Name: Wright's huge put-back slam! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Lietkabelis Panevezys began its BKT EuroCup season on a high note, claiming a home win over Besiktas GAIN Istanbul 85-79 at Kalnapilio Arena. 

Lietkabelis secures surprise home win over Besiktas, 85-79

Lietkabelis Panevezys began its BKT EuroCup season on a high note, claiming a home win over Besiktas GAIN Istanbul 85-79 at Kalnapilio Arena. After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Lithuanian team made a strong statement to begin the new season.

Lietkabelis had multiple players step up as Augustine Rubit finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Kristian Kullamae scored 17 points and also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Paulius Danusevicius chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Besiktas was led by Jonah Matthews with 15 points, while Devon Dotson added 14 points and Anthony Brown contributed 12 points.

Game Videos

The first quarter started with Dotson opening the scoring for Besiktas, converting a layup and drawing a foul. Lietkabelis answered with Kullamae’s basket, making it 3-2. Ante Zizic then converted a layup plus the and-one free throw to tie the game at 10-10, marking his first EuroCup points. Besiktas attempted multiple three-pointers throughout the period but struggled with accuracy. Meanwhile, Lietkabelis connected on 3-of-5 triples and capitalized inside the paint to pull ahead late in the quarter, leading 22-14. Top contributors for Lietkabelis in the opening period included Lazar Mutic, Kullamae, and Rubit. Besiktas managed to trim the deficit slightly, closing the quarter at 22-19.

In the second quarter, Besiktas took control by attacking the paint and building momentum. Ismael Kamagate asserted a physical presence inside, dominating the paint on both ends. The team’s defense also pressured Lietkabelis into 6 turnovers. Lietkabelis stayed in the game thanks to Lavrinovicius’s three-pointer. Besiktas leaned on Dotson, Matthews, and Brown to push the ball inside, taking an 8-point lead into halftime, 43-35.

Game News

The third quarter opened with Ante Zizic’s dunk for Besiktas, pushing the margin to double digits at 35-45. Lietkabelis responded with a 15-0 run, fueled by Rubit’s dominance in the paint, taking a 50-45 lead. Dotson’s three-pointer ended the run, and Matthews’ contributions helped Besiktas close the quarter slightly ahead, 57-55.

Lietkabelis carried the momentum into the fourth quarter with hot perimeter shooting, hitting three straight triples to take a 66-61 lead. Strong performances from Kullamae and Rubit in the paint made an impact on both ends of the floor. Danusevicius’s triple extended the lead to 75-68, and Lietkabelis pulled further away with back-to-back shots, holding off Besiktas to claim its first win of the season.

Augustine Rubit played a key role in the win

Lietkabelis Panevezys v Besiktas GAIN Istanbul (2025-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Dustin Sleva misses but Moses Wright comes out of nowhere for a put-back slam in traffic! BOOOM!


Wright's huge put-back slam! Motorola Magic Moment

AS Monaco v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-10-01T17:30:00.000Z)

Daniel Theis gets the basketball from Elie Okobo and detonates a big one-handed slam! 


Theis throws it down! Motorola Magic Moment

 Daniel Theis gets the basketball from Elie Okobo and detonates a big one-handed slam! 


Matthew Strazel misses but Jaron Blossomgame fixes it with a huge put-back slam! WOW! 


Blossomgame's put-back dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

 Matthew Strazel misses but Jaron Blossomgame fixes it with a huge put-back slam! WOW! 


Veolia Towers Hamburg 85-100 Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem | Round 1 highlights

Veolia Towers Hamburg v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2025-09-30T17:30:00.000Z)

Slask Wroclaw 95-85 Neptunas Klaipeda | Round 1 highlights

Slask Wroclaw v Neptunas Klaipeda (2025-09-30T17:00:00.000Z)

Veolia Towers Hamburg guard Osaro Rich suffered a radius fracture during Tuesday’s BKT EuroCup game against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem

Hamburg loses Osaro Rich to a broken wrist

Veolia Towers Hamburg guard Osaro Rich suffered a radius fracture during Tuesday’s BKT EuroCup game against Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem. The injury occurred just before halftime after a successful basket, when he landed awkwardly on his right arm. Rich was immediately taken to the hospital, where the fracture was confirmed. Surgery is scheduled soon, and Rich is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Rich had been off to a strong start with 10 points in 7 minutes before the injury. This is his third EuroCup campaign with Hamburg. It’s the second early season loss for the team after Niklas Wimberg went down with a broken finger in training camp.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Gute Besserung, OJ! 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeoliaTowers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeoliaTowers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hamburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hamburg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/0RGvTSpFDb">https://t.co/0RGvTSpFDb</a></p>&mdash; Veolia Towers Hamburg (@hamburgtowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamburgtowers/status/1973358447904301257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Hamburg basketball news

The guard suffered the injury during Tuesday's BKT EuroCup opener  

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 1 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 1

## Wednesday, October 1

### AS Monaco vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (19:30 CEST)

**Vassilis Spanoulis, Monaco head coach**

"We are eager to start this new EuroLeague season. We have tried to be as ready as possible, mentally and physically, and also in terms of chemistry within the group. Zalgiris is a team that comes with a different mindset this year. They are a talented team with a lot of dangerous options. It's the first game of the EuroLeague season, so we have to be ready for the challenge. We need to focus on this new season, without forgetting what we achieved last year. Of course, we wanted the trophy, and we're coming back with the same goal and the same winning mindset."

**Elie Okobo, Monaco guard**

"It's the start of the season, and we've been preparing for this moment. Our first EuroLeague game, at home: here we are. Zalgiris is always a tough team to play against, so everyone on the roster needs to be 100% ready. Last season, we were just minutes away from winning the title... New season, new team, with the same core players and new recruits who will bring a lot to the table, especially with their experience. It's going to be a long season, all the way to the playoffs. We're focused on ourselves, on developing our cohesion and getting off to a good start."

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Paris Basketball (19:45 CEST)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach**

"We are very excited to start the season at home with the support of our fans. In the EuroLeague, we will face a team that plays some of the most intense basketball and, compared to last season, has especially grown at the 2, 3, and 4 positions. It will be important to control the rebounds and stop their fast breaks, as those are areas where they have been quite successful."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce forward**

"Since we will be starting the season at home, I’m very excited. I have no doubt that our fans will once again create an extraordinary atmosphere. I invite them to come to the arena once more and support us. It’s going to be a tough game. We will face a team that plays fast in transition and is very active on the boards. By sticking to our game plan, I hope we can make a strong start to the season."

**Justin Robinson, Paris guard**

"Grateful, excited for the long season. Excited to see how we stack up against the best. I'm just ready to go along for the journey with this great group of guys."

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Valencia Basket (20:00 CEST)

\--

## Tuesday, September 30

### Dubai Basketball vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (18:00 CEST)

**Jurica Golemac, Dubai head coach**

"We played \[five games against Partizan\] in ABA league last year, more or less their team stayed the same. They added a couple of very, very quality and talented players. This year there are 20 teams in the EuroLeague, I think everybody is expecting a lot from themselves. I think that it is the toughest, the strongest league until now with a lot of quality players. So, in the beginning it is very important how you want to react and you need to think more about yourself than the about the others in the beginning of the season. After a couple of rounds, it's going to be more clear how somebody wants to play, and in which kind of way.

For me it’s just the next day, and to stay healthy. If we stay healthy we can do great things here. But I'm not that good at predicting, I'm not Harry Potter. So, for us, we are sure we have a quality team. I'm sure of this and we just need to stay healthy to work together and to be the best when the time comes."

**Filip Petrusev, Dubai forward**

"I think it's a big day for Dubai, for Dubai Basketball and for us. I think it's the start of something new and I think we have a great chance to make something great this year. It all starts \[with this game\]. So, it's a big day and we're all really excited and ready to play. Partizan is a very experienced team. They've been together all year last year, so it's going to be a tough game, but we focus on ourselves and we are going to do everything we can in order to win."

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach**

"We have the experience from last season of just how balanced the EuroLeague is, and how little we were missing, considering that we lost some games by just one shot. I hope that this experience, along with the ambitions we have, will help us turn it into something that we would all like to see happen in the EuroLeague at the end. As for Dubai, they have a large number of players, without juniors, which clearly shows the kind of team they have built. In what lineup they will appear is still unknown. We have to believe in ourselves, to have motivation, and for the players to be as motivated as they have been in the last two days of practice, and I have great confidence in them. Of course, I have to mention our fans. They are the ones who drive us, and I always thank them for what they do for us. Even in preseason they created a spectacle, so we know what to expect throughout the season."

