Real Madrid Baloncesto and Olympiacos B.C. face off in Round 23 in a rematch of last season's EuroLeague Championship Game.

Wounded Real Madrid Baloncesto welcomes undermanned Olympiacos B.C. to WiZink Center

Fixtures between Real Madrid and Olympiacos Piraeus have taken on a whole new level of intrigue following what happened in Kaunas, Lithuania, last May. Just as it looked like the Reds were going to win their fourth Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophy, victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat by a Real side that refused to wilt, with [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) scoring the crucial title-winning basket [to secure a 78-79 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/championship-game-blog-olympiacos-piraeus-vs-real-madrid/) with 3 seconds to go.

To make matters worse, a red-hot atmosphere was on show at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Round 12 of this current campaign when Olympiacos hosted Real. It was their first meeting since the championship game, but *Los Blancos* had an easier ride this time as they came away with a 71-77 triumph.

### Los Blancos without two key contributors

Some good news for Olympiacos fans is that they will not have to be reminded of that shot – or not much, at least – as Llull is out indefinitely with a foot injury. Another player who became a nightmare for Reds supporters was [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), but he is another who will miss Thursday night’s Round 23 clash with an ankle injury.

On top of the absences of Llull and Tavares, Real may also be without the services of [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/), a player who didn’t feature in last year’s championship game due to suspension. He is dealing with a knee strain and his status for Real’s game against Olympiacos is uncertain. Fortunately for Real, it welcomed back [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) last week; otherwise, that would have been another big name who is unavailable.

### The Milutinov injury

Things are not all rosy for Olympiacos, however. On top of the injury to [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/), who [has a knee problem and is expected to be out until early February](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacoss-fall-to-miss-three-weeks-with-knee-injury/), fellow center [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) – coming off a monster 20-point, 20-rebound double-double last week – [suffered an ankle injury against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/nikola-milutinov-suffers-ankle-injury/) in the Greek League on Monday and is ruled out for the Reds’ trip to WiZink Center.

Not having Fall was already resulting in Milutinov playing more minutes, but now Olympiacos is without its two top options at the center position. Therefore, there is a golden opportunity for [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) to finally announce himself in an Olympiacos jersey. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas, however, may think outside the box, particularly given Real will be without the three-time EuroLeague Best Defender, Tavares.

Once Milutinov had to withdraw from the Greek derby on Monday, Bartzokas tested [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) at the “five” position. As 3StepsBasket points out, Olympiacos actually outscored Panathinaikos by 10 points (9-19) in the 6:30 minutes that Papanikolaou played at center, so perhaps we could see him trialed in this position if the Reds go for a small-ball lineup.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a>&#39;s successful stint with Papanikolaou at the &quot;5&quot; against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a>.<br><br>In just 6.5 minutes, they outscored PAO by 10 points (9-19). While the sample is small, K-Pap definitely showcased some skills.<br><br>What do you think, could he be another player transitioning from 3 to 5? <a href="https://t.co/XfLvx7ld7r">pic.twitter.com/XfLvx7ld7r</a></p>&mdash; 3StepsBasket (@3StepsBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/3StepsBasket/status/1750119779870875681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There may be extra pressure on Olympiacos’s ball handlers, too, if [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/), who joined the Reds from Real last summer after winning his first EuroLeague title, cannot overcome a bicep issue. Coach Bartzokas has had to deal with injuries all season, and it is a similar story heading into Round 23.

### A wounded Real Madrid

Perhaps, though, this is the perfect time for Olympiacos to take on Real. Last week, head coach Chus Mateo saw his squad suffer a beatdown on the road at AS Monaco, as Mike James – one of the favorites for the MVP award – put on a clinic [in a 98-74 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-as-monaco-basket-vs-real-madrid-baloncesto/). That was Real’s heaviest defeat in three years and, without Tavares anchoring the defense, Olympiacos may have the chance to pile more misery on the reigning champion.

Real's Injured anchor Walter Tavares may be missed after dominating the paint with a club-record 19 rebounds in an overtime victory over Valencia. They journey to a stuttering Monaco roster that appears to be clinging onto a place in the top ten after losing three of the last four and in need of consistency.

