7%) thanks to players like [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/) (70.9% 2FG) and [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/frank-kaminsky/012743/) (64.2%), among others. Partizan has also seen a league-low 1.8 of its shots blocked per game. 

Meanwhile, Olympiacos is second in the league in opponents’ two-point accuracy at 51.9% and ranks fourth with 2.8 blocks per game. 

There are further wrinkles to this frontcourt feast. A staple of Coach Zeljko Obradovic’s offense is three-point shooting from the bigs and few are better than Caboclo (51.2% 3FG) and Kaminsky (43.1%). One of those who is better is of course Olympiacos’s [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/), whose career 45.4% conversion rate from deep is the sixth-best in EuroLeague history.

Euroleague Masterminds: Zeljko Obradovic

And this introduces the tactical battle. Olympiacos has a top-tier defense, but Obradovic’s men will try to find weaknesses. Can Peters stop Caboclo or Kaminsky on the blocks? If Partizan spreads the floor with its bigs, can its perimeter defenders such as [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), [Shaq McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) and [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) contain Punter and [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/perry-dozier-jr/012742/) in one-on-one situations?

If they can, Olympiacos will hold the keys to victory in its pocket. But if not, Coach Georgios Bartzokas will find himself matching wits with Obradovic again. If the hosts are able to penetrate the Reds’ venerable defense – Olympiacos’s 74.7 points allowed per game are the best in the league, Bartzokas will find himself in the never-ending search for the perfect lineup that can outscore Partizan and make life difficult at the other end.

When this happens, we are reminded why we love this game. Here is the checklist.

- Two historic clubs
- Packed Stark Arena
- Multiple Gomelskiy Coach of the Year winners
- Late in the season
- Playoff position at stake

Check ‘em all. And look forward to a great game.

Historic clubs, great coaches, playoff atmosphere. It could be a special night!


Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season to get your Fantasy Challenge teams up to date.

Latest EuroLeague injury news

Follow here all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season as reported by the clubs and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

**ALBA Berlin**

Gabriele Procida suffered a knee injury and has not played since Round 27. His status for Round 32 vs. Fenerbahce is uncertain.

Matteo Spagnolo, who has a right thigh muscle tear, has not played since Round 27. His status for Round 32 is uncertain.

Justin Bean, who missed the last four games with a thigh injury, returned to action in domestic league over the weekend.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

Ertan Gazi underwent surgery after Round 26 and has been unavailable ever since. He will no play in Round 32 vs. Baskonia.

Ridvan Oncel, Salih Altuntas, Melih Tunca, Efe Demirel and Burakcan Yildizli are all listed as unavailable in Round 32.

**AS Monaco**

Terry Tarpey underwent surgery on his left meniscus and will be out for six weeks, meaning he is out until early May.

**Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

Markus Howard missed a domestic league game over the weekend. His status for Round 32 vs. Efes is unclear.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

Milos Teodosic is listed by Zvezda as unavailable for Round 32 at Real Madrid due to illness.

Branko Lazic, who missed the last three rounds, is available for Round 32.

[Yago Dos Santos suffered a head injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/yago-dos-santos-taken-to-hospital-as-precaution-following-head-injury/) in Round 29 and underwent surgery last week. He will miss Round 32, too.

Trey Thompkins, who was signed in early February, is unavailable for Round 32.

Nikola Topic, who is recovering from a knee injury and has been out since Round 19, is unavailable for Round 32.sh

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

Shabazz Napier was a late scratch for the Italian League game on Sunday. He is available for Round 32 at Zalgiris.

Maodo Lo, who missed Round 31 with a left thigh contusion, and had to leave Sunday's domestic game, is available in Round 32, too.

Giampaolo Ricci suffered an adductor injury ahead of Round 29. He also missed the double-round week. His is not playing in Round 32.

[Billy Baron](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/milan-baron-out-2-3-weeks/) is out for the season, Milan announced, as he will undergo another surgery on his right elbow.

**FC Barcelona**

Michael Caicedo has been deregistered and sent to Girona on loan until the end of the season.

All 14 players are available for Round 32 game at Bayern.

**FC Bayern Munich**

Niels Giffey is not on a game-day roster for Round 32 vs. Barcelona.

Devin Booker hurt his ankle last week in Round 30 and missed Round 31. His is not available for Round 32.

Andreas Obst has last played in Round 28. He is not available for Round 32 is uncertain.

Danko Brankovic missed two games last week, as well as domestic league action this weekend. He is also not available for Round 32.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Marko Guduric is a late scratch for Round 32 as he is dealing with leg pain.

[Yigit Hamza Mestoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-loses-youngster-mestoglu-to-acl-injury/) suffered a season-ending ACL rupture before Round 23.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

Mike Scott returned to action in Round 31 after missing three games.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

[Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabis-roman-sorkin-to-miss-a-month/), who has not played since Round 26 due to a knee injury, is available for Round 32 vs. Valencia.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

Filip Petrusev injured his knee in Round 31. He did not travel with the team for Round 32 vs. Partizan.

Michalis Lountzis did not travel with the team to Belgrade for Round 32.

[Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/nikola-milutinov-suffers-ankle-injury/) underwent surgery for a broken bone in his left foot and continues to rehab. He is not available for Round 32.

Naz Mitrou-Long missed Round 31 game, but was back in action in a Greek League game over the weekend and is available this week.

**Panathinaikos Athens**

Luca Vildoza, who missed four rounds, returned to action in Round 31.

Kostas Antetokounmpo has missed the last five games, and was back in action in a domestic league game over the weekend.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Zach LeDay missed two games last week due to personal reasons and is still absent ahead of Round 32 vs. Olympiacos.

**Real Madrid**

Sergio Rodriguez has missed the last three rounds. His status for Round 32 vs. Crvena Zvezda is unclear.

Sergio Llull did not play during last week's double-round. His status for Round 32 is unclear.

Rudy Fernandez, has been out since Round 26. He was back on the floor in a Spanish League game on Sunday.

Dzanan Musa, who was a late scratch in Round 30, returned to action in Round 31.

**Valencia Basket**

[Brandon Davies suffered a calf injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/valencia-center-brandon-davies-out-with-calf-injury/) which forced him to miss two games last week, and will not travel to play in Round 32, at Maccabi.

Boubacar Toure (back) returned in Round 30, but has missed Round 31 due to a re-occurrence of his back issue, and will miss Round 32, too.

Jared Harper has not travelled with the team. He has not played the last two games due to a coach's decision.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

Isaia Cordinier has missed two games with a right ankle sprain. He is listed by Virtus as questionable for Round 32 vs. Panathinaikos.

Daniel Hackett, who missed the last three rounds with a knee injury, is also listed as questionable for Round 32.

Davontae Cacok suffered a season-ending knee injury in Round 17.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

Rolands Smits, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, has traveled to play Round 33 at Monaco and his availability will be a game-time decision.

Karolis Lukosiunas out indefinitely with back problems.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague injury report for the 2023-24 season.

Check out all the injuries and absences expected in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague before the Fantasy Challenge deadline.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v AS Monaco (2024-02-09T19:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-03-29T19:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-03-29T19:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v ALBA Berlin (2024-03-29T17:45:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Valencia Basket (2024-03-27T19:30:00.000Z)