Join Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs for the latest edition of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, which focuses on Round 23 of the 2023-24 season.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Bouncing back in style

It was a very different week for [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) Podcast co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs. Round 21 was a disaster but both of them scored over 200 points in Round 22 and are looking better now. Injuries have made the game harder to [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) managers and Round 23 promises to be a pivotal one.

Heading into Round 23, Gancedo and Sachs discuss about the best choices at forwards and centers, including Vincent Poirier of Real Madrid and Chima Moneke of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Another interesting topic of discussion is the matchup between Shane Larkin of Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Mike James of AS Monaco, the most expensive players in the game. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever podcasts are available for ideas about how to build your team this week.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Bouncing back in style

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanction pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 22 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season.

Round 22 disciplinary sanction

- Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for the repeated throwing of objects onto the playing court on the occasion of its home game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz under Article 29.2.h) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code

Olympiacos Piraeus center Nikola Milutinov suffered an ankle injury during Sunday night’s Greek League derby against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens that is expected to sideline him for several weeks. 

Nikola Milutinov suffers ankle injury

Olympiacos Piraeus center [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) suffered an ankle injury during Sunday night’s Greek League derby against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens that is expected to sideline him for several weeks. Milutinov collided with teammate Kostas Papanikolaou and went down in pain. He had to be helped off the court.

The 29-year-old center is coming off a dominant performance in which he posted 20 points and 20 rebounds against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv last week to claim Round 22 MVP honors. He has averaged 8.7 points and 5.8 rebounds for a PIR of 15.3 in 20 appearances this season.

More Olympiacos news

The Olympiacos Piraeus center left the court in pain during Sunday night’s Greek League derby.

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

Olimpia Milano center Kyle Hines, a four-time EuroLeague champion, looks through a number of key photos from his illustrious career.

Kyle Hines, Olimpia Milano: ‘Little did I know that this game would start a 14-year journey…’

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan center [Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kyle-hines/002812/) has been there and done it all. Now in his 14th season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the four-time champion has reflected on some of his key moments to date in Europe’s premier club basketball competition.

It all started for the 37-year-old Hines back on October 20, 2010, as he made his EuroLeague debut for Brose Baskets Bamberg. As he explains, his European adventure actually began one season before as he played for Italian club Veroli Basket, not far from Rome, from 2008 to 2010. Interestingly, Hines’s first EuroLeague game came in the Italian capital as his new Bamberg side took on Lottomatica Roma.

“I had watched my very first EuroLeague game in that same arena,” Hines reflects. “Little did I know that this game would start a 14-year journey that I’m still in the middle of… or towards the end of right now, depending on who you ask.”

### Starting his EuroLeague legacy

After making a big impact in 10 games off the bench for Bamberg, Olympiacos Piraeus soon came calling. Hines’s first season with the Reds could not have gone better as the club won just its second EuroLeague title. Having been down by 19 points to CSKA Moscow in the championship game in Istanbul, Turkiye, Olympiacos rallied before winning on Georgios Printezis’s last-second shot.

“This second picture means a whole lot right here. This is when we won the EuroLeague title, the first time I won the EuroLeague title, with Olympiacos,” Hines says. “To me, this is one of the best games in EuroLeague history. I’m not just saying that because I was a part of it.

“We were down 19 points and we were able to come back and win this game. Not many people really believed that this team could win a EuroLeague team; I don’t think we even understood. It’s the first EuroLeague, so you never forget your first.”

The following season, which proved to be Hines’s last in an Olympiacos jersey, saw the same result: another EuroLeague success. This time, Hines and the Reds beat Real Madrid 100-88 in the championship game at the 02 Arena in London, England.

“This next one is when we won the EuroLeague title, the second time with Olympiacos, back-to-back in London, England,” he continues. “At the same, we were only the second team in EuroLeague history to win back-to-back. For us to win a EuroLeague title in one of the most famous arenas in the world was definitely special.”

### Captaining a team to EuroLeague glory

Hines left Olympiacos in 2013 and went on to spend the next seven years at CSKA. In addition to becoming a EuroLeague champion for the third time in the 2015-16 season, Hines captained CSKA to EuroLeague glory in the 2018-19 campaign, which added a different sensation to his previous three triumphs.

“This one was really special because I was the captain of the team,” he explains. “There’s nothing like, as the captain of a team, being able to lift the title and lift the trophy over your head with all of your teammates and everybody in attendance. I had a lot of family members there; my wife was there, my son was a little too small, but my daughter was there. That’s a memory that will last forever for all of us.”