AS Monaco-Real Madrid | Round 22 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

However, to achieve that, Olympiacos would have to become the first team to beat Real at WiZink this season. As we can all remember, Anadolu Efes Istanbul came close to doing just that, but *Los Blancos* were the side that ended up coming out on top after a quadruple-overtime classic. Real is the only team in the EuroLeague yet to taste defeat on its home floor, going 10-0, but [the Reds did win 87-89 in Madrid last season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/report-madrid-olympiacos-2223tae/) and have shown glimpses that they are starting to find their groove in recent weeks.

### Watch out for Alec Peters

One player who has been particularly impressive all season long for Olympiacos is [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/), who played just 4:28 minutes in last season’s semifinal victory against AS Monaco and not a single second in the championship game. Admittedly, he did have EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov in his way, but Peters has shown this season that can fill the Bulgarian’s void after his departure to the Sacramento Kings of the NBA.

Across 37 games last season, of which three were as a starter, Peters posted 4.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and a 4.5 PIR in an average of 13:13 minutes on the floor. This season, he has started all 21 of the games he has played in and averaged 15.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and a 17.1 PIR in 27:43 minutes. Olympiacos may be without its two main centers, but having Peters healthy means Coach Bartzokas can call upon one of his main weapons.

The best plays of Olympiacos Piraeus forward Alec Peters through the first 22 rounds of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Peters's top plays this season

### A tough battle in store

The interesting element to having so many key players absent is the fact that this game is even harder to call. Who will step up in their absence? Which team will notice the injuries more? These are all questions that we can’t answer until the ball goes up in the air.

Nevertheless, there are still a ton of talented players who are available across the two rosters – and it’s always a lot of fun whenever Real and Olympiacos go to battle. Thursday night is going to be no different, so make sure to tune in from 20:45 CET to see how it all plays out.

Game News

Real Madrid's Eli Ndiaye is defended by Olympiacos Piraeus's Alec Peters in Round 12 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Several key players are set to miss this Round 23 clash, but those absences provide an opportunity for others to step up in a repeat of last year’s championship game.

Wounded Real Madrid welcomes undermanned Olympiacos to WiZink Center

Real Madrid v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-01-25T19:45:00.000Z)


Check out some bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Round 23 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

 Bold predictions for Round 23

### Fenerbahce will overcomes injuries to beat Virtus 

*by Javier Gancedo*

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is expected to face Virtus Segafredo Bologna without five forwards: Nigel Hayes-Davis, DyShawn Pierre, Nate Sestina, Tarik Biberovic and Metecan Birsen. Despite playing against a team that ranks higher in the standings, Fenerbahce has enough versatility to find answers to its injury problems. Head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius will be forced to use a small lineup with three guards together on court but Virtus lacks a star small forward that would give the guests some sort of advantage. Johnathan Motley is set to see extended playing time at the power forward position. Motley already played well against Virtus in Round 10, getting season highs of 25 points and 31 PIR, and so should take advantage of Toko Shengelia's absence for Virtus. Fenerbahce comes off a convincing 30-point home victory in the Turkish League and should stay as strong even without most of its forwards.

Johnathan Motley of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul had season-highs of 25 points and 31 PIR in Round 10 against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Virtus beat Fenerbahce 87-79.

Motley had season-high game against Virtus

### Efes will continue rising higher

*by Frank Lawlor*

One team that seems to be coming together finally is Anadolu Efes Istanbul, as evidenced by a 24-point home win against FC Barcelona last week. I expect Efes to keep on that upward trajectory despite a visit on Friday from always-tough AS Monaco. One of the few early-season bright spots for Efes was an 84-89 road win in the principality, and after retooling due to injuries, the recent two-time champions have only gotten better. Tibor Pleiss is proving his unique value again. Elijah Bryant is playing strong. Will Clyburn and Derek Willis are back in the lineup. Big men Tyrique Jones and Dan Oturu are meshing well.  And Shane Larkin, of course, is being the leader he has always been. Let's not forget Rodrigue Beaubois, whom Monaco star Mike James cited as one of his most difficult defenders to face. Efes has a 7-3 home record despite all the injuries, and I expect that to be 8-3 after Friday's game.

Red-hot Monaco aim for a sixth straight win against an Efes team hoping a victory over Zalgiris proves to be the start of a renaissance. There are stars galore in the backcourt as Mike James and Elie Okobo go up against Shane Larkin and Darius Thompson, but whose talents will come to the fore here?

AS Monaco-Anadolu Efes Istanbul | Round 8 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Four teams will reach 10 wins, tighten playoff race

*by Igor Petrinovic*

Not only will I double down on my colleague's prediction that Efes will keep its winning streak going, but I see its three fellow nine-win teams – Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and FC Bayern Munich – all winning this week, too. As such, all four would reach 10 victories and make the crazy playoff race even crazier as a total of 15 teams would have 10 or more wins with 11 rounds remaining. For that to happen, FC Bayern Munich will have to take care of visiting LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Crvena Zvezda will have to overcome Milos Teodosic's absence in Berlin against ALBA. It will be tricky, but at the end of the day, I think both Bayern and Zvezda will get the job done, as will Milan, avoiding a three-game losing streak by beating FC Barcelona on Friday night to complete a season-sweep of that classic rivalry.

### Mike James will take a big step towards all-time scorer crown

*by Geoff Gillingham*

Mike James isn't just my frontrunner to win the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP prize, but I also think he will become the league's all-time top scorer this season. The 33-year-old needs just 108 points to pass ex-Olympiacos Piraeus legend Vassilis Spanoulis in first, and 36 to pass LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne's Nando De Colo in second. Not only is James a far better scorer than De Colo these days, but he has shown in recent seasons that he can impact winning in a far greater way than the Frenchman, too. Against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 23, I predict James to have a stellar night scoring-wise and trim the gap with both Spanoulis and De Colo. History is in James's hands, and I believe he'll take another big step towards achieving this feat when Monaco travels to take on Efes on Friday evening.

Mike James had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 steals as AS Monaco beat Real Madrid 98-74 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

James's highlights vs. Real Madrid

### Partizan's streak will continue

*by Frankie Sachs*

The home team has won each of the last five times in which Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has taken the floor. Unfortunately for head coach Zeljko Obradovic's men, only two of those games were home games. On the one hand, it's not so bold to pick a home winner; only two teams (Real Madrid and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz) have winning records on the road this season. However, Zalgiris Kaunas has claimed road wins already this season in Bologna, Vitoria, Milan and Valencia and three of those teams are in the playoff zone. And under new boss Andrea Trinchieri – a former Partizan head coach – Zalgiris appears to be on the upswing, having won two of its last three games and three of the last five. But Partizan is expected to have both Kevin Punter and Aleksa Avramovic back. And while that may not be great for PJ Dozier fantasy owners, it's fantastic for the Grobari. Partizan should win comfortably at Stark Arena on Friday.  

Check out some bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Round 23 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

 Bold predictions for Round 23 

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Valencia Basket (2024-01-26T19:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-01-26T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v FC Barcelona (2024-01-26T19:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v AS Monaco (2024-01-26T17:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-01-25T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-01-25T19:05:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-01-25T19:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-01-25T17:45:00.000Z)

Fenerbahçe Beko and Virtus Bologna go head-to-head in the first fixture of Round 23 in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Fenerbahçe Beko and Virtus Bologna tip off Round 23 in style

Two teams currently occupying two of the direct spots for the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs are set to go against each other in Round 23, as Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (13-9) hosts Virtus Segafredo Bologna (15-7) at Ulker Sports and Event Hall on Thursday.

### Fenerbahce's injury problems

All of a sudden, Fenerbahce could be without any of the forwards in its usual rotation, as [Dyshawn Pierre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dyshawn-pierre/010560/) and [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) are sidelined. Hayes-Davis ranks second in minutes played per game (32:45) and Pierre (22:33) has started in all 16 games he has been available for.

It gets worse, as [Nate Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nathan-sestina/profile/011980/) and [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) are also ruled out after also missing their team's Round 22 game against Zalgiris Kaunas. They join another forward on the sidelines, with [Metecan Birsen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/metecan-birsen/003091/) having not even stepped on the court this season. That's five of Fenerbahce's usual options at the two forward positions sidelined. So, how can head coach Saras Jasikevicius solve this major problem?

Johnathan Motley of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul played at the '4' and '5' spots against Zalgiris Kaunas.

Johnathan Motley: 15 points against Zalgiris

Fenerbahce quickly went to the market [to sign Amine Noua to a short-term deal](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-bolsters-lineup-by-signing-amine-noua/). He has been registered in time to play in Round 23, so he adds a much-needed body for Coach Jasikevicius. A stretch power forward with athleticism and deep range, Noua has what it takes to make an immediate impact.

With 19-year-old forward [Hamza Mestoglu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/hamza-mestoglu/012724/) also unavailable due to injury, one round after making his EuroLeague debut, [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) and [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) should see minutes at power forward, while [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) is his team's first option at small forward. Expect Fenerbahce to use a lineup with three scoring guards and a couple of centers — and still be very competitive.

**Virtus: Dealing without Shengelia**

Just one game without [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) allowed Virtus fans to see how important he is to their team. With Shengelia unavailable, Virtus struggled against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Round 22, trailing 48-56 with under 8 minutes remaining. A wild put-back dunk by [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) sparked a 14-0 run which allowed the Italian side to take the lead for good, 62-56. Despite scoring 28 points in the final 10 minutes, Virtus finished the game with 73 points, its second-lowest score of the season. Virtus got used to Shengelia's speed and ball handling and, without him, it was forced to play more five-on-five offense than coach Luca Banchi's team is used to.

Jordan Mickey and Achille Polonara of Virtus Segafredo Bologna saw playing time at the '4' position, replacing injured Toko Shengelia against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Mickey, Polonara step up in Round 22

Without Shengelia ready to run the floor and finish on the break or in transition, Virtus had to change its playing style a little bit. It took 31 three-point shots, way more than its season average (26.0). Virtus dished 16 assists, matching its season low at home and under its season average (19.3 apg.), while it is also less than ASVEL recorded (18).

In the absence of Shengelia, Polonara is Virtus's main option at power forward, with [Awudu Abass](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/awudu-abass/003527/) ready to help if Coach Banchi goes for a small lineup, or [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) and [Jordan Mickey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-mickey/008847/) playing together in a double-center lineup. Either way, both teams have to make a lot of adjustments, which makes this game even more attractive from a tactical standpoint.

**A promising backcourt battle**

With so many frontcourt absences, both teams' backcourts will have more expectations on their shoulders in this game. That was not the case when both teams met in Round 10 for the first time this season, when Virtus beat Fenerbahce 87-79 at home behind 15 points from Shengelia. Motley led Fenerbahce with 25 points. [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) was limited to just 8 points, one shy of his season low. Fenerbahce was without [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/), and its two main backcourt scorers, [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) and Guduric, combined for 22 points on 6-of-22 field goal attempts.

Fenerbahce hit 104 of 250 attempts since 'Saras' arrived (41.6%), and had buried 133 of 368 shots from downtown (36.1%) before he joined the team.

Guduric, Wilbekin, Dorsey make it rain

It should be a very different game on Thursday evening. Dorsey has averaged 16.3 points in the last four games, and Wilbekin scored 30 points in Round 21 against FC Bayern Munich and 22 in Round 22 against Zalgiris, averaging a PIR of 25.5.

Virtus's backcourt has also stepped up in recent games. Star playmaker [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/) had 19 points and a PIR of 29 in Round 22 against ASVEL, Belinelli has been just fantastic all season (14.7 ppg., 42.3% 3FG) and, unlike in Round 10, Coach Banchi can count on [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) (9.0 ppg., 44.9% 3FG), whose deep range and explosiveness can be decisive in any given game.

Speaking of three-pointers, Fenerbahce has hit 104-of-250 attempts since Saras arrived (41.6%), and had buried 133-of-368 shots from downtown (36.1%) before he joined the team.

This is a high-profile game between two teams wanting to stay in the upper part of the standings in front of what surely will be a really great crowd. Tune in at 18:45 CET and enjoy a great showdown!

