Hoping for a late turnaround, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (10-19) will aim to end a five-game losing run against a Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens team (18-11) eager to bounce back from a defeat in last week's Greek Derby.

Zvezda aims to turn things around as Panathinaikos visits

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/268/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs30-game-facts-red-pan/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs30-game-notes-red-pan/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs30-prequotes-red-pan/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-30/)

Zvezda is hit by injuries in the backcourt, with [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) and [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) recently sidelined and [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) reportedly unlikely to play this week. That could open an opportunity to shine for the Greens' healthy contingent of guards, including deep threats [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), who hit 17 points on 4-of-5 triples at Olympiacos last week. Panathinaikos claimed a comfortable victory, 82-65, when the teams met in Round 17, paced by 15 points from [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/), who came back to form in the derby by ending a five-game run of single-digit scoring.

[Zvezda Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/statistics/red/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Panathinaikos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/statistics/pan/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Javonte Smart vs. Marius Grigonis: A duel on the wing between streak shooters could propel this game in either direction.

Zvezda's Milos Teodosic is enjoying some of the best form of his storied career, averaging 15.4 points and 7.8 assists in his last five outings, while the Greens again seek inspiration from Kendrick Nunn since he's reached double digit scoring in the last six in a row, including 17 points in a road win at Milan.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens-Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 17 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-03-20T19:00:00.000Z)

A key meeting between direct rivals will see FC Bayern Munich (13-16) attempt to continue its strong form with a trip to Valencia Basket (13-16), which has lost four in a row.

Valencia, Bayern break their tie on the Play-In bubble

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/270/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs30-game-facts-val-mun/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs30-game-notes-val-mun/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs30-prequotes-val-mun/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-30/)

Both teams excel on defense, with Valencia conceding just 78.2 points per game, while Bayern allowed just 58 points in last week's key win over Zalgiris. However, the Spanish team fell far short of its usual standards by shipping an alarming 118 points in last week's loss to Fenerbahce, and will be further hindered this week by the loss of center [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) through injury. That will give encouragement to Bayern's powerful collection of big men including [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) and [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), who has reached 20 points in two of the last three games.

[Valencia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/statistics/pam/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)  | [Bayern Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/statistics/mun/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) 

Chris Jones vs. Carsen Edwards: This pair of like-minded driving forces will take each other's measure on Wednesday.

Bayern saw a four-game home winning run ended by Monaco and strive to improve its defense as a launchpad for another sequence in front of their adoring crowd. Meanwhile, Valencia boasts EuroLeague's best defense (73.8 ppg allowed) and are equipped with the progressing forward Kassius Robertson.

FC Bayern Munich-Valencia Basket | Round 17 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Valencia Basket v FC Bayern Munich (2024-03-20T19:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid forward Mario Hezonja sat down recently to reflect on current role of Real Madrid in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the four-OT game against Anadolu Efes Istanbul last January.

In his debut season with Real Madrid, Hezonja was a big factor in taking the team to the 2022-23 EuroLeague title. Now, almost a year later, Los Blancos are showing no signs of slowing down. They currently top the standings and just became the first team to qualify for the playoffs. It would not be a big surprise, at this point, to see Real make a serious run at back-to-back titles, which the winningest club in European basketball has not done in more than 50 years.

"Everybody wants to beat us," Hezonja says. "Even now that the team is at the top, you can't afford a single second of thinking 'OK, we are good, we have the advantage'. No. It doesn't matter."

Hezonja's current season is probably his strongest yet. He earned his first MVP of the Month award in December. Right after that, he was a protagonist in the longest game in EuroLeague history, a four-overtime showdown against Anadolu Efes that Real managed to finally take by 130-126. Hezonja finished the game with 31 points. He had the winning shot in his hands at the end of regulation time, but he missed. However, he became be a key figure again in the extra sessions and hit the three-pointer that put the win in the bag for the hosts.

"You need to have an extreme level of confidence, belief in yourself, in your team," Hezonja explains. "We were finally able to break it."

Now having arrived first to the playoffs, Real Madrid will not settle for that. Home-court advantage in the postseason is next on the team's agenda, and new goals will follow, game by game, until the final one is reached: keeping the EuroLeague trophy.

Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid: 'Everybody wants to beat us'

Their star forward is well aware that the defending champions will have to earn the right to retain ownership of the EuroLeague trophy.

Rounds 30-31: Closer to the finish line!