**Aleksej Pokusevski, Partizan forward**

"They're in a similar boat to the one we were in last year, because they've added a lot of reinforcements. Dubai is an excellent team, so a demanding match awaits us. However, I believe our familiarity with each other gives us a slight edge. We know what to expect, and we're physically and mentally ready. All that's left is to prepare tactically."

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. FC Barcelona (18:00 CEST)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach**

"We’re very excited to begin our EuroLeague journey. We know the challenges ahead – we’re starting against a team that has it all: depth at every position, experience, size, and plenty of EuroLeague mileage. But we’ve come here determined to fight. We’re here to represent all Hapoel Tel Aviv fans – and we’ll do so with pride, giving everything we have on the court."

**Antonio Blakeney, Hapoel guard**

"We are looking forward to going out and competing in our first EuroLeague game. Since this is our first season in the EuroLeague as a team, we are super excited to prove ourselves every game with our competitive spirit and hustle."

**Jan Vesely, FC Barcelona center**

"I feel good. I'm ready. It's a long season, it's hard to expect anything, so we go step by step. Hapoel is a tough team. It's gonna be physical. They are very talented. So we have to be ready for that. For sure they're a very talented team. They have a very deep roster. Again, it's a whole new situation for them also, so they have to get used to each other. So it's for us, it's going to be a challenge. I'm looking forward to this game."

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (19:45 CEST)

**Igor Kokoskov, Efes head coach**

"Starting the EuroLeague, we have a disadvantage that we're gonna play a home game away. But it's it is what it is. We understand that we've not played the perfect game because we only had four practices as a team. That's a big disadvantage. But nobody really cares and asks us about all these issues that we have. We just have to be prepared, focused and give our best. We understand that we don't play a perfect game but hopefully gonna be good enough to win the game."

**Shane Larkin, Efes guard**

"Maccabi is always a challenging team because of the style they play. We have to be focused and make sure we take care of the ball to limit them from getting out in transition. If we do that and compete on the defensive side of the ball, I think we will start our season in a positive way."

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach**

"Anadolu Efes is very talented, with many creative guards, shooting ability, and a coach who does things differently - very creative. It’s quite clear that we’ll need to stop them on a team level. They also brought in new players, but ones who already know European basketball, which makes it easier."

**Roman Sorkin, Maccabi forward**

"We’re at the beginning of the season, it’s new for everyone. We’re mainly focusing on ourselves. There are players here for whom this is their first year in Europe, so we need to give them time. None of our teams over the years have looked its best at the start. It does matter, but it’s not the main thing - it’s better that we look good later on, in the decisive stages. We need to connect, to play together, and that’s not simple. We’ve got a great group of guys here. The social side is amazing, everyone here is talented, and that’s why they’re here."

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:00 CEST)

**Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Crvena Zvezda head coach**

"We start the season tomorrow and we are very excited. We are playing against a very good opponent, Olimpia Milano. They have a lot of new players. Unfortunately, we have a lot of injuries. We have to fight, we need support, this is a new team. We want to start with a positive result.  We also need the support of the fans. This is a new team and we want to start in the right way. The newcomers are adapting to the team, getting used to the philosophy. We are ready for the first game, but the more we play, the better we will be."

**Dejan Davidovac, Crvena Zvezda forward**

"We play against very good team. The situation with injuries makes it a lot more difficult. We haven't reached the level we want yet, but maybe it's too early to be at 100%. Injuries disturb us, but considering the tight schedule throughout the season, maybe it's not bad to get used to such situations now. We play well in transition, but we need more discipline in the attack. There are a lot of new players, it takes time for everything to fit in, which is normal at this time of the year."

**Ettore Messina, Milan head coach**

"We play a tough game, on a tough court and against a very competitive Red Star team. We face this with the enthusiasm coming from being aware of how good we could be as a team based on defense, rebounding and ball circulation. This is what we are trying to build as an identity. Unfortunately, we will start without Lorenzo Brown but the return of Marko Guduric and the players we couldn't use during the Super Cup weekend give us the confidence of being able to play a very good game."

**Shavon Shields, Milan forward**

"We are starting a very competitive EuroLeague season on the road and Belgrade will test our mental toughness immediately. We will need to stay focus and play hard and together for 40 minutes."