Virtus Segafredo Bologna guard Daniel Hackett is chased by Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's Scottie Wilbekin when the two teams met earlier in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

A game with playoff implications takes place in Istanbul on Thursday evening (18:45 CET)

Fenerbahce and Virtus tip off Round 23 in style

Luigi Lamonica, who decided to call time on a 21-year career as a EuroLeague referee after the 2022 Final Four, is the second guest to appear in the fifth season of A Quarter with Kyle Hines.

A Quarter with Kyle Hines: Luigi Lamonica provides a referee’s perspective

Luigi Lamonica, who decided to call time on a 21-year career as a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague referee after the 2022 Final Four, is the second guest to appear in the fifth season of [A Quarter with Kyle Hines.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/podcasts/) During a 30-minute discussion, Hines and Lamonica reflect on the Italian’s experiences as a referee, what made him want to take up this role in the first place, the best moments from his EuroLeague career, and much more. Over the course of the conversation, Hines – and the wider public – get to hear firsthand about the preparation that goes into becoming a EuroLeague referee and how it isn’t quite as simple as some would imagine.

The legendary retired official offers plenty of insight during a half-hour conversation.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Mike Scott have struck up a friendship at LDLC ASVEL, which they hope will result in the team making a late surge up the EuroLeague standings.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Mike Scott: Two friends hoping to improve LDLC ASVEL

This is the first year that [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) and [Mike Scott](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/) are playing alongside one another, but the [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/carousels/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22asv%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=LDLC%20ASVEL%20Villeurbanne) duo have already struck up a friendship that they hope will result in more wins on the court.

The 4-18 ASVEL is on to [its third head coach of the season](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/asvel-pozzecco-part-ways-after-two-months/), with Pierric Poupet having gone 1-2 in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague so far, but Luwawu-Cabarrot confirms that there is a good comradery between the squad.

“Everyone gets along, we all joke on each other, laugh at each other, go out and have dinners, movies, play cards. It’s like a brotherhood,” Luwawu-Cabarrot says.

### A friendship created at ASVEL

Luwawu-Cabarrot spent six years in the NBA across five franchises between 2016 and 2022, while Scott had nine years in the association across four clubs. The current ASVEL teammates never played alongside each other in the NBA, but it didn’t take long for them to strike up a friendship at the Lyon-based club.

“I used to joke with him because, playing \[against\] him in the league (NBA), he really couldn’t show his offensive package, his offensive skills,” Scott notes. “But I got to see his game a little bit more. He works on his game a lot, he’s in the gym, he’s one of the first guys in the gym, so I really got to see his game flourish. He’s been impressive.”

For Luwawu-Cabarrot, he only had positive words to say about Scott, who is in the midst of his debut season in the EuroLeague.

“He’s great. He’s been talking to the young guys since the beginning of the season, trying to help them,” the Frenchman comments. “He’s been trying to figure it out himself, but he had nine years in the NBA, so we knew eventually that he’d figure it out.”

Scott has been particularly impressed by the competitiveness of the EuroLeague, even echoing the league’s slogan when offering his thoughts.

“The culture of the basketball, I think every game really matters,” he notes. “It’s like a playoff game every single game in the EuroLeague, so it’s much more intense, more physical.”

### Turning this season around

ASVEL sits rock bottom of the standings, albeit tied with 17th-placed ALBA Berlin with a 4-18 record, but Scott and Luwawu-Cabarrot remain confident that the French team has what it takes to make a late surge.

“I feel like the competitiveness is there, the unselfishness on both ends is there,” Scott states. “We’re in all our games, so if we can get rid of those mental mistakes, I feel like we’ll win more.”

“Top 10, I think, this is our goal,” Luwawu-Cabarrot adds. “This is where we want to be and where I think we can be. We didn’t have the start of the season we wanted to have, but like I said, we’re going to get better and better, we’re going to bring this group together and play better games.”

More ASVEL News

This is the first year that Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Mike Scott are playing alongside one another, but the LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne duo have already struck up a friendship that they hope will result in more wins in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Mike Scott: Two friends hoping to improve ASVEL

The two former NBA players have good chemistry both on and off the court.

