EA7 Emporio Armani Milan will be without its biggest star and top scorer Nikola Mirotic for at least two weeks, the club announced on Wednesday morning. During an Italian League game over the weekend, “Mirotic suffered an injury to the adductor of his right thigh”, the club wrote in an official statement. The star forward will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Leg injury sidelines Milan’s Nikola Mirotic

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan will be without its biggest star and top scorer Nikola Mirotic for at least two weeks, the club announced on Wednesday morning. During an Italian League game over the weekend, “Mirotic suffered an injury to the adductor of his right thigh, which will be re-evaluated in two weeks”, the club wrote in an official statement.

Two other Milan players, Zach LeDay and Leandro Bolmaro also suffered injury problems in that domestic league game, but have travelled with the team to Istanbul and are a game-time decision for Milan, which visits Anadolu Efes on Thursday night.

Mirotic ranks fifth in scoring this season (18.3 ppg.) and third in rebounding (6.6 rpg.) this season. The star forward is also eighth in average minutes played (28:32), all team-high numbers.

Milan will have a tough task to find a way to overcome his absence, first in Istanbul, and then at least also a week later at home against the reigning champ Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

Former MVP will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens learned another bad injury news, with center Omer Yurtseven suffering a leg injury. Yurtseven got hurt in the Greek League game against arch-rival Olympiacos Pireuas, and it will keep him sidelined six to eight weeks, according to the club.

Panathinaikos loses center Omer Yurtseven to injury

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) learned another bad injury news, with center [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) suffering a leg injury. Yurtseven got hurt in the Greek League game against archrival Olympiacos Pireuas, and it will keep him sidelined six to eight weeks, according to the club.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get well soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/omeryurtseven77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@omeryurtseven77</a>! <br><br>Speedy recovery 💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StoiximanGBL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StoiximanGBL</a> <a href="https://t.co/6zX0tXOMr0">pic.twitter.com/6zX0tXOMr0</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1881463425752268841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It is another major blow for Panathinaikos's frontcourt, after losing all-EuroLeague center Mathias Lessort in Round 17, and with Kostas Antetokounmpo appearing in only three games this season.

In the absence of Lessort, it was Yurtseven who stepped up. Over the last four games, he posted 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds, which improved his season averages to 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.

More Panathinaikos News

The big man has been very productive in the last four games

Here is Episode 13 of EuroLeague & Friends, featuring a selection of nine contributors from each country with a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team. This week, the lineup included co-hosts Lisa Rasmuschkat from Germany, Shani Blatt from Israel, Asta Zukaite from Lithuania, and Giulia Cicchine from Italy, who tried to teach the others the meaning of the most popular gesture in her country. After that, it was all basketball, touching all the hot topics in the competition.

EuroLeague & Friends Episode 13: It's an Italian thing!

Here is Episode 13 of EuroLeague & Friends, featuring a selection of nine contributors from each country with a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team. This week, the lineup included co-hosts [Lisa Rasmuschkat](https://www.instagram.com/lisa_ramuschkat/) from Germany, [Shani Blatt](https://www.instagram.com/shaniblatt/) from Israel, [Asta Zukaite](https://www.instagram.com/asta_zukaite/) from Lithuania, and [Giulia Cicchine](https://www.instagram.com/lacicchine/) from Italy, who tried to teach the others the meaning of the most popular gesture in her country. After that, it was all basketball, touching all the hot topics in the competition.

The first discussion was about [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/)'s outstanding form and how [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) is a perfect fit for this competition. They also touched on [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) winning with a superstar sitting on the bench, [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) being up and down after a really strong start and how [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/)'s upcoming return can help the team, [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) and head coach [Andrea Trinchieri](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/trinchieri-andrea/)'s fit in a basketball-crazy country, and how [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/)'s fans welcomed their fans at the airport after a big victory in Milan.

Always with a unique, laid-back perspective, don't miss this latest episode of EuroLeague & Friends. 

Here is Episode 13 of EuroLeague & Friends, featuring a selection of nine contributors from each country with a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team. This week, the lineup included co-hosts Lisa Rasmuschkat from Germany, Shani Blatt from Israel, Asta Zukaite from Lithuania, and Giulia Cicchine from Italy, who tried to teach the others the meaning of the most popular gesture in her country. After that, it was all basketball, touching all the hot topics in the competition.