### Returning ‘home’

Then, in the summer of 2020, Hines returned to where his professional basketball career began: Italy. Ten years after departing Veroli, Hines signed for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and has played under head coach Ettore Messina ever since.

“I started my career in Italy, so for me, hopefully to have the opportunity to finish my career in Italy, it means a lot to me,” Hines adds. “This club, this city and just Italy as a whole as a country is definitely very special to me.”

More Milan News

Kyle Hines has been there and done it all. Now in his 14th season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the EA7 Emporio Armani Milan center and four-time champion has reflected on some of his key moments to date in Europe’s premier club basketball competition.

Kyle Hines, Milan: ‘Little did I know that this game would start a 14-year journey…’

The four-time EuroLeague champion looks through a number of key photos from his illustrious career.

Check out Javier Gancedo's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge tips for Round 23 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge tips, Round 23: Rising to the occasion

It was a good Round 22 for most [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) managers, with over 8,600 teams getting 200 points or more. Things may be a little bit more difficult in Round 23, however, as some key players are injured and finding out who will do well is a bit harder.

As always, I have some ideas that I would like to share with you. Here are my recommendations before Round 23, so make sure to gain an advantage in your private leagues and, why not, in the overall standings.

Kendrick Nunn, Achille Polonara, P.J. Dozier, Yago Dos Santos and Chima Moneke are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 23

[Yago Dos Santos, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) **(8.6 credits)**

Join the Yagomania! Dos Santos has been sensational of late, getting 26 points, 5 assists and a PIR of 26 in Round 21 against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, before recording 17 points, 14 assists and a PIR of 30 in the Adriatic League this weekend. With Nemanja Nedovic and perhaps Milos Teodosic sidelined, Yago is a very intriguing choice at a cheap price.

[Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) **(10.7 credits)**

Nunn has made an incredible impact since making his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut, but he seems to have gone to another level in recent weeks, contributing a lot on both ends of the floor. In the last two games, Nunn has averaged 21.0 points on 66.7% two-pointers and 100% free throws, 3.0 assists and a PIR of 18.5. Panathinaikos needs to play physical against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, and Nunn is just the right player for that.  

[Chima Moneke, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) **(15.7 credits)**

Some of the competition's elite forwards are sidelined, which makes Moneke a must. He has been playing really well, too, having posted 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and a PIR of 26.5 in his last two EuroLeague games. He also had 26 points and a PIR of 28 in the Spanish League this weekend. Baskonia hosts Valencia Basket and it needs Moneke to keep rolling.  

[Achille Polonara, Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) **(6.7 credits)**

Toko Shengelia is sidelined, which means Polonara is his team's main option at power forward. He plays against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, one of his former teams, and last week amassed 2 points, 9 rebounds and a PIR of 9 in Virtus's come-from-behind win against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. At just 6.7 credits and playing in the first turn, Polonara could be Round 23's X-factor.

[P.J. Dozier, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/perry-dozier-jr/012742/) **(11.6 credits)**

Partizan could not beat Panathinaikos last week, but Dozier had an amazing all-around game. With Kevin Punter and Aleksa Avramovic sidelined, Dozier took matters into his own hands, getting 16 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals for a PIR of 28. Expect Dozier to keep doing a little of everything, this time at home against Zalgiris Kaunas.  

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade guard Yago Dos Santos, one of Javier Gancedo's fantasy picks for Round 23, in action during a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game this season.

Check out my advice for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers.

Fantasy tips, Round 23: Rising to the occasion

Listen to some of the top prospects on the continent, including Nikola Topic and Kasparas Jakucionis, as they experience the 2022-23 ANGT Finals.

ANGT ‘The Future Stars of Gen Z’ documentary is out now!

The Adidas Next Generation Tournament provides a platform for the superstars of tomorrow to showcase their talents, with Gen Z taking center stage during last year’s ANGT Finals in Kaunas, Lithuania. In ‘The Future Stars of Gen Z’ documentary, presented by SKWEEK, you can follow the players’ progress through the tournament as they discuss the importance of the event, what it means for them moving forward, and the lessons they have learned.

Thanks to the support of Adidas and SKWEEK, this documentary provides an opportunity to get inside the mindset of what makes an elite prospect in Europe during the ANGT Finals. In addition to hearing the thoughts of 2006-07 MVP [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) (now of AS Monaco) and 2012-13 MVP [Alberto Abalde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alberto-abalde/003733/) (now of Real Madrid), FC Barcelona guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) also talks about the impact of being on the big stage for the first time.

A couple of stars from last year’s ANGT Finals – who feature prominently during this documentary – have already been given a chance to shine on the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague stage this season, with [Nikola Topic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-topic/010985/) of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and [Kasparas Jakucionis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kasparas-jakucionis/012197/) of FC Barcelona both making their debuts in the 2023-24 campaign.

Other players to feature in the documentary include: [Mantas Laurencikas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/players/mantas-laurencikas/011645/) (U18 Zalgiris Kaunas), [Neoklis Avdalas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/players/neoklis-avdalas/010798/) (U18 Panathinaikos Athens), [Urban Kroflic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/players/urban-kroflic/011688/) (U18 Mega MIS Belgrade), [Illan Pietrus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/players/illan-pietrus/011435/) (U18 Next Generation Select Team), and [Mohamed Diawara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/ngt/players/mohamed-diawara/010801/) (U18 Next Generation Select Team).

Petteri Koponen, the head coach of the U18 Next Generation Select Team, and Roger Grimau, the ex-U18 FC Barcelona head coach and now Barca first-team boss, offer their insights on this new generation and also how pivotal a tournament like the ANGT can be in a player’s development.

Over four days in May 2023, ‘The Future Stars of Gen Z’ documentary captures the highs and the lows of the players as they go in search of the ultimate prize: winning the ANGT trophy and cementing themselves as one of the top prospects in the world.

Plenty of current and former stars were in attendance across the tournament, too, such as: Real Madrid’s Abalde, Vincent Poirier, Sergio Rodriguez, Rudy Fernandez, Walter Tavares and Felipe Reyes; Monaco’s Motiejunas; ex-London Lions head coach Ryan Schmidt; ex-Zalgiris boss Kazys Maksvytis; Zalgiris assistant coach Tautvydas Sabonis; Barcelona legend and current director Juan Carlos Navarro; Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga; and Zalgiris legends Paulius Jankunas and Arvydas Sabonis.

With so much star power both on the court and in the stands, it’s no surprise that the ANGT continues to grow and grow. Don’t be surprised to see some of the names in ‘The Future Stars of Gen Z’ documentary feature on EuroLeague and NBA courts in the years to come.

The Adidas Next Generation Tournament provides a platform for the superstars of tomorrow to showcase their talents, with Gen Z taking center stage during last year’s ANGT Finals in Kaunas, Lithuania. In ‘The Future Stars of Gen Z’ documentary, you can follow the players’ progress through the tournament as they discuss the importance of the event, what it means for them moving forward, and the lessons they have learned.

Thanks to the support of Adidas and SKWEEK, this documentary provides an opportunity to get inside the mindset of what makes an elite prospect in Europe during the ANGT Finals.

Listen to some of the top prospects on the continent as they experience the 2022-23 ANGT Finals.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul announced on Monday that it signed forward Amine Noua to a contract for one month to help to cover for a spate of injuries. 

Fenerbahce bolsters lineup by signing Amine Noua

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul announced on Monday that it signed forward [Amine Noua](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/amine-noua/006068/) to a contract for one month to help to cover for a spate of injuries. The club was already without Nigel Hayes-Davis and Nate Sestina before announcing earlier Monday that Dyshwn Pierre was also sidelined by a hamstring strain. Tarik Biberovic is also questionable for this week's game against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. 

Noua (2.02 meters, 26 years old) returns to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after playing 83 games over three seasons for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne between 2019 and 2023. He averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds over 16:37 minutes in those games.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Amine Noua Fenerbahçe Beko&#39;da! ✍️💛💙<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/xw0Mkx5ZBN">https://t.co/xw0Mkx5ZBN</a> <a href="https://t.co/UnUXBGMf3J">pic.twitter.com/UnUXBGMf3J</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1749403535710490863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Noua arrives from Italian club Bertram Derthona Tortona, where he averaged 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in six games. Noua began the season with Hapoel Holon in Israel. He has also played for MoraBanc Andorra and Strasbourg in his career. Noua is a two-time French League champion and a French Cup winner, all with ASVEL.

Amine Noua highlights 2022-23

The deal is for one month to help cover the injuries the club has suffered to its battery of forwards.

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

Round 23 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague is headlined by a repeat of last season’s championship game along with several more matchups between direct rivals. Here’s your guide to the action.

Round 23: A title-game rematch highlights pivotal clashes

### Thursday, January 25

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/201/)

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. 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.

[ALBA Berlin vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/199/)

ALBA (4-18) will look to move away from the foot of the standings with a visit from unpredictable Zvezda (9-13). [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) led the Serbian team to victory when the teams met in December by scoring 20 points on 4-of-7 three-point shooting. Perimeter defense has consistently been a problem for an ALBA team that has allowed opponents to convert 39.9% of three-point shots, which is next-to-worst in the competition. The German team also concedes a competition-high 20 assists per night. However, Zvezda could be without Nedovic and playmaker [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) (5.7 assists per game) and thus will need [Yago Dos Santos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yago-dos-santos/012044/) and newcomer [Javonte Smart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/javonte-smart/012801/) to rise to the occasion. ALBA has lost four straight at home, most recently a heavy German derby defeat to Bayern last week.

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/202/)

In another meeting of direct rivals, hot and cold Maccabi (12-10) will look to cut the distance on visiting Panathinaikos (14-8). The Greens are on a great run of form with eight wins out of the last nine, but Maccabi enjoyed an 81-86 triumph in Round 4 in Athens thanks to 21 points from [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) and 12 assists from [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), who was absent from last week’s heavy defeat at Olympiacos. That was a third loss in four games for Maccabi, allowing at least 88 points in each of those defeats. Panathinaikos will hope that [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) continues his hot streak after scoring 21 points in both of his last two games.

Panathinaikos Athens-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[FC Bayern Munich vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/200/)

Bayern (9-13) is aiming to climb closer to the all-important top 10 with a visit from rock-bottom ASVEL (4-18). The hosts boosted their confidence with a comfortable German derby victory over ALBA last week, with [Danko Brankovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/danko-brankovic/007639/) enjoying a breakout game of 14 points and 9 rebounds to further add to Pablo Laso’s big man options. The first meeting between the teams was a 100-101 double-overtime thriller, taken by Bayern as [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) grabbed a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. [Mike Scott](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/) paced ASVEL with 21 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting and he will look to recover his usual scoring threat after reaching double-digits in only one of the last four games.

[Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/203/)

A rematch of last season’s championship game will see Real (19-3) look to bounce back from last week’s heavy defeat at Monaco as it hosts dangerous Olympiacos (12-10), which got back into the groove by easily downing Maccabi. [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) was the hero with an astonishing 20-point, 20-rebound double-double and will now take on Real's [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), among others. In the backcourt, [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) will try to slow down the impact of the competition’s assists leader [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (6.8 assists per game), while [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/), who also netted 20 points in last week’s win, will enjoy a long-range shooting tussle with [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/).

A pair of Goliaths from European basketball battle for continental glory as the Reds and Los Blancos square off at Žalgirio arena. These teams boast some of the top players in the competition, but whose talents will come to the fore and secure the ultimate prize?

Olympiacos Piraeus vs Real Madrid - Championship Game - Highlights


### Friday, January 26

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-as-monaco/E2023/204/)

Resurgent Efes (9-13) is aiming to make it three straight wins as it welcomes a Monaco team (12-10) that also has confidence high after destroying Real last week. Two iconic guards will surely have a big say in the outcome, as Efes star [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (18 points per game, third in the league) looks to out-shoot visiting motor [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who leads the league with 19.3 points per night. Larkin was the key factor by scoring 25 points when Efes won at Monaco in November, 82-89, while [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) showed off his scoring potential with 21 points – and he heads into this game in great form after also netting 21 in last week’s destruction of Barcelona.

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-valencia-basket/E2023/207/)

An all-Spanish League affair will see Baskonia (12-10) attempt to protect its position in the top eight against direct rival Valencia (11-11). Baskonia is on a two-game winning streak, most recently taking a thrilling road win at Zvezda behind 32 points from [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/). Baskonia’s stars shined to grab a big 84-98 victory at Valencia in December with [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) recording a double-double of 10 points and 11 assists, [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) powering 19 points and Howard blasting 24 with 6 three-pointers. [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/) had 15 points and 6 assists as Valencia overcame Milan last week, also helped by [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/) with 14 points and 7 boards, and they will need another big night to take a key road win on Friday.

Bragging rights are at stake as Valencia attempt to end a four–game losing slump with a Spanish derby against Baskonia, which is also eager to return to winning ways after suffering a late loss to Monaco. This game has plenty of significance as it will break a tie between two teams on the playoff fringes.

Valencia Basket-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 11 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-zalgiris-kaunas/E2023/206/)

Faltering Partizan (11-11) will aim to protect its home court against a Zalgiris team (8-14) that showed its potential by thrashing Fenerbahce last week. Hea coach Zeljko Obradovic’s team has lost three of the last four, but all those losses were on the road and Partizan boasts an 8-2 record at home. The Serbian team also took a road triumph, 85-93, in Kaunas last month, with backcourt dynamo [PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/perry-dozier-jr/012742/) delivering a typical all-around performance with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Zalgiris lost that game despite a stellar 33 points from [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/), who had 21 points and 7 assists in last week’s win over Fenerbahce and will play a key role again this week.

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-fc-barcelona/E2023/205/)

Two teams aiming to bounce back from bad losses go head to head as Milan (9-13) tests Barcelona’s (15-7) fragile record on the road. Milan became the only visiting team to win at Palau Blaugrana in December, with 21 points from [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/) inspiring an 86-90 triumph. Barca has lost six of its last eight road games, most recently getting pumped 98-74 at Efes last week despite 18 points from [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/). Inconsistent Milan is also coming off a damaging loss, suffering a late collapse to lose 84-72 at Valencia. That game featured the debut of new signing [Rodney McGruder](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodney-mcgruder/012800/) and the veteran guard will look to impose himself on [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) on Friday.

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)

This week we analyze the best offensive rebounders in the EuroLeague and what they do with their second-.chance opportunities. 

Stats review: To reset or put back?

Olympiacos Piraeus center [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) notched the first 20+20 game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague since 2007 and just the fourth in league history in the Reds' 89-72 home victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Round 22. Recording 9 offensive rebounds and scoring 10 points on put-backs in 31:31 minutes of action, the 29-year-old center imposed his will on the game with his efforts on the boards.

It was a signature performance from Milutinov, though perhaps not a surprising one.

Since his EuroLeague debut at age 17 back in 2012, Milutinov has consistently improved as a rebounder through his early 20s and in recent years has ranked high in rebound percentage – the rate of available rebounds a player secures while he is on court. But while the Serbian big man certainly has solidified himself as an elite rebounder, he's also elite at the little things that come with that.

In offensive rebounding, that means knowing what to do with a fresh opportunity. It usually comes down to put-backs – going straight up to try to score again – or resets – recycling the rebound to open teammates.

Milutinov proved his experience in both with his board work against Maccabi. On Olympiacos's second possession, he corralled a missed three-pointer and shot the ensuing put-back a bit too long, but after that he proceeded to make every subsequent offensive rebound pay off. Whether he played volleyball by himself before tipping the ball in, sent a quick hockey assist to a shooter off a long rebound, or took a couple dribbles before handing off to a guard who scored, what Milutinov did *after* he secured his offensive rebounds had a marked impact on the final margin.  

When coaches talk about the little things, what players do once they secure an offensive rebound certainly qualifies. Though there's little to decide if there's an angle to attempt a tip-dunk or no real opportunity to score quickly on long rebounds, what big men decide to do when they do have choices adds up over the course of the season. The table above gives an idea of what those decisions look like for the EuroLeague's best offensive rebounders.

As the table above suggests, despite last week having posted this season's most productive put-back scoring performance, Milutinov looks for an opportunity to reset possessions more than most offensive rebounders. Against Maccabi, his feel for the game and experience was apparent in the choices he made as he played off instincts and never forced the issue.

Olympiacos Pireus needed to get back to winning ways in Round 22 and it did just that with an 89-72 win over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, which featured a historic performance from this week’s MVP of the Round, Nikola Milutinov.

Nikola Milutinov | RS Round 22 MVP | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The contrast in how the EuroLeague's top big men approach their decision-making with offensive boards is most apparent between its tallest players. While Walter Tavares is the most likely to look away from basket when he first secures a rebound and leads the league in resets, Youssoupha Fall is the most likely to try to go right back up to score, shooting 67% on second-chance opportunities and leading the EuroLeague in points off put-backs as a result. That duo operates at the extremes while other big men pick and choose according to the situation.

There's obvious value in big men who do not touch the ball for entire possessions as they set screens and fight for position, claw their way to rebounds, and then make smart plays with the ball. That came to the forefront in Round 22 as Milutinov's 9 offensive rebounds led to 15 points for his team in a crucial – and not the least bit coincidental – 15-point win.

Last round's MVP gave a lesson about not only cleaning up misses, but what to do next.