With just one win separating fourth place from 11th, the opening games of 2024 could see significant changes in the standings as we head into a double-round week. This is your guide to the action on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This week: Onto the second half we go!

### Tuesday, January 2

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/154/)

In the opening game of 2024, surging Fenerbahce (10-7) will try to make it five straight wins with a visit from inconsistent Zvezda (6-11). The Turkish team has scored at least 80 points in all four games since the arrival of [Sarunas Jasikevicus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/jasikevicius-saras/?season=E2023), most recently downing crosstown rival Efes behind 24 points from do-it-all [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/). New [signing Freddy Gillespie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kk-crvena-zvezda-brings-in-freddie-gillespie/) is available to make his debut for Zvezda, and the former Bayern big man will look to complement the inside presence of [Luka Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/) and [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/), who scored 15 and 20 points in the last two games on 11-of-13 two-point shooting. Fener will look to control the tempo through [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/), who has averaged 9 assists in the last three games.

[Zalgiris Kaunas vs. ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/zalgiris-kaunas-alba-berlin/E2023/158/)

New Zalgiris (5-12) coach Andrea Trinchieri will look to start with a win against lowly ALBA (3-14), which has lost all eight road games this season. Trinchieri will aim to restore confidence to a Zalgiris team that has lost six in a row and the three-point shooting of recent arrival [Edmond Sumner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/edmond-sumner/012787/) could be a big asset after he made 3 of 5 triples in last week’s loss to Maccabi. ALBA won the Round 12 meeting between the teams 64-62 and will look to regain that defensive level after shipping 94 and 91 points in its last two games. [Johannes Thiemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/) was key to last month’s win over Zalgiris with 16 points and 6 rebounds and he’ll be expected to perform his usual leadership role as ALBA seeks its first road win.

ALBA hope for reinforcements after missing six players through injury in their loss at Maccabi, where 22 points from Gabriele Procida was a rare highlight, whereas Zalgiris has rediscovered its winning feeling primarily through defense, allowing just 73 and 70 respectively in wins over Bayern and Milan.

ALBA Berlin-Zalgiris Kaunas | Round 12 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-as-monaco/E2023/155/)

Two of the four teams tied for fourth place go head to head when Maccabi (10-7) meets Monaco (10-7) in a game with a playoff flavor. Monaco handed the Israeli champ a 107-79 thrashing in October behind the usual stellar showing from [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) with 24 points, including 4 triples, and he remains in spectacular form with at least 16 points in eight straight games. Maccabi has won three of its last four games, in large part thanks to big man [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/), who has averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds in his last three appearances. [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) will look to take more care of the basketball after averaging 4.3 turnovers in the last three games, especially against a Monaco squad that has more steals (7.8 per game) than any other team in the competition.

[Olympiacos Piraeus vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2023/156/)

Two teams with aspirations far higher than their current position meet in Piraeus when Olympiacos (9-8) hosts Milan (7-10). The Italian team has bolstered its backcourt with the [re-signing of Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-brings-back-playmaker-shabazz-napier/), while Olympiacos could give a debut to former Milan star [Naz Mitrou-Long](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/naz-mitrou-long/011965/). Milan’s run of three wins in four games has been largely based on the versatility of last week’s MVP [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) and fellow big man [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/), who has scored at least 16 points in each of the team’s three recent triumphs. After winning its last two games on the road, Olympiacos will look to build further momentum with the help of red-hot [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/), who has continued to be one of this season’s top performers with 17 and 23 points in the last two games.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 3 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/157/)

After losing two in a row, Partizan (9-8) will look to get back onto a winning path with a visit from bottom placed ASVEL (2-15), which is aiming for a first win since mid-November. Shooting ace [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) is set to debut for Partizan, and Coach Zeljko Obradovic will hope he can remove some of the scoring burden from [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) (13.8 points per game) and [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nunnally/007400/) (13.4). ASVEL still has bad memories of a 62-88 home thrashing against the Serbian team in October, but will hope to build on last week’s narrow loss to Real Madrid, which saw [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) register his 12th consecutive double-digit scoring game with 20 points.

### Wednesday, January 3

[Valencia Basket vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/161/)

Valencia (9-8) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from Efes, which has dropped to 7-10 after losing four in a row. The home team could give a debut to [new signing Kevin Pangos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kevin-pangos-seals-move-from-olimpia-milano-to-valencia-basket/), and he’ll hope to feast against an Efes squad that has suffered defensively in recent weeks, allowing at least 86 points in each of its four losses. The Turkish team did a good defensive job when the teams met in Round 4, winning 77-73 behind 15 points and 6 assists from superstar [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), who has scored 23 and 28 points in his last two games. Valencia was led by 13 points from [Damien Inglis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/damien-inglis/003960/) on that occasion and he’ll hope for a return to form after only averaging 5.4 points in the last seven games.

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/162/)

Second-placed Virtus (12-5) will look to start the new year in style with a visit from dangerous Bayern (8-9). The German team has won two of its last three games, while Virtus has taken five out of six and eight in a row at home. Virtus has [signed Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-inks-ante-zizic-from-efes/) to replace the injured [Devontae Cacok](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devontae-cacok/012714/), and could also give a first appearance in the backcourt to fellow [newcomer Rihards Lomasz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-signs-guard-lomazs/). Pablo Laso’s men will need to guard against the long-range shooting prowess of Marco Belinelli, who has hit multiple triples in five straight games and 13 of the last 14. Bayern thrashed Virtus 90-76 when the teams met in November behind a colossal 24 points and 13 rebounds from [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), and will look for another dominant performance from the big man this week.

After snatching one of the most remarkable wins in EuroLeague history in a double overtime triumph at ASVEL, Bayern target further momentum against a resolute Virtus outfit, who are riding high in the playoffs places and armed with the long-range shooting threat of Marco Belinelli.

FC Bayern Munich-Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Round 11 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Panathinaikos Aktor Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/160/)

Red-hot Panathinaikos (10-7) is aiming for a fifth straight win as its travels to direct rival Baskonia (9-8), which is currently one of four teams tied for eighth place. [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) has now truly settled in with the Greens, averaging 7.3 assists during his team’s winning run, and he faces an intriguing backcourt duel with [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), who is looking to rebound from a tough night (4 points and 4 turnovers) in last week’s loss to Milan. That game featured another strong showing from [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) (14 points, 8 rebounds) and his battle with [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) – who piled on 24 points and 13 rebounds when Panathinaikos beat Baskonia in October – will be a highlight to enjoy as two of the league’s most dynamic and hard-working big men square off. 

[FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-real-madrid/E2023/159/)

Faltering Barcelona (11-6) will look to recover from three defeats in its last four games with the tough assignment of overcoming fierce rival, reigning champ and runaway league leader Real (16-1). [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) will attempt to damage his former team after being named December's league MVP, with Real seeking to complete a season sweep over the Blaugrana after edging the Round 5 meeting 65-64. A key backcourt battle will take place between Argentine international teammates [Nico Laprovíttola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/), who leads Barca with 14.2 points per game, and the league's top ranked assister [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (7.0 per game). In the paint, Barca’s [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) will attempt to subdue [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), who combined for 33 points and 19 rebounds in last week’s win at ASVEL.

Valencia Basket (9-8) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from Anadolu Efes Istanbul, which has dropped to 7-10 after losing four in a row. 

Valencia will try to keep visiting Efes down

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/161/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-facts-val-ist/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-notes-val-ist/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/erdem-can-efes-we-need-to-respond-to-toughness/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-18/)

The home team could give a debut to [new signing Kevin Pangos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kevin-pangos-seals-move-from-olimpia-milano-to-valencia-basket/), and he’ll hope to feast against an Efes squad that has suffered defensively in recent weeks, allowing at least 86 points in each of its four losses. The Turkish team did a good defensive job when the teams met in Round 4, winning 77-73 behind 15 points and 6 assists from superstar [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), who has scored 23 and 28 points in his last two games. Valencia was led by 13 points from [Damien Inglis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/damien-inglis/003960/) on that occasion and he’ll hope for a return to form after only averaging 5.4 points in the last seven games.

[Valencia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/statistics/pam/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Efes Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/statistics/ist/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Brandon Davies vs. Tyrique Jones: A seasoned stalward in the paint for the hosts gets a test from an ambitious EuroLeague rookie.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul handed Valencia Basket its first loss of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season after grabbing a hard-fought 77-73 victory at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall on Friday night. Efes improved to 3-1, while Valencia dropped to 3-1.

Last Game: 2023-24, Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Valencia Basket  - Round 4

Valencia Basket v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-01-03T18:30:00.000Z)

Second-placed Virtus Segafredo Bologna (12-5) will look to start the new year in style with a visit from dangerous FC Bayern Munich (8-9).

Virtus looks for revenge against visiting Bayern

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/162/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-facts-vir-mun/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-notes-vir-mun/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/pablo-laso-bayern-virtus-only-team-performing-comparable-to-real/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-18/)

The German team has won two of its last three games, while Virtus has taken five out of six and eight in a row at home. Virtus has [signed Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-inks-ante-zizic-from-efes/) to replace the injured [Devontae Cacok](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devontae-cacok/012714/), and could also give a first appearance in the backcourt to fellow [newcomer Rihards Lomasz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtus-signs-guard-lomazs/). Bayern boss Pablo Laso’s men will need to guard against the long-range shooting prowess of Marco Belinelli, who has hit multiple triples in five straight games and 13 of the last 14. Bayern thrashed Virtus 90-76 when the teams met in November behind a colossal 24 points and 13 rebounds from [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), and will look for another dominant performance from the big man this week.

[Virtus Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/statistics/vir/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Bayern Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/statistics/mun/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Tornike Shengelia vs. Serge Ibaka: A pair of veteran big men with varies skill sets will command tons of attention in the paint on Wednesday.

 After snatching one of the most remarkable wins in EuroLeague history in a double overtime triumph at ASVEL, Bayern target further momentum against a resolute Virtus outfit, who are riding high in the playoffs places and armed with the long-range shooting threat of Marco Belinelli.

Last Game: 2023-24, FC Bayern Munich vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna  - Round 11

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v FC Bayern Munich (2024-01-03T19:30:00.000Z)

Red-hot Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (10-7) is aiming for a fifth straight win as its travels to direct rival Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (9-8), which is currently one of four teams tied for eighth place.

 Baskonia seeks to slay streaking Panathinaikos 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/160/) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-facts-bas-pan/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-notes-bas-pan/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kendrick-nunn-panathinaikos-everybodys-chemistry-is-connecting/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-18/)

[Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) has now truly settled in with the Greens, averaging 7.3 assists during his team’s winning run, and he faces an intriguing backcourt duel with [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), who is looking to rebound from a tough night (4 points and 4 turnovers) in last week’s loss to Milan. That game featured another strong showing from [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) (14 points, 8 rebounds) and his battle with [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) – who piled on 24 points and 13 rebounds when Panathinaikos beat Baskonia in October – will be a highlight to enjoy as two of the league’s most dynamic and hard-working big men square off.

[Baskonia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/statistics/bas/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Panathinaikos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/statistics/pan/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Codi Miller-McIntyre vs. Kostas Sloukas: A high-impact newcomer for the hosts will measure his floor generalship against a veteran icon on Wednesday.

Panathinaikos Athens snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 2-3 as it defeated an undermanned Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 95-81 at home. 

Last Game: 2023-24, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz  - Round 5

Baskonia seeks to slay streaking Panathinaikos

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-01-03T19:30:00.000Z)

Faltering FC Barcelona (11-6) will look to recover from three defeats in its last four games with the tough assignment of overcoming fierce rival, reigning champ and runaway league leader Real Madrid (16-1). 

Barcelona aims to rebound against arch-rival Real

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-real-madrid/E2023/159/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-facts-bar-mad/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs18-game-notes-bar-mad/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/chus-mateo-real-madrid-we-like-to-do-our-job-well/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-18/)

[Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) will attempt to damage his former team after being named December's league MVP, with Real seeking to complete a regular-season sweep over the Blaugrana after edging the Round 5 meeting 65-64. A key backcourt battle will take place between Argentine international teammates [Nico Laprovíttola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/), who leads Barca with 14.2 points per game, and the league's top ranked assist-maker, [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (7.0 per game). In the paint, Barca’s [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) will attempt to subdue [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), who combined for 33 points and 19 rebounds in last week’s win at ASVEL.

[Barcelona Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/statistics/bar/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Madrid Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/statistics/mad/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Nicolas Laprovittola vs. Facundo Campazzo: Two double-threats at point guard who are also countrymen will be at the heart of El Clásico on Wednesday.

Real Madrid improved to 5-0 after coming out on top in El Clásico, having downed FC Barcelona 65-64 at WiZink Center in Round 5 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. Following this defeat, Barca dropped to a 4-1 record.

Last Game: 2023-24, Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona  - Round 5

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid (2024-01-03T20:00:00.000Z)

MVP for December: Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid

On a team that has been near-perfect all season, one player stood out just a little more in another flawless month for Real Madrid. [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) is Euroleague Basketball's choice as MVP for December after he led his team in average scoring and performance index rating during a month that left the defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions with an unprecedented four-victory lead in the standings at midseason. Hezonja recorded Real's highest PIR in three of the five games he played in December while registering two of the five double-doubles in his 126-game EuroLeague career.

### Hezonja hit his seven-season high point

The MVP of the Month is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performances. Last month's award covered the six games played by all teams between Tuesday, December 5 and Friday, December 29.

Hezonja, 28, becomes the MVP of the Month honoree for the first time in his seven seasons in the EuroLeague. He's the seventh current Real player so honored, following [Facundo Campazzo in November](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/november-mvp-facundo-campazzo-real-madrid/), making them the second pair of teammates to win it back-to-back, after Andrei Kirilenko and Nenad Krstic of CSKA Moscow in 2011. Hezonja is the third Croatian to win the award and the first to do so in nine years, following Ante Tomic (three times) and Dario Saric (once). Real now has 14 such honorees all-time, second only to CSKA Moscow's 18.

On a team that has been near-perfect all season, one player stood out just a little more in another flawless month for Real Madrid. Mario Hezonja is Euroleague Basketball's choice as MVP for November after he led his team in average scoring and performance index rating during a month that left the defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions with an unprecedented four-victory lead in the standings at midseason. Hezonja recorded Real's highest PIR in three of the five games he played in December while registering two of the five double-doubles in his 126-game EuroLeague career.

Mario Hezonja | December MVP | Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Hezonja set the pace for Real in Greece

Hezonja started December, with 18 points, 10 rebounds and a PIR of 21 as Real rebounded strongly from its sole defeat of the season, at the last gasp in overtime a few days earlier, by winning a 2023 championship-game rematch with Olympiacos Piraeus on the road by [70-77](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-real-madrid/E2023/103/). Two nights later, Hezonja was at it again, leading Real with 19 points, 4 steals and 23 PIR in another road win, [78-90](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-real-madrid/E2023/110/), at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

After scoring 12 points to help beat FC Bayern Munich [88-73](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/119/) at home a week later, Hezonja posted another gem – team-highs of 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals and 19 PIR – as Real took a third away win in 14 days, [58-72](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-real-madrid/E2023/128/) at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade. Hezonja then contributed 14 points in a home showdown with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, reprising their unforgettable playoff series of last spring, which Real won [91-75](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/137/).

### Hezonja's impact was clear

Hezonja finished December having averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals and a PIR of 17.2 in 24 minutes per game while making 64.2% of his two-point shots and 91.7% of his free throws.

Real won five games – three away and two with playoff teams from last season – by an average of 12.8 points with Hezonja in the lineup. In those five games, *Los Blancos* trailed by more than 2 points after the middle of the second quarter only once. When he was not available against last-place LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in the final game of December, Real trailed until the fourth quarter and finally won 76-77. Hezonja's impact on Real's perfect performance was clear even in his absence.

Now, Real Madrid fans will get to ring in the new year by celebrating one of their own, Mario Hezonja, as the last EuroLeague MVP of the Month for 2023.

December MVP: Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid

With half the games played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, let's see who has the most favorable remaining schedules and which teams have been the most efficient to date. 

Stats review: What the first half of the regular season tells us about the second

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season has reached its mid-point and there’s an elephant in the room. Several, actually.  

Some of them are obvious, like one-loss Real Madrid looking to become the first team in modern EuroLeague history to finish the regular season with fewer than four losses. Unsurprisingly, there are a half dozen historic measures of dominance Real is in pursuit of at this point.   

Others are only marginally more subtle, like Virtus Segafredo Bologna emerging as the league’s next-best team and tracking to eclipse the 14-win mark it set last season before the end of January. After going 6-11 to close the 2022-23 campaign, Virtus is looking to flip the script on last season entirely after taking sole possession of second place in Round 17.  

While Madrid’s excellence and Virtus’s surprise turnaround figure to be the unavoidable storylines of the second half of the regular season, the lack of clarity in the middle of the pack looms as large as ever. The ever-present parity of the EuroLeague is well-documented, but where exactly that parity centers tends to vary year-to-year. Typically, it can be found towards the bottom of the playoff picture and on a couple of occasions over the last decade, it has nearly scraped up against the very top of the standings.

This season, things start to get interesting with third-place FC Barcelona, which sits just three wins ahead of 12th-place FC Bayern Munich. The table above provides a snapshot of the teams that fall in between, covering their offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, and most difficult remaining road games.  

While home teams are winning 61% of the time this season, that number rises significantly for playoff contenders. As a result, who a team plays is important, but *where* they play them is also a critical factor when projecting ahead. With that in mind, each team’s toughest remaining opponents away from their home arena are listed based on those teams’ placement in the standings.  

No one will visit every team in the top four during the second half of the season, but Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz will face four of the top five. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade can say the same but will avoid a road encounter with Real Madrid. Baskonia is one of only three teams with more wins than losses on the road so far this season and it will have a chance to prove that its record is more a byproduct of its character as a team than who it has played to this point.  

On the other end of the spectrum, FC Barcelona not only has pole position among the teams in this group, but also has the softest remaining schedule as it will avoid traveling to both of the top two teams in the table and a half dozen of the other teams listed. Barca's efficiency differential also tracks well with its placement in the standings; it is one of four teams outside its opponents by 0.05 points per possession or more.  

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is one of the other teams on that list and sits just behind Barcelona in the standings. In contrast, Partizan is this season’s most mismatched team. It stands out among this group in its best moments this season and has been the league’s most efficient offensive unit as a result, but its inconsistent, 13th-ranked defense has been a limiting factor.   

There are lots of intriguing storylines to track across the EuroLeague landscape as the calendar turns to 2024, but none may ultimately stand up to the impending battle royale in the middle of the standings. The Play-In Showdown has opened the door for two additional teams to get a shot at the postseason than usual, but also introduces a major cut line at the sixth spot in the standings; there are going to be major ramifications for more teams than ever as teams look to no just qualify for the postseason, but avoid a potential one-and-done scenario as well.  

With half the games played, let's see who has the most favorable remaining schedules and which teams have been the most efficient to date. 

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague delivered countless magic moments, fantastic feats and thrilling finishes during the past year. Courts all over Europe welcomes superstar players and legendary clubs, which put on performances that fans will cherish forever. Photographers all over the continent followed the games closely all year long to document the drama. Here are 23 of the best photos from the EuroLeague in 2023.

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 17, ASVEL's Yves Pons battles Byron Dunston of Efes for the ball

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 21, Shaquielle McKissic throws down a slam against Maccabi 

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 23, Chima Moneke of Monaco and Real Madrid's Adam Hanga vie for the ball. 

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 24, Donta Hall of Monaco rebounds against ASVEL's Zaccharie Risacher and Yves Pons

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 28,  James Webb of Valencia gets a hand on the shot of Real Madrid's Mario Hezonja.

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 31, Rokas Giedraitis of Baskonia flies over the ALBA Berlin defense

EuroLeague 2022-23, Regular Season Round 33, Facu Campazzo of Crvena Zvezda and Olympiacos's Thomas Walkup vie for the ball

EuroLeague 2022-23, Playoffs Game 3-4, Johnathan Motley of Fenerbahce dunks against Olympiacos 

EuroLeague 2022-23, Playoffs Game 3-4, Walter Tavares of Real Madrid blocks Partizan's Alen Smailagic at the rim

EuroLeague 2022-23, Final Four, James Nnaji of Barca goes for the ball against Real Madrid giant Walter Tavares

EuroLeague 2022-23, Final Four, Mike James of Monaco aims for the hoop while in the air against Olympiacos in the 2023 semifinals

EuroLeague 2022-23, Final Four, Walter Tavares of Real slams in the face of Olympiacos' Joel Bolomboy in the 2023 champiosnhip game

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 1, Nikola Milutinov of Olympiacos dunks against Panathinaikos

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 3, Milos Teodosic of Crvena Zvezda and Alpha Diallo of Monaco chase down a loose ball

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 5, Joel Bolomboy of Crvena Zvezda dunks in front of Partizan's Alen Smailagic

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 6, Mike James of Monaco shoots the game-winner over Milan's Stefano Tonut

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 7, Nikola Mirotic of Milan gets his hand on a shot by Valencia's Sei Ojeleye. 

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 8,  Iffe Lundberg of Virtus emotes after dunking against Milan. 

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 10, Shane Larkin of Efes looks to drive past Partizan's Ognjen Jaramaz. 

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 11, Joffrey Lauvergne of ASVEL dunks in front of Barça's Jan Vesely and Jabari Parker. 

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 12, Tyrique Jones of Efes dunks during his MVP performance in Round 12 against Panathinaikos. 

EuroLeague 2023-24, Regular Season Round 12, Baskonia's Codi Miller-McIntyre throws down a put-back slam against Fenerbahce. 

Real Madrid lifted the European crown for the 11th time last May in Kaunas, Lithuania

Enjoy this gallery of 23 of the best photos from the EuroLeague in 2023.

EuroLeague, the best photos from 2023

**OVERSEAS**: In case you missed it, the new Euroleague Basketball Originals documentary "Overseas" is out exclusively on EuroLeague TV. Four intimate episodes crisscross two continents in iconic settings such as Athens, Monaco and Milan and also take you into the homes and daily routines of three Turkish Airlines EuroLeague stars.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A new documentary series is premiering now on ELTV 🎥 <br><br>“𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦” features Donatas Motiejunas, Kyle Hines, Shaquielle McKissic and focuses on their 🏀 careers away from home, its challenges and their experiences so far…<br><br>All four episodes are available to EuroLeague TV… <a href="https://t.co/O6QgaP4A4T">pic.twitter.com/O6QgaP4A4T</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1739982713229029741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

**WHERE WOULD YOU SIT?** Mike James listed his opinions. Which table would you choose to sit at?

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Table 5 goofy. Keenan sorry lol<br>Table 4 take themselves too serious<br>Table 3 gon argue too much<br>Table 2 actually would be entertainment. I’d have fun there lol <a href="https://t.co/KzDojcXPTP">https://t.co/KzDojcXPTP</a></p>&mdash; Mike James (@TheNatural_05) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNatural_05/status/1739282809791885472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**FAN DAY**: Valencia had an open practice that drew a big crowd at La Fonteta, especially young ones who later had a chance to get photos and autographs from their favorite players.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😊 <a href="https://t.co/A4FEyoEDlD">pic.twitter.com/A4FEyoEDlD</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1739616113967628568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">𝙀𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤 🧡<br><br>Estas son las imágenes más bonitas del entrenamiento abierto masculino de hoy. Un día que muchos peques y no tan peques, nunca olvidarán😊<br><br>📷 Tienes una galería con 100 fotos de hoy en Flickr, aquí<br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/vhuPObgZUR">https://t.co/vhuPObgZUR</a><br><br>Mañana… <a href="https://t.co/Hfq2XAXbpa">pic.twitter.com/Hfq2XAXbpa</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1739663386164580493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**MONTE-CARLO PARTY**: For AS Monaco, the week started in style as the club organized a memorable Monte-Carlo style Christmas party, featuring none other than Robbie Williams.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">Roca team family , daghe munegu <a href="https://t.co/UqNA2vkVSu">pic.twitter.com/UqNA2vkVSu</a></p>&mdash; Saša Obradovic (@sasaobradovic69) <a href="https://twitter.com/sasaobradovic69/status/1739774418287575082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🎄 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀, 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 ! 🫶<br>🎅 𝗝𝗼𝘆𝗲𝘂𝘅 𝗡𝗼𝗲̈𝗹 𝗮̀ 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘁 𝗮̀ 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝘀 ! ❤️🤍 <a href="https://t.co/HQQq59IXUU">pic.twitter.com/HQQq59IXUU</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1739008526578499991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**HOMECOMINGS**: More than 11,000 fans in Berlin greeted Luke Sikma with a standing ovation in his first game against ALBA. Meanwhile, at LDLC Arena, Real's Fabien Causeur and Vincent Poirier enjoyed playing in their native country and catching up with their long-time friends on ASVEL.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THANK YOU, LUKE! 💛💙<br><br>6️⃣ Seasons<br>3️⃣9️⃣6️⃣ Games<br>2️⃣ Cup Titles<br>3️⃣ Championships<br><br>👑 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a>-MVP<br>👑 <a href="https://twitter.com/easyCreditBBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@easyCreditBBL</a>-MVP<br><br>📸 Tilo Wiedensohler<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/BowtYA9jNj">pic.twitter.com/BowtYA9jNj</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1740816866455716179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">French Connection 🇫🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/SFtIyxweuk">pic.twitter.com/SFtIyxweuk</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1740332614903374102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**STUFED ANIMALS**: Partizan fans showered the floor ahead of the game against Virtus with thousands of stuffed animals. Each stuffed animal raised money for children in need and each toy will be donated to local children charities.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">DA SE SVA DECA U SRBIJI SREĆNO IGRAJU! HVALA CRNO-BELI!🖤🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/sZ2eR6D5D6">pic.twitter.com/sZ2eR6D5D6</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1740429800152387782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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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/C1dAulBL5o-/?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 KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@partizanbc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**HERO'S WELCOME**: After edging Partizan in Belgrade, Virtus received a hero's welcome at Bologna airport.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Siamo tornati 😍<br>BUONANOTTE BOLOGNA 🤍🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/twHxBUCqAq">pic.twitter.com/twHxBUCqAq</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1740530091963335074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">❤️ 💪🏼 <a href="https://t.co/YXYiywqlPY">pic.twitter.com/YXYiywqlPY</a></p>&mdash; Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcobelinelli/status/1740688877344461122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**WINNERS' CORNER**: Virtus moved into sole possession of second place, Real enters 2024 with a 16-1 record, while Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos continued their respective winning streaks.

The final week of the 2023 is in the books, and so is the first half of the EuroLeague regular season. Check out this week's selection of social media posts from around the EuroLeague.

This week: Onto the second half we go!

Valencia will try to keep visiting Efes down

Virtus looks for revenge against visiting Bayern

Baskonia seeks to slay streaking Panathinaikos

Barcelona aims to rebound against arch-rival Real

December MVP: Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid

Stats review: What the first half of the regular season tells us about the second

EuroLeague, the best photos from 2023

EuroLeague week on social media