It is the last double-round week in this year's Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season and most teams are aiming for big goals, so every basket should be important in certain showdowns. That makes the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge even harder than it was before, but don't worry; we have your back. We took a look at who has been hot lately and have some recommendations that should give you an edge in private leagues and of course, in the overall standings. Here they are:

[Markus Howard, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (10.2 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/)

Howard is one of the best scorers in the competition but combined great individual performances with off-target nights. Lately, he had a lot of the first. In the last three games, two in the Spanish League and one in the EuroLeague, Howard combined for 100 points (33.3 ppg.) on 22 of 46 three-point shooting. Howard is on fire!

[Damien Inglis, Valencia Basket (8.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/damien-inglis/003960/)

Valencia is facing severe injury problems, as Brandon Davies is set to miss the double-round week and Boubacar Toure remains sidelined. As such, Inglis and Jaime Pradilla are set to see extended playing time around the baskets. Inglis already delivered in Spanish League action with a PIR of 19 in 28 minutes.

Josh Nebo, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Thomas Walkup, Markus Howard and Damien Inglis are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 30-31

[Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (14.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/)

Fenerbahce has been unstoppable lately, especially at home. Hayes-Davis played for Barca in the past so the extra motivation should be there. He has been really solid lately, too, averaging 19.0 points on 11 of 19 three-pointers, 5.7 rebounds and a PIR of 22.7 in the last three games. A must-have player right now.

[Josh Nebo, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (14.4 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/)

Nebo earned Round 29 MVP honors, helping Maccabi beat Zvezda with 18 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks and a PIR of 33. He had a double-digit PIR in each of his last seven EuroLeague appearances. In the last three games, Nebo hit 17 of 24 two-pointers, averaging 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and a PIR of 22.7.

[Thomas Walkup, Olympiacos Piraeus (10.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/)

Olympiacos plays two high-scoring teams in Efes and ASVEL this week, which should help its stars get a higher PIR. In the last two games, once he recovered from a small injury, Walkup has done it all for the Reds, averaging 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 3.0 steals and a PIR of 19.0. Simply great!

FC Bayern Munich v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-03-22T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-03-22T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v FC Barcelona (2024-03-22T19:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-03-22T18:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Valencia Basket (2024-03-22T18:00:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Real Madrid (2024-03-21T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-03-21T19:15:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-03-21T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v ALBA Berlin (2024-03-21T17:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-03-20T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2024-03-20T17:45:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-03-19T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-03-19T19:05:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Real Madrid (2024-03-19T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-03-19T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-03-19T17:30:00.000Z)

The race for the playoffs is approaching a boiling point as Round 30 tips off a two-round week, headlined by an iconic coach facing his former club in a crucial showdown. Here's your guide to Tuesday and Wednesday's action.

This week brings the final two-round week of the regular season

### Tuesday, March 19

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/263/)

Red-hot Olympiacos (18-11) will look to make it seven straight wins with a trip to Efes (12-17), which is battling hard for a place in the top 10. Lucky charm [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/) has won all six of his games for the Reds, netting a team-high 19 points on perfect two-point shooting in last week’s derby win over Panathinaikos, and the task of slowing him down falls to Efes big man [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/), who has double-digit scoring in three of the last four games. Olympiacos relied on stingy defense to claim a comfortable win, 75-57, when the teams met in October, with dependable veteran [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) providing 14 points and 7 rebounds. This matchup has been remarkably close over the years, with 24 wins apiece in their 48 meetings this century, but the Reds haven't won in Istanbul since 2017.

[Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/zalgiris-kaunas-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/266/)

Zalgiris (11-18) will attempt to boost its fading postseason hopes against a Virtus team (17-12) that has similarly faded away from contention for the top four. The Lithuanian champion has lost three in a row with a struggling offense, failing to score more than 76 points in any of those games, and will hope that [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) can rediscover his usual standards after scoring 0 and 5 points in the last two games. Similarly, [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) will aim to get back to his best for Virtus, which has lost three of its last four. Zalgiris is also looking to complete a season sweep after winning in Bologna 79-82 on opening night, powered by 25 points from backcourt leader [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/).