The first discussion was about Olympiacos Piraeus's outstanding form and how Sasha Vezenkov is a perfect fit for this competition. They also touched on FC Barcelona winning with a superstar sitting on the bench, FC Bayern Munich being up and down after a really strong start and how Vladimir Lucic's upcoming return can help the team, Zalgiris Kaunas and head coach Andrea Trinchieri's fit in a basketball-crazy country, and how Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade's fans welcomed their fans at the airport after a big victory in Milan.

Always with a unique, laid-back perspective, don't miss this latest episode of EuroLeague & Friends.

Shani Blatt, Asta Zukaite, Giulia Cicchine and Lisa Rasmuschkat discuss all things EuroLeague in a brand-new episode


Co-hosts Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 are joined by Arale Weisberg, the head of the basketball desk at Israel's Walla! Sport, for episode number 17 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast.

The Fantasy Challenge Podcast welcomes Arale Weisberg to discuss unlimited trades

This week is lucky episode number 17 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast as co-hosts [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 help prepare fans for Round 23. They are joined by [Arale Weisberg](https://x.com/Aralos10), the head of the basketball desk at Israel's Walla! Sport, to discuss which players you should – and should not – have on your team as you take advantage of unlimited trades ahead of Round 23.

After two sub-par games, will [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) return to his usual self at home this week? Can you afford not to have [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) and [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/)? How long will [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) ride his hot-shooting wave? These questions and many more were debated by the trio of fantasy aficionados ahead of Round 23. Make sure to tune in now and don’t forget to update your fantasy rosters early, because the deadline this week is on Wednesday at 20:30 CET when Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade takes on Paris Basketball. Good luck, fantasy fans!

More EuroLeague Fantasy News

With unlimited trades allowed before Round 23, Frankie and Vasiliki are joined by fantasy expert Arale Weisberg to try to build a winning team

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Paris Basketball (2025-01-22T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-01-24T19:15:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v FC Barcelona (2025-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-01-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v AS Monaco (2025-01-23T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-01-23T19:15:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-01-23T19:05:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-01-23T17:30:00.000Z)

It’s quite the storyline for this season’s EuroLeague that the 2024-25 MVP marathon has now evolved more or less into a race between two prominent representatives of Greece’s two archrival clubs and perennial powerhouses in the competition.

2024-25 EuroLeague MVP Ladder by Eurohoops Vol. 3

It’s quite the storyline for this season’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague that the 2024-25 MVP marathon has now evolved more or less into a race between two prominent representatives of Greece’s two archrival clubs and perennial powerhouses in the competition.

[Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) versus [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/); Kendrick Nunn versus Sasha Vezenkov. While [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/), the reigning champion, and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) are competing to go all the way and lift the trophy, these two fantastic players are also clashing in their own way for the now regular season MVP award.

You will find [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) guard [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) a couple of spots lower than in the previous MVP Ladder mainly due to his team losing some of its spark. [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) forward [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) and [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) forward [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) retain their place while [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) scorer [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) was cut due to a combination of inconsistent games and an extra number of losses for the Bavarian side.

A reminder that individual numbers, their team’s record, leadership on the floor and overall impact on results all play a part in composing the MVP Ladder.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1774345/2024-25-euroleague-mvp-ladder-by-eurohoops-vol-3/).

There is a new overall leader – someone who was not even on the last MVP Ladder

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 23.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips, Round 23: It's time to rebuild

Round 23 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is a very special one in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. Unlimited trades are allowed this week, so it is a unique opportunity to rebuild your roster and make a final push in both the overall table and your favorite private leagues. 

Every team needs a superstar or two. But when it comes to filling out your rosters, here are some players I'd suggest to help you alongside those fantasy stars.

Rokas Jokubaitis, Leandro Bolmaro, Rokas Jokubaitis, Filip Petrusev and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 23

### Rokas Jokubaitis, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (12.4 credits)

Maccabi may be on a losing streak at the moment but [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) is definitely trying to end it. In the last two games, [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) averaged 18.0 points by making 11-of-14 two-pointers and 8-of-9 free throws, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists for a PIR of 24.5. He has become Maccabi's floor general and should keep leading his team in the foreseeable future.

### Filip Petrusev, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (11.7 credits)

We have seen [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/)'s best form lately, getting a PIR of 14 or better in each of the last three games. In Round 22, Petrusev had 29 points on near-perfect shooting plus 6 rebounds and 5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 32. Zvezda plays against high-scoring Maccabi in Belgrade and it looks like a perfect opportunity for Petrusev to keep shining.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE-qKRqMN17/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE-qKRqMN17/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE-qKRqMN17/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Filip Petrušev (@filip3petrusev)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (8.1 credits)

I hear you, [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) has been up and down all season, mixing great individual performances with some not-so-good games. He has been truly outstanding in the last two games, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists for a PIR of 23.5. For just 8.1 credits, Luwawu-Cabarrot is worth the gamble against high-scoring Real.

### Leandro Bolmaro, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (10.0 credits)

It took him a while, but [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) has finally found his rhythm and is helping Milan in many aspects of the game. Over the last three games, Bolmaro has been just unstoppable, averaging 13.0 points and 4.7 assists for a PIR of 18.7. He has been seeing more playing time and getting the most out of it, becoming a key player in coach Ettore Messina's rotation.

### Dario Brizuela, FC Barcelona (6.4 credits)

Barcelona is on a four-game winning streak and [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) has a lot to do with it. He scored a career-high 27 points in round 20 against Monaco and also scored in double digits against Panathinaikos and Efes last week. Over the last three games, Brizuela made 8 of 11 two-pointers and 11 of 19 three-pointers. A confident shooter for 6.4 credits? Bring him in!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 23

The drama continues with Round 23 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague concluding with a heavyweight matchup at the top of the standings. Here’s your guide to this week’s games.

Round 23 at a glance: A top-of-the-table clash awaits

## Wednesday, January 22

### [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-paris-basketball/E2024/207/)

The action starts early with a Wednesday meeting between in-form playoffs chasers Partizan (11-11) and Paris (13-8). Both teams are coming off perfect double-round weeks with Partizan led to a couple of emphatic road wins by the scoring power of [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), who has averaged 21.5 points over the last five games. Paris’s return to winning ways was underlined by another dominant display from star guard [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) in Friday’s destruction of Maccabi when he paired 11 points with a season-high 14 assists. With head-to-head tiebreak advantage very much in play, the Serbian team needs to take a 4-point victory following [Paris’s 74-71 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-keeps-rolling-with-gritty-74-71-home-win-over-partizan/) in Round 8. [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) netted 17 points that night and will be a big factor again on Wednesday, having netted multiple triples in 14 consecutive games.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Brown vs. Ward

## Thursday, January 23

### [Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/anadolu-efes-istanbul-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2024/199/)

Efes (10-12) will seek to end a five-game losing slide by overcoming a Milan team (12-10) also looking to recover winning ways. Luca Banchi’s men need to show much stiffer defensive resistance after allowing an average of 87.6 points over the last five games, while the offense would be boosted if [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) can return to form; the veteran shooter has averaged just 2.2 points during the losing run. Milan suffered a 20-point demolition at home by Partizan last time out, not helped by key man [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) committing 6 turnovers, and also has revenge on the agenda after [losing 84-96](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-piles-more-misery-on-milan-with-84-96-road-win/) at home to Efes in November. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) orchestrated that triumph with 17 points and 7 assists and Milan will look to slow him down on Thursday.

 

### [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2024/203/)

Zvezda (13-9) will attempt to maintain its push for the playoffs against a Maccabi team (5-17) which is fast fading from contention. The Serbian team is riding the feelgood factor of [Friday’s overtime triumph over Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-forces-monaco-into-submission-in-overtime-88-82/), when young forward [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) continued his outstanding season with 29 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field. Zvezda will also be encouraged by its defensive performance after holding Monaco to 76 points in regulation and will look to inflict more pain on a Maccabi team that has lost four in a row. Oded Kattash’s team can rely on the consistent backcourt skills of [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) (12.2 points and 5.2 assists per night), but must improve a defense which has allowed 90.6 points per game, second-most in the league.

 

### [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-zalgiris-kaunas/E2024/200/)

An all-green battle between two teams eager to bounce back will see joint-third Panathinaikos (13-9) host a Zalgiris team (11-11) just outside the playoff zone. The Lithuanian team is coming off [a defeat at Fenerbahce](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hayes-davis-biberovic-lead-fenerbahce-turnaround-against-zalgiris-98-86/) where 24 points from [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) – including a club record quarter total of 19 in the second frame alone – was not enough to secure a prestigious road win. Most importantly, Zalgiris lost its usual defensive toughness as Fenerbahce scored 64 points in the second half and the visitor faces the tough task of offering more resistance against a hungry Panathinaikos. The reigning champ lost twice in Spain last week, [at Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/parker-leads-barcelona-past-the-greens-82-73/) and [Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-holds-off-panathinaikos-91-77/), and will look to control the paint through in-form [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) who has recorded at least 11 points and 7 rebounds in four consecutive games.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Grant vs. Francisco

### [Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/virtus-segafredo-bologna-as-monaco/E2024/201/)

After damaging Bayern’s playoff push last time out, Virtus (7-15) will now look to do the same against struggling Monaco (13-9). The Roca Team has lost three in a row after [Friday’s overtime loss at Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-forces-monaco-into-submission-in-overtime-88-82/), where big man [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) delivered a season-high 16 points but didn’t receive enough support. [Virtus’s win in Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/toko-shengelia-stars-as-virtus-stuns-bayern-at-sap-garden-72-82/) was powered by 20 points on 7-of-11 two-point shooting from veteran leader [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), who will relish his battle for inside dominance with Motiejunas. [Monaco cruised to victory, 101-85](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-makes-light-work-of-virtus-101-85/), in this season’s first meeting between the teams, led by 20 points and 6 assists from [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) – who will be targeting a return to form after shooting just 1-of-8 from the field last time out.

### [Real Madrid vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/real-madrid-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2024/202/)

An all-Spanish affair will see Real Madrid (12-10) attempt to kickstart another winning run with a visit from former coach Pablo Laso’s Baskonia (9-13). Real needs to recover its efficiency and its discipline after a bad-tempered [home loss to Olympiacos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dominates-real-in-statement-making-win-86-96/) last time out and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) – who could be joined in the backcourt by new signing [Dennis Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-signs-ex-nba-guard-dennis-smith-jr/) – will look to return to his usual form after being held to 7 points and 4 assists in that game. Baskonia boosted both its confidence and its playoff chances by [downing Panathinaikos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-holds-off-panathinaikos-91-77/) last time out, with [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) continuing his best form of the season with 20 points and 7 boards. [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) also returned from injury – albeit scoring just 1 point – and his shooting skills will be required to take a huge road victory.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Hezonja vs. Moneke

## Friday, January 24

### [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-fc-barcelona/E2024/205/)

Inconsistent ASVEL (10-12) will attempt to narrow the gap to the top 10 by ending Barcelona’s (13-9) four-game winning streak. The Spanish team climbed to a share of third place by [downing Panathinaikos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/parker-leads-barcelona-past-the-greens-82-73/) and [Efes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-stops-efes-for-fourth-straight-win-90-80/) at home last week, partly thanks to growing chemistry between bench-boosters [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) (11 points and 6 assists against Efes) and [Chimizie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) (10 points and 6 rebounds last time out). Barca has also greatly improved its defense in recent weeks, and will look to stifle an ASVEL side that needed overtime [to overcome ALBA](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-survives-alba-96-89-in-overtime-thriller/) last time out. Former Barca sharpshooter [Edwin Jackson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/edwin-jackson/000229/) was key with 18 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting. The visiting team leads the league in steals (7.7 per game), so ASVEL star [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/)’s tendency to lose possession (3 turnovers per game) will be tested.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: De Colo vs. Satoransky

### [ALBA Berlin vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/alba-berlin-fc-bayern-munich/E2024/204/)

The German derby will see last-placed ALBA (3-19) attempt to salvage pride with a visit from up-and-down Bayern (12-10). History suggests a victory for Bayern, which has won nine of the 10 EuroLeague matchups with ALBA and cruised home [115-88 in Round 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-puts-on-offensive-show-in-115-86-rout-of-alba/) behind a double-double from [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) (12 points, 11 assists). Bayern’s leading scorer [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) has been below par recently, making just 1 of his 8 three-pointers in last week’s home loss to Virtus, so he’ll seek a return to form against an ALBA defense that has allowed more points than any other team (92 per game). Bayern also has defensive struggles, allowing 88.2 points per night, so ALBA will look to take advantage through in-form shooter [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/), who has drained 13 triples in the last four games.

### [Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/olympiacos-piraeus-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2024/206/)

First hosts second in a mouthwatering matchup in Piraeus as Olympiacos (16-6) and Fenerbahce (14-7) put their winning runs on the line. The Reds have taken seven straight following last week's Spanish triumphs at [Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-wins-overtime-thriller-at-baskonia-101-102/) and [Real](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dominates-real-in-statement-making-win-86-96/), where [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) was unstoppable with 22 and 28 points on 13-of-16 three-pointers. Fenerbahce had to show character to come from behind and [beat Zalgiris at home ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hayes-davis-biberovic-lead-fenerbahce-turnaround-against-zalgiris-98-86/)on Friday, inspired by proven leaders [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) (21 points) and [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) (20) to make it four wins in a row. The Turkish team will hope for a repeat of the season-opening home win over the Reds, when the rebounding power of [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) (10 points, 9 rebounds) helped seal an 82-71 outcome. But Olympiacos big men [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) both missed that game, and their presence will make the Reds a different proposition this time around.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Vezenkov vs. Hayes-Davis

While the EuroLeague at large is embracing the three-point shot as much as ever, pull-up jump shooting remains the part of that equation that teams vary on the most. 

Stats review: Efficiency on pull-up jump shots

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) has risen a game and a half clear of the field in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings following the double-round week, but the Reds took a unique route to their road wins over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Real Madrid. Averaging 11.8 points on pull-up jump shots per game coming into the week, the Greek club poured in 52 points on dribble jumpers alone over their pair of victories.

While the EuroLeague at large is embracing the three-point shot as much as ever, pull-up jump shooting remains the part of that equation that teams vary on the most. Whereas every team is working hard to create open looks in the corners, their pull-up shooting often gives an insight into their personnel, rules around shot selection, overall approach on the offensive end or, in the case of Olympiacos, how resilient they can be when the moment calls for it.

The table above ranks this season’s most efficient pull-up jump shooting teams, with some details about the volume of dribble jumpers they attempt and what percentage of those shots come from beyond the arc. 

Olympiacos has an interesting profile as it ranks among the least aggressive teams shooting off the dribble but attempts one of the highest percentages from beyond the arc – the Reds are not hesitant to rise and fire from the perimeter off the dribble, but they resist the urge in mid-range spots. Olympiacos attempts the second-fewest mid-range jumpers in the EuroLeague, and given they have made both 37% of their pull-up two-pointers and three-pointers, their shot selection lands them near the top of the list above.

Interestingly, the two other teams attempting the highest proportion of their pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc fall on different ends of the spectrum. While [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) leads the league in pull-up three-pointers attempted by a wide margin this season and makes them at a rate that certainly supports that approach, the team taking the highest volume of their pull-ups from beyond the arc ranks towards the bottom of the EuroLeague in efficiency shooting off the dribble – shot selection can only take teams so far at the moment.

The table above paints that picture vividly as the three teams tied for taking the most pull-up jumpers all appear, and while Bayern is not fond of the mid-range, [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) and [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) both embrace long twos. While Maccabi attempts nearly three times as many pull-up two-pointers per game than Olympiacos, at nearly 10 per game, they convert a serviceable 44% of them as their accuracy does justify that approach in many games.

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) is making a tremendous 49% of their mid-range jumpers, which has them knocking on the door for the league average in overall offensive efficiency with one of the game’s least efficient shots in recent seasons. Couple that with their 37% shooting on pull-up three-pointers, which trails only Bayern, Olympiacos, and [Zagiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/), and their placement at the top of this list tracks with their all-around consistency.

Individually, Panathinaikos's [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) has a lot to do with his team’s shooting efficiency, though [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/)'s [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) maintains a slight lead in points per game. Olympiacos's [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) sits third in points scored per game pulling up off the dribble, in part because he poured in 25 points on pull-up jumpers alone last week. 

Olympiacos's Evan Fournier netted 25 points on pull-up jumpers alone last week

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Look back at all the action from Round 21 and 22 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!