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:15 CEST)

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach**

"Important thing is to be ready mentally after a long break. It does not matter which team we play, we must be ready. That’s the reality. It’s the beginning of the season. Bayern has a lot of new players, but we also have a lot of key new players that will their official home game. It will be important to play aggressive on defense and find a way to win the game. We are 40% ready, but we know even when we are at 40% we must play aggressive. We also need the help of our supporters, because OAKA is always a hot arena, and that will be our advantage. I am not optimistic about playing great basketball, but I am sure we will play aggressive. Cedi Osman will not play this game. Medical staff will try to \[get him ready\] for Barcelona on Friday. Mathias Lessort, they say \[he will return in\] November, so I don’t know when he will join team practices and play games."

**TJ Shorts, Panathinaikos guard**

"I am doing good, definitely ready to play now. The team is also ready to play. It was a very different preseason, with guys playing in the EuroBasket, the guys travelling to Australia and then the other group coming a little later. And myself, I got very sick. It was an up and down preseason for everybody. To have the last four days of practice and actually being together, we had some time to kind of gel, get to know each other, figure out how we are going to play off each other. I am definitely prepared. There is still a lot to learn, and as a season goes on it will get better."

**Gordon Herbert, Bayern head coach**

"It's an interesting situation and also a good challenge to come together as a team. Yes, we are only at the beginning of a process, but the guys have trained very well. To a certain extent, I will again be careful not to overload them. And our offensive package will certainly develop slowly at first."

**Vladimir Lucic, Bayern forward**

"I've been a pro for 18 years now, but I've never seen 80 percent of the team missing in preseason because of national teams or injuries. We've had a week and a half of training together and on Tuesday we start on one of the toughest EuroLeague courts, against perhaps the most talented team ever. Our initial goal is to adapt to the tough schedule with eleven double weeks and little training. We have to get through the games, and there will certainly be bumps in the road, especially away from home, on this wild ride. But we just have to stick together and trust the process of getting better every day."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CEST)

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach**

"Without a doubt, the game against Baskonia is dangerous. Neither I nor anyone on our team sees it as if there’s a favorite. It’s a tough road game in the EuroLeague. Things are uncertain regarding what each team will bring. We don’t think of ourselves as the favorite. We really have to work very hard on the court to beat a team that presses all over the floor, sets traps, plays man-to-man defense, and imposes a tempo on the game that you have to control. I don’t think there’s any danger of underestimating the opponent. That’s not in our minds."

**Saben Lee, Olympiacos guard**

"It’s going to be a tough game. They’re a strong, aggressive team. We need to keep following the coach’s plan. As for us, I think we’ve made great progress in our preparation. I trust the team. The coaching staff has prepared us very well, and I’m excited to get started."

### Virtus Bologna vs. Real Madrid (20:45 CEST)

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach**

"We start the EuroLeague against one of the best teams in the competition, with a truly complete roster. They play hard and use transition a lot as an offensive solution. We need to improve on a few things from our last game against Milan, playing better defense, and being more present on the rebounds."

**Alessandro Pajola, Virtus guard**

"We begin our EuroLeague campaign at home in front of our fans, and that should help us against a top-level team, one of the best in the EuroLeague. It will be a game that we need to approach with concentration from the outset, especially starting with our defense, which must be our trademark for the entire 40 minutes."

**Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach**

"It's certainly a tough away game against a very athletic team, with players with tremendous scoring talent, in a very atypical environment, on a small court with a lot of passion and warmth surrounding the players throughout the game. It's the first EuroLeague game, with all the unknowns, with a team that's still developing, that doesn't have its mechanisms perfectly oiled and that is often resolved with effort, aggression, rebound control, one-on-one defense, desire, and concentration to play those late games, making few mistakes and forcing the opponent to make mistakes."

**Gabriel Deck, Real Madrid forward**

"Obviously, it's very important to try to get off on the right foot, with a win, and we hope to do so, but it will be a very tough game against a good team. We hope to rise to the occasion and bring the victory home. They'll have the added bonus of being at home in this first game, so we'll have to put in a lot of effort."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 1 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

Pregame quotes, Round 1: 'Excited to see how we stack up against the best'

Virtus Bologna v Real Madrid (2025-09-30T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-09-30T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v FC Bayern Munich (2025-09-30T18:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-09-30T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-09-30T17:45:00.000Z)

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v FC Barcelona (2025-09-30T16:00:00.000Z)

Dubai Basketball v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-09-30T16:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Paris Basketball (2025-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Valencia Basket (2025-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs ahead of Round 1 of the 2025-26 season.

Injury report: Round 1

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Shane Larkin is questionable while PJ Dozier and Vincent Poirier are ruled out for Efes's Round 1 clash against Maccabi on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Vincent Poirier is out for [4-6 months after knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-timetable-for-poiriers-return-set-at-4-6-months/).

### AS Monaco

Yoan Makoundou remains unavailable for Monaco's game against Zalgiris on Wednesday, the club has confirmed, but Mike James, Daniel Theis and Donatas Motiejunas are all available.

- Mike James, Yoan Makoundou, Daniel Theis and Donatas Motiejunas missed Monaco's French League opener this past weekend.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Olympiacos on Tuesday.

- Rodions Kurucs is questionable for Round 1.
- Hami Diallo could not finish Baskonia's last preseason game due to a sprained ankle. He is questionable for Round 1.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Ognjen Dobric, Isaiah Canaan, Devonte Graham and Uros Plavsic will all miss Crvena Zvezda's game against Milan on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Isaiah Canaan [suffered an ACL injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-loses-isaiah-canaan-to-acl-injury/) and is awaiting a surgery in the USA
- Devonte Graham will miss Round 1 due to a contusion.
- Uros Plavsic is out for Round 1 due to an ankle sprain.
- Ognjen Dobric is out with an injury suffered during the EuroBasket 2025

### Dubai Basketball

Dubai has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Partizan on Tuesday.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Lorenzo Brown and Leonardo Tote’ are ruled out for Milan’s game at Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Armoni Brooks, Marko Guduric, Vlatko Cancar and Bryant Dunston missed Milan's two Italian Super Cup games this past weekend.
- Ettore Messina confirmed that Guduric will travel for Milan's two road games to start the EuroLeague season and that Lorenzo Brown will not play this week.

### FC Barcelona

Juan Nunez is ruled out for Barcelona's game at Hapoel on Tuesday, the club has confirmed. The Blaugrana will travel to Sofia with 13 players.

- Juan Nunez is out indefinitely due to a knee injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Justus Hollatz, Johannes Voigtmann, Elias Harris, Rokas Jokubaitis and Aleksa Radanov are all ruled out for Bayern's game at Panathinaikos on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayerns-rokas-jokubaitis-suffers-knee-injury/) will be sidelined until the spring following knee surgery.
- Johannes Voigtmann will miss the start of the season after he suffered a knee injury during EuroBasket 2025 that required surgery.
- Elias Harris has yet to return to action following a knee injury suffered in June.
- Justus Hollatz is not expected to suit up for Round 1.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Scottie Wilbekin and Arturs Zagars are both ruled out for Fenerbahce's game against Paris on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Hapoel has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Barcelona on Tuesday.

- [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoels-yam-madar-goes-under-the-knife/) is not expected to play during the opening week of the season after undergoing an appendectomy.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Valencia on Wednesday.

- Thomas Heurtel missed ASVEL's French League opener this past weekend.

### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

According to the club, Maccabi has no injuries for its game at Efes on Tuesday.

- Uros Trifunovic missed two domestic games last week with a sprained ankle, but is available for Round 1.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Olympiacos reported that it will be without Shaquielle McKissic, Keenan Evans and Moustapha Fall for its game at Baskonia on Tuesday.

- Keenan Evans will miss the start of the season with a knee injury.
- [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-center-moustapha-fall-suffers-knee-injury/) could miss the entire season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the Greek League finals in June.
- Recently signed Frank Ntilikina has travelled with the team.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Cedi Osman and Mathias Lessort are ruled out for Panathinaikos's game against Bayern on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

### Paris Basketball

Lamar Stevens and Enzo Shahrvin are unavailable for Paris's game at Fenerbahce on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- Sebastian Herrera is available after being out with an abdominal contusion.
- Daulton Hommes made his return from injury in Paris's French League opener this past weekend.
- [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-duo-lamar-stevens-sebastian-herrera-out-for-weeks/) is out for 'several weeks', Paris confirmed on September 19.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Mario Nakic will miss Partizan's season opener at Dubai on Tuesday due to a knee problem, the club has confirmed.

- Miika Muurinen did not travel with the team.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Virtus on Tuesday.

- Theo Maledon did not travel with the team for the game against Virtus.
- Gabriele Procida did not play against Virtus due to an ankle problem. He is doubtful in Round 2. 

### Valencia Basket

Valencia has not yet sent an injury report for its game at ASVEL on Wednesday.

- Jean Montero, Xabi Lopez Arostegui and Brancou Badio are out with different injuries.
- Yankuba Sima missed the Spanish Super Cup due to a leg injury.

### Virtus Bologna

Virtus has listed Nicola Akele as the only unavailable player for its game against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

- [Brandon Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/brandon-taylor-sidelined-with-minor-knee-issue/), who had been dealing with inflammation in his knee, missed Virtus's Italian Super Cup semifinal defeat to Milan this past weekend, but is available for Round 1.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Monaco on Wednesday.

- Dovydas Giedraitis is sidelined indefinitely.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 1: Mike James available; Lamar Stevens, Wilbekin out

FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday that point guard Juan Nunez underwent surgery at the Hospital de Barcelona and is expected to be sidelined for the next six months. The procedure was an arthroscopic examination of his right knee. 

Barcelona guard Juan Nunez to miss 6 months

FC Barcelona announced on Wednesday that point guard Juan Nunez underwent surgery at the Hospital de Barcelona and is expected to be sidelined for the next six months. The procedure was an arthroscopic examination of his right knee. A meniscal cyst was removed and the sutures from the initial surgery performed on March 11 were reinforced.

Nunez made a recovery from the March operation and began preseason training, even excelling in an exhibition game against Paris Basketball. However he then experienced an inflammatory reaction in his knee. It was decided that he would undergo an exploratory arthroscopy at the Hospital de Barcelona by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of FC Barcelona's medical services.

Last season was Nunez's first with Barcelona and he averaged 5.0 points and 3.4 assists over 25 EuroLeague games before sustaining the injury.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">[𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐄̀𝐃𝐈𝐂]<br><br>El jugador Juan Núñez s’ha sotmès aquest dimarts a una revisió artroscòpica del seu genoll dret. S&#39;ha procedit a extreure un quist meniscal i s’han reforçat els punts de sutura del menisc practicats en la primera artroscòpia realitzada l’11 de… <a href="https://t.co/WlmnBj4gok">pic.twitter.com/WlmnBj4gok</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1973306983374581889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More FC Barcelona news

The 21-year-old underwent surgery on Tuesday

All eyes were on Jaleen Smith heading into the opening night of the BKT EuroCup season. But by the final buzzer, it was another Smith – Mark Smith – who stole the spotlight.

Mark Smith outshined Jaleen in the Battle of the Smiths

All eyes were on [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) heading into the opening night of the BKT EuroCup season. But by the final buzzer, it was another Smith – [Mark Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mark-smith/013969/) – who stole the spotlight.

In what many expected to be a statement win for Jaleen Smith and his new-look Turk Telekom Ankara side, coached by 2022-23 EuroCup Coach of the Year Erdem Can, it was [ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/ratiopharm-ulm/ulm/) and Mark Smith who flipped the script.

Making his EuroCup debut, the 26-year-old guard was a steady, commanding presence throughout, guiding Ulm to a confident victory. Known for developing young prospects, Ulm has found a more seasoned gem in Smith, who made an immediate impact.

He finished the night with a game-high 23 points, along with 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, a 27 PIR, and a +22 plus/minus – the highest of any player across the four opening-night fixtures. Even when Ulm coach Ty Harrelson tried to manage his minutes, Smith’s influence was too valuable to keep off the court for long.

“He led us from the beginning,” Harrelson told EuroLeague TV. “He showed that we can take a lead and hold on to it. I thought he really had command of the game. It’s unfortunate with the foul situations... a couple of times we were up by 10 and I had to take him out, but we managed to hold on. I thought he was great.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Magic made by Mark ✨🧡<br><br>Mit 23 Punkten, 7 Assists &amp; einem PIR von 27 führt er uns zum Auswärtssieg in Ankara! 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uuulmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uuulmer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weareone</a> <a href="https://t.co/MdbxvqBCRi">pic.twitter.com/MdbxvqBCRi</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1973100459318526237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Smith started modestly, with just 3 points and 3 rebounds in the first quarter, but exploded in the second, pouring in 15 points to reach 18 by halftime. Although foul trouble limited his third-quarter impact, he still added another 5 points and 3 assists before eventually fouling out with 31 seconds to play. Fortunately, teammates [Chris Ledlum](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/christopher-ledlum/013968/) and [Nelson Weidemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nelson-weidemann/006245/) held their nerve at the line to seal the win.