Virtus Segafredo Bologna-Zalgiris Kaunas | Round 1 | Highlights

[ALBA Berlin vs. Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-real-madrid/E2023/262/)

League leader Real (23-6) could clinch homecourt advantage for the playoffs against rock-bottom ALBA, which only has pride at stake. The reigning champ will be keen to stay on the right track after ending a three-game losing streak by winning at Virtus last week and will look to dominate the frontcourt through [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/), who top scored with 15 points in that game, alongside [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and the league leader in blocker shots, [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/). ALBA forward [Johannes Thiemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/) will try to counter them after returning from injury with 11 points and 7 rebounds in last week's narrow loss to Monaco. Mario Hezonja was the star performer, pouring in 26 points on 10-of-13 field goal shooting, when Real cruised past ALBA, 99-75, earlier in the season.

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/264/)

In-form Maccabi (16-13) will aim to strengthen its playoff push by overcoming ASVEL (7-12), which showed its capabilities by downing Efes last week. Maccabi has won three straight to push closer to the top six, most recently showing great character to battle from behind against Zvezda behind 18 points and 13 rebounds from weekly MVP [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) plus the help of 23 points from [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/). A huge night from [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/), with 23 points and 9 rebounds, was not enough for ASVEL when the teams met in December, as [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) paired 21 points with 8 assists to secure a thrilling 91-94 road victory.

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/265/)

A key battle in the playoff race will see Partizan (13-16) attempt to stay in the top 10 by downing Baskonia (16-13), which is still in the hunt for a top-six finish. Baskonia is on a roll after winning four of its last five, but those were all at home and the Spanish team has won only one of its last six on the road. Similarly, Partizan has suffered on the road recently to slip down the standings, but has tasted victory in four of its last five games in Belgrade and knows a victory of 2 points or more would grant it the head-to-head advantage over Baskonia after an 84-83 win for the Spanish team in Vitoria. [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) led the way with 16 points, including the game-winning free throws. [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) will try to maintain his magnificent form for Partizan, after scoring 30, 19 and 27 points in the last three games.

Baskonia-Partizan | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Wednesday, March 20

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-fc-barcelona/E2023/269/)

Fenerbahce (18-11) coach Sarunas Jasikevicius goes up against his former team Barcelona (20-9) for the first time in a major matchup in the top four race. The Turkish team has been unstoppable at home recently, winning six in a row and setting its club record for scoring in each of the last two games, including a 118-88 destruction of Valencia last week. A key battle will take place in the backcourt between two iconic point guards, as all-time assists leader [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) confronts the legendary [Ricky Rubio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ricky-rubio/lfw/), who showed he is getting back to his best by providing 7 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds in last week's win over Partizan. Fenerbahce will be targeting a win of 9 points or more to claim head-to-head advantage after losing 89-81 at Palau Blaugrana in December behind 21 points and 9 rebounds from [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/).

[AS Monaco vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2023/267/)

High-flying Monaco (19-10) is aiming to make it nine consecutive victories with a visit from inconsistent but still fighting Milan (12-17). November's meeting between the teams was a low-scoring affair, taken 66-72 by the Roca team thanks to 21 points from usual suspect [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who will again look to shine against his former club after scoring at least 16 points in seven straight games. James is receiving plenty of help right now from [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), who has averaged 17.5 points and 5 assists in the last two games. Milan has failed to win away from home since December, mostly due to a misfiring offense that hasn't surpassed 77 points during a six-game road losing run, but can count upon fit-again [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) to deliver the goods after averaging 21 points in the last three games.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-AS Monaco | Round 6 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/268/)

Top-10 chasing Zvezda (10-19) will hope to end a five-game losing run against a Panathinaikos team (18-11) eager to bounce back from a defeat in last week's Greek derby. Zvezda is hit by injuries in the backcourt, with [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) and [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) recently sidelined and [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) reportedly unlikely to play this week. That could open an opportunity to shine for the Greens' healthy contingent of guards, including deep threats [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), who hit 17 points on 4-of-5 triples at Olympiacos last week. Panathinaikos claimed a comfortable victory, 82-65, when the teams met in Round 17, paced by 15 points from [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/), who came back to form in the derby by ending a five-game run of single-digit scoring.

[Valencia Basket vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/270/)

A key meeting between direct rivals will see Bayern (13-16) attempt to continue its strong form with a trip to Valencia (13-16), which has lost four in a row. Both teams excel on defense, with Valencia conceding just 78.2 points per game, while Bayern allowed just 58 points in last week's key win over Zalgiris. However, the Spanish team fell far short of its usual standards by shipping an alarming 118 points in last week's loss to Fenerbahce, and will be further hindered this week by the loss of center [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) through injury. That will give encouragement to Bayern's powerful collection of big men including [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) and [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), who has reached 20 points in two of the last three games.

**CONGRATS!**: Martin Hermannsson and his wife welcomed a baby boy into their family. Congratulations!

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s a boy! 👶 Sagt „Hallo“ zum neuesten Mitglied der ALBA-Familie! 👋<br> <br>All the best to you and your family, <a href="https://twitter.com/hermannsson15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hermannsson15</a>! 💛💙 <a href="https://t.co/hRqrwemeEZ">pic.twitter.com/hRqrwemeEZ</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1768936791476736375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

**DON'T MISS STORIES**: The amazing story of Giampaolo Ricci's effort in Tanzania, and Serge Ibaka's visit to the Crossover where he told many great stories about his life and his career, were among this week's can't miss stories. 

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Loved talking to <a href="https://twitter.com/jarlauckas8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jarlauckas8</a> for the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> The Crossover <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euroleague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euroleague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/euroleaguebasketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#euroleaguebasketball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/anythingispossible?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#anythingispossible</a> <a href="https://t.co/5UEx6z90vY">https://t.co/5UEx6z90vY</a></p>&mdash; Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/sergeibaka/status/1768363636911641005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😍 <a href="https://twitter.com/giamp_pippo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@giamp_pippo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/oM6vQkqgbq">https://t.co/oM6vQkqgbq</a></p>&mdash; Gigi Datome (@GigiDatome) <a href="https://twitter.com/GigiDatome/status/1768304059721687183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**LEAN ON ME**: The EuroLeague's all-time leading scorer Mike James is a man of many talents.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👨🎨 True artist 😁🎶 <a href="https://t.co/DDoKf4AlZe">https://t.co/DDoKf4AlZe</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1768984155075801153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**HEALTHY DIET**: Serge Ibaka with a weekend message.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don’t forget Eat your fruits 🍎 <a href="https://t.co/1g8vEhgp60">pic.twitter.com/1g8vEhgp60</a></p>&mdash; Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) <a href="https://twitter.com/sergeibaka/status/1769090086891597899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**GOOD TO SEE YOU**: Bayern's Vladimir Lucic served as a team captain for Coach Andrea Trinchieri at Bayern and the two caught up ahead of their game. So did Nando De Colo and Rodrigue Beaubois, veteran guards who started their careers with Cholet Basket and played at that French club together from 2006 to 2009.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🤝🗣️ <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBBasketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ws8sigsPOA">pic.twitter.com/Ws8sigsPOA</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1768699941956817188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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**MILESTONE**: Pablo Laso registered his 250th EuroLeague win.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/pablolaso?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pablolaso</a> for 250 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> wins as head coach!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/k1SuAexuoH">pic.twitter.com/k1SuAexuoH</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1768751553806991426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**TEAM BUILDING**: After a loss in the Greek Derby, and ahead of an important double-round week and the final stretch of the playoff race, Kostas Sloukas organized a team dinner for Panathinaikos players, coaches and team staff.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Ο αρχηγός του Παναθηναϊκού AKTOR, Κώστας Σλούκας, παρέθεσε δείπνο συσπείρωσης στους συμπαίκτες του, τους προπονητές και το επιτελείο της ομάδας στο εστιατόριο «Γλυκάνισος» στη Θεσσαλονίκη.<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://t.co/kDpfIwJsb7">pic.twitter.com/kDpfIwJsb7</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1769091743926866267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**WINNERS' CORNER**: Real Madrid became the first team to clinch a place in the playoffs, while Barcelona, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos all secured at least a place in the Play-In Showdown, with an eye for a lor more.

There were some momentous occasions on and off the floor during the last week. Check out our selection of social media posts from around the EuroLeague.

EuroLeague week on social media

Valencia Basket will be without center Brandon Davies for its coming games due to a calf injury. 

Valencia center Brandon Davies out with calf  injury

Valencia Basket will be without center Brandon Davies for its coming games due to a calf injury. The big man suffered discomfort in his left leg following Thursday’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. After undergoing tests and imaging, it was determined that Davies will rest and miss the coming games.

Davies, 32, is in his seventh EuroLeague season and first with Valencia. He has averaged 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 26 appearances this season. Valencia enters Round 30 in 11th place with a 13-16 record. For its next two games, Valencia is scheduled to host FC Bayern Munich on Wednesday and to visit AS Monaco on Friday.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🏥 ¡Ánimo Brandon! <br><br>Cas 👉 Parte médico <a href="https://twitter.com/Brandon_Davies0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Brandon_Davies0</a> <a href="https://t.co/lALNehYMqi">https://t.co/lALNehYMqi</a><br><br>Val 👉 Comunicat mèdic Brandon Davies <a href="https://t.co/ieDvLnsSyZ">https://t.co/ieDvLnsSyZ</a><br><br>Eng 👉 Medical report: Brandon Davies<a href="https://t.co/i7hmp4rIun">https://t.co/i7hmp4rIun</a> <a href="https://t.co/SeELg5K0WZ">pic.twitter.com/SeELg5K0WZ</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1769317937263890552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He is expected to miss both of the team's games this week

Written off from the playoff picture by most pundits after a tough run of games in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Bayern Munich bounced straight back into it with four wins in the last six, culminating in Friday’s gritty 64-58 home victory over Zalgiris Kaunas.

Resurgent Bayern eyeing postseason under lucid Laso

Written off from the playoff picture by most pundits after a tough run of games in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Bayern Munich bounced straight back into it with four wins in the last six, culminating in Friday’s gritty 64-58 home victory over Zalgiris Kaunas.

It was a masterclass defensive performance orchestrated by Bayern’s shrewd head coach Pablo Laso, who drew on his wealth of experience to keep steering the German team towards the postseason – which looked highly unlikely only a month or so ago.

Bayern had revived its faltering challenge with a rip-roaring 112-109 home win over Baskonia in Round 26 and following a tough 72-76 setback against visiting Olympiacos Piraeus, the Bavarian franchise turned a corner with a stunning last-gasp 78-79 win at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

FC Bayern Munich-Zalgiris Kaunas | Round 29 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Bayern’s confidence was boosted by lifting the German Cup during the EuroLeague break, with emphatic wins over Bamberg (81-62) and Ulm (81-65) sealing the season’s first trophy. On Friday, Bayern replicated that kind of grit and mettle forcing Zalgiris into submission, much to Laso’s delight.

 “Defensively it was one of our best games, we contested every situation and usually it’s not a lot of fun playing a game like that,” Laso said at the post-game press conference. “They are very tough and very physical, they have players who really know how to play the game. We held them to 21 points in the first half and created an advantage which was enough at the end to win the game. The guys did what I asked them to do after last week \[after the crushing 109-86 defeat at Anadolu Efes Istanbul\], which is controlling things on defense."

The reverse at Efes came after Bayern brushed aside Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 74-66 and following that loss, the German team was able to revert to the defensive steel that yielded an impressive recent run of results.

Game News

Laso, the winner of two EuroLeague titles with Real Madrid during his 2011-2022 spell in charge of Los Blancc, offered an interesting management analogy to describe how he keeps his teams going amid excruciating exertions.

“Sometimes I see teams as cars. You consume all that gasoline at games and how do you put it back in? By resting and practicing. It was good to finally be together in full force, as some guys were injured and others were away playing for their national teams,” he said. “We had a tough stretch before the \[German\] Cup tournament but that is the life, you can’t take a vacation in the middle of the season.”

Game Videos

Another tough run awaits in the Euroleague regular season’s home stretch, with Bayern visiting direct play-in rival Valencia ahead of a monster tripleheader on home court against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, FC Barcelona and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

Bayern closes its campaign with a trip to Monaco, but Laso insisted his team must take it one game at a time in its quest to reach the business end of the competition.

“We can’t think beyond the next game and Valencia. The EuroLeague is like that, every game is extremely difficult so right now, we’ll just enjoy this win against Zalgiris and then brace ourselves for the upcoming challenges.”

The German team has reinvigorated its hopes of clinching a play-in berth with a fine run

FC Bayern Munich v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-03-15T19:30:00.000Z)

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Sterling Brown of ALBA Berlin tries to strip the ball from Monaco's Elie Okobo.

Laurynas Birutis of Zalgiris dunks against Bayern Munich.

Tomas Satoransky of Barcelona tries to keep the ball away from Partizan's Kevin Punter.

Tyrique Jones of Efes rises for a dunk against ASVEL.

Markus Howard of Baskonia dishes a pass against Milan. 

Moses Wright of Olympiacos emotes after dunking against Panathinaikos. 

Brandon Davies of Valencia reaches for the ball over Fenerbahce's Marko Guduric. 

Josh Nebo of Maccabi soars for a slam dunk against Zvezda. 

Serge Ibaka of Bayern grabs the ball on front of Rolands Smits. 

Jordan Mickey of Virtus dunks against Real Madrid. 

Look back at all the action from Round 29 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!