Saski Baskonia has signed Jordan Theodore on a deal until the end of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Saski Baskonia adds Jordan Theodore to its roster

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has added to its options at the guard position by signing [Jordan Theodore](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-theodore/007946/) on a deal until the end of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. Theodore (1.83 meters, 34 years old) has one year of experience in the EuroLeague, having averaged 11.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and an 11.0 PIR for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in the 2017-18 campaign. The veteran point guard joins from French top-flight side Metropolitans 92, where he posted 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steal in 12 French League games this season.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🚨 ¡OFICIAL! | Jordan Theodore, refuerzo para la dirección de juego baskonista 🏀<br><br>📎 <a href="https://t.co/PZblHQEQKP">https://t.co/PZblHQEQKP</a><br><br>Ongi Etorri, Jordan! 🔵🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OngiEtorriJordan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OngiEtorriJordan</a> <a href="https://t.co/18hsD8Rykv">pic.twitter.com/18hsD8Rykv</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1750107943687643279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

The addition of Theodore comes after guard [Chris Chiozza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-chiozza/012765/) was diagnosed with a sprained right knee. Theodore is a player that Baskonia head coach Dusko Ivanovic knows well, as he played under the Montenegrin's orders at Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul during the first half of the 2018-19 season.

### He has EuroCup experience, too

In addition to his one season in the EuroLeague, the American-born guard has also spent three years in the BKT EuroCup. Theodore suited up for UNICS Kazan in the competition between 2019 and 2021, before playing for Umana Reyer Venice in the 2021-22 campaign. 

He was part of the UNICS side that reached the 2020-21 EuroCup Finals, where it lost the series 2-0 to AS Monaco. Despite losing in those finals, Theodore posted 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and a 24.5 PIR in those two games against Monaco.

The best plays of Jordan Theodore in the BKT EuroCup with UNICS Kazan (2019-21) and Umana Reyer Venice (2021-22).

Theodore's top EuroCup plays

Theodore has also played for Antalya BSB, Mersin BSB and Banvit in Turkiye, Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, Huracanes del Atlantico in the Dominican Republic, Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in France, Skyliners Frankfurt in Germany, AEK Athens in Greece, and Samara in Russia.

More Baskonia News

New Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz signing Jordan Theodore in action for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in the 2017-18 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The club has brought in the veteran point guard following an injury to Chris Chiozza.

Baskonia adds Jordan Theodore to its roster

Real Madrid Baloncesto and Olympiacos B.C. face off again, eight months after last season's epic EuroLeague Championship Game in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Real Madrid Baloncesto vs. Olympiacos B.C. rematch: ‘Everybody was sure he was going to take the shot’

Last season’s [Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/championship-game-blog-olympiacos-piraeus-vs-real-madrid/) is one that will forever be remembered for [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/)’s game-winning shot. For [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/carousels/real-madrid/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22mad%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Real%20Madrid), it was another example of the EuroLeague’s winningest team snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. For [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/carousels/olympiacos-piraeus/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22oly%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Olympiacos%20Piraeus), it was a punch in the gut that came after a season of playing near-perfect basketball.

Ahead of Real hosting Olympiacos in Round 23, some of the key protagonists from that epic final have reflected on how winning or losing affected them.

“Olympiacos finished the season playing an amazing game and playing like a machine. It was very difficult to beat them,” says Real boss Chus Mateo.

“The toughness of the team and the mentality… our group felt together and we feel very proud about that,” added [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/), who led Real in PIR (23) in last year’s championship game with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists and 1 steal.

### The shot

Olympiacos led 78-72 with 2:13 minutes to go after [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/)’s jumper from the left baseline, and it looked like the Reds were on their way towards securing their fourth EuroLeague crown. But, Rodriguez scored 5 straight points to make it a 1-point ballgame, 78-77, with 46 seconds remaining. Real called a timeout with 12 seconds on the clock and what Llull did next was historic.

“We called a timeout and I asked Sergi: ‘Do you want the ball?’” Coach Mateo recalls. “And he told me: ‘Yes.’ Everybody was sure that he was going to take the shot.”

“He’s been in that situation many times,” Rodriguez says of Llull. “We knew that we got that opportunity at that moment. I was 100% confident on the outcome of the shot.”

### The other side of the coin

With elation comes devastation. Olympiacos still had a chance to flip the script as there were 3 seconds remaining, but [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/)’s off-balanced jumper hit the rim and bounced into the arms of [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/), who returned to the Reds this summer after spending two years at Real.

“It’s really difficult to overcome the feeling of losing a game like that, missing the title, but that’s basketball,” notes Olympiacos head coach Georgios Bartzokas. “Sometimes, you realize that’s life.

“We are talking about an effort of 10 months, working every day, motivating ourselves, playing together until the final, and we lost the last game. It was a heartbreaking feeling.”

It was the same feeling for Olympiacos team captain [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/), although he remembered how the Reds also won on [Georgios Printezis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-printezis/amm/)’s game-winning shot back in the 2012 championship game against CSKA Moscow.

“Of course, \[it was a\] huge disappointment,” comments Papanikolaou. “That’s the first thing that comes to your mind. To be so close, almost one hand on the trophy, it’s painful. But this is the beauty of the sport. That’s how it is. That’s why we all love this sport.

“Let’s not forget that we – as Olympiacos – have been on the other side of history, too, in 2012, because I was part of that team. I’ve been on that side of history, too.”

Games between Real and Olympiacos always guarantee entertainment, but in recent seasons, even more so.

Last season’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game is one that will forever be remembered for Sergio Llull’s game-winning shot. For Real Madrid, it was another example of the EuroLeague’s winningest team snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. For Olympiacos Piraeus, it was a punch in the gut after a season of playing near-perfect basketball. Hear from some of the key protagonists as they reflect on that game ahead of their reunion in Round 23.

Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos rematch: ‘Everybody was sure he was going to take the shot’

The two powerhouses come head-to-head once again at WiZink Center on Thursday night.

Eurohoops presents the third edition of the 2023-24 EuroLeague MVP Ladder.

 EuroLeague 2023-24 MVP Ladder by Eurohoops: Vol. 3 

To the surprise of no one, the usual suspects who have established a spot on the top three of the Eurohoops EuroLeague MVP Ladder – Mike James, Facu Campazzo, Tornike Shengelia – simply don't let go. They all have had their fair share of ups and downs in some stretches during the previous rounds but also displayed their brilliance several times when needed, and so are still leading the pack.

There's a new entry in this edition that comes naturally together with this player's team climbing the standings all the way to the first four places.

[MORE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1617137/euroleague-2023-24-mvp-ladder-by-eurohoops-vol-3)

EuroLeague 2023-24 MVP Ladder by Eurohoops: Vol. 3

In a key battle between the teams in fifth and third place, Fenerbahce (13-9) will look to bounce back from last week’s heavy loss at Zalgiris by overcoming a Virtus team (15-7) that ended a two-game losing run by outlasting ASVEL. 

Preview: Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/201/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs23-game-facts-ulk-vir/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs23-game-notes-ulk-vir/) | Q[uotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs23-pregame-quotes-ulk-vir/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-23/)

The Italian team can also seal the head-to-head advantage between them after beating Fener 87-79 earlier this season, with [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) – who missed last week’s game – contributing 15 points and 8 rebounds. Saras Jasikevicius’s men had only [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) and [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) in double digits in the pummeling at Zalgiris and will also aim for a major defensive improvement after allowing 25 assists in that defeat. Virtus will look to punish any defensive frailty through the scoring power of [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), who averages 2.7 triples per game.

[Fenerbahce Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/statistics/ulk/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Virtus Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/statistics/vir/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Wilbekin and Belinelli are ready to shoot the lights out in this outstanding matchup.

Progressing Virtus aim to strengthen its position in the playoffs places when welcoming stuttering Fenerbahce, which has dropped its last three decisions while battling a spate of injuries. The long-range threats of Toko Shengelia and Scottie Wilbekin could prove crucial to the outcome.

Wounded Real Madrid welcomes undermanned Olympiacos to WiZink Center

Bold predictions for Round 23

Fenerbahce and Virtus tip off Round 23 in style

A Quarter with Kyle Hines: Luigi Lamonica provides a referee’s perspective

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Mike Scott: Two friends hoping to improve ASVEL

Baskonia adds Jordan Theodore to its roster

Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos rematch: ‘Everybody was sure he was going to take the shot’

EuroLeague 2023-24 MVP Ladder by Eurohoops: Vol. 3

Fenerbahce hosts Virtus in big Round 23 opener