“We have a great team,” Smith said postgame. “They help make me better, and I try to make them better – make plays, get us going on offense. That’s all I try to do.”

On a night when Jaleen Smith was expected to shine, it was Mark Smith who delivered an MVP-level performance. If this debut is any indication, Ulm fans have plenty to look forward to with Smith leading the charge this season.

Turk Telekom Ankara v ratiopharm Ulm (2025-09-30T16:00:00.000Z)

If Davis Bertans had tried to script his EuroLeague return, it probably wouldn’t have gone any better than this.

Davis Bertans had a dream EuroLeague return

If [Davis Bertans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/davis-bertans/003458/) had tried to script his EuroLeague return, it probably wouldn’t have gone any better than this.

The sharpshooting forward – playing in Europe’s top competition for the first time since the 2016 Final Four with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz – made his comeback on Tuesday night, and the moment couldn’t have been more meaningful.

Not only was he returning to the EuroLeague but he was doing so in Dubai, with a brand-new team making its competition debut, and [against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dubai-tops-partizan-89-76-in-historic-debut/), the club where he became a fan favorite and is still considered “one of their own”.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LatvianLaser8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LatvianLaser8</a> is living the <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaibasket</a> dream! 🫡<br><br>20 PTS, 5/7 3FG, 4 AST, 26 PIR<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/bF4OFONK0F">pic.twitter.com/bF4OFONK0F</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973114362937352445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

But if Bertans felt any nerves, nostalgia, or pressure – from making his EuroLeague return after nearly a decade, from facing his former team, or from stepping into a pioneering moment for basketball in the Gulf region – it didn’t show.

In fact, if any of his teammates were overwhelmed by the spotlight, all they had to do was follow his lead.

Bertans, who turns 33 later this month, was locked in from the opening tip. Just 20 seconds into the game, he nailed a turnaround jumper – nothing but net – on Dubai’s first possession. Not only did it make him the first-ever scorer in club history at the EuroLeague level, but it also opened the floodgates.

He followed up with three straight three-pointers and had 11 points in the first five minutes alone, pushing Dubai to an early double-digit lead and injecting the team with confidence and rhythm.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">D. Bertans firing on all cylinders at the moment!<br><br>🔥 3/3 3FG in the first Q<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJY1F6R5R1">pic.twitter.com/rJY1F6R5R1</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973063696717853122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dubai rode the momentum, draining its first seven three-point attempts – six of them in the first quarter – and setting the tone with crisp ball movement and fearless shot-making.

“It gives us confidence,” Bertans said afterward in a EuroLeague TV interview. “If we play the right way, we share the ball – the offense is going to be good most nights.”

Partizan did claw back, even briefly taking the lead early in the third quarter, but from that point on it was all Dubai.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The storyline of <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaibasket</a>&#39;s win over Partizan in Round 1 💬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/rGvQnDDxpJ">pic.twitter.com/rGvQnDDxpJ</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973100109714874793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bertans led the way, finishing with 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep, along with 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

He was one point shy of his EuroLeague career high, tied his personal best for threes made in a game, and posted a career-high 26 PIR – all in a 13-point win in the club’s EuroLeague debut.

Yes, that’s what you call a dream game.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge W in their EuroLeague debut! 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dubaibasket</a> made a statement.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3GhXuvW8T">pic.twitter.com/N3GhXuvW8T</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973106859788869906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Dubai Basketball News

The Latvian sharpshooter started the game hot and led Dubai to a historic victory

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 1 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Virtus Bologna-Real Madrid | Round 1 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens-FC Bayern Munich | Round 1 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

If Round 1 is anything to go by, Aris Thessaloniki Betsson is going to be a problem in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season. You only have to look at Bryce Jones and Bryn Forbes to know why.

Bryce Jones, Bryn Forbes showed they mean business for Aris

If Round 1 is anything to go by, [Aris Thessaloniki Betsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/aris-thessaloniki-betsson/ari/) is going to be a problem in the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season. You only have to look at [Bryce Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bryce-jones/012621/) and [Bryn Forbes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/bryn-forbes/013957/) to know why.

On the road at Umana Reyer Venice, the backcourt pair completed each other brilliantly as [Aris grabbed an 81-85 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/aris-roars-its-way-to-81-85-win-at-reyer/). Just one year ago, Aris also started its EuroCup campaign on the road at Reyer, but it fell to a 20-point defeat. In fact, new Aris head coach Bogdan Karaicic revealed something special in the postgame press conference.

“This is the first time that Aris won in Italy against an Italian team, so it gives some special meaning for Aris in this new beginning and new situation that we are in,” he said. “I will address the fans: we are building something, so don’t just us on our wins and losses. Judge us on our effort. The effort is going to be there for the whole season.

“This is the main thing that we are trying to build here – new character, new effort, and a new situation. Not wins and losses as a priority this season.”

That may be the case, but with Jones and Forbes combining to score 44 of Aris’s 85 points in Round 1, it is understandable that fans are starting to get excited. Jones, in particular, really showed his leadership on the court with a complete performance, not only scoring the ball with a career-high 26 points but grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing 6 assists, and making 1 steal. Forbes, meanwhile, netted 18 points in addition to recording 1 rebound and 2 steals.

“This was a huge road win. We needed this win,” Jones told EuroLeague TV after the game. “I’m just happy for my guys, that we fought together, came together and got the win.”

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EuroCup fans will remember seeing Jones impress for U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals as the team reached the quarterfinals, but he is coming off a season in which he led the ABA League in scoring Igokea. His confidence is sky-high and he knows that Aris is his team, yet he is determined to make sure his teammates continue to work hard in order to have a successful year.

“\[We need to focus on\] our daily habits, what it takes to get to this position. That’s just hard work and sacrifice. That’s all I know,” he said. “Me being a leader for this team, I’m trying to lead by example and be more vocal to help them understand that this is what it takes to win. It’s tough. It’s going to be hard, but this is more meaningful. Doing it for these fans is amazing.”

The many Aris supporters who made the trip to Venice will remember Tuesday night for a long time – and if Jones and Forbes maintain their Round 1 form, there could be plenty more nights like it ahead.

The Greek giant has a backcourt duo that will be the envy of many this season

Umana Reyer Venice v Aris Thessaloniki Betsson (2025-09-30T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul-Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv | Round 1 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson recorded a statement win in Round 1 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by downing Umana Reyer Venice 81-85 on the road.

Aris roars its way to 81-85 win at Reyer

Aris Thessaloniki Betsson recorded a statement win in Round 1 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by downing Umana Reyer Venice 81-85 on the road.

Bryce Jones and Bryn Forbes combined for 44 of Aris’s points on the night, with the former scoring 26 points and the latter pouring in 18. It was an all-around performance by Jones as he also amassed 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. Ronnie Harrell, who returned to Aris this past summer, added 13 points and Stelios Poulianitis chipped in with 10. Reyer’s top scorer was Ky Bowman with 14 points, followed by Chris Horton with 13, and Kyle Wiltjer with 12.

Although Jones and Forbes helped give Aris a 3-7 lead early on, Jordan Parks and Wiltjer joined forces as part of a 9-0 run to give Reyer a 12-7 edge. Wiltjer helped push the lead to 17-9, but Aris responded through Steven Enoch, Harrell and Georgios Gkiouzelis before Forbes’s three cut the gap to two points, 21-19. A triple by Carl Wheatle and a free throw by Amedeo Tessitori gave Reyer a 27-20 advantage after 10 minutes.

Bowman put Reyer nine points ahead early in the second, 29-20, but Forbes, Harrell and Jones refused to go away, combining to make it 33-31. Although RJ Cole and Bowman gave the hosts breathing room at 38-31, Harrell netted 6 straight points to maintain the pressure, 38-37, and Poulianitis gave Aris its first lead since 3-7 at 38-39. At halftime, there was nothing to separate the teams as the score was knotted at 49-49.

The lead kept changing hands for the majority of the third frame, but it was Aris which finally led by more than one possession when Forbes’s triple put the guests 62-66 ahead with 2:21 remaining in the quarter. Jones and Enoch swelled the advantage to 62-70 before Parks’s three-pointer made it 65-70 heading into the fourth quarter.

There was an expected late charge from Reyer, yet Enoch and Poulianitis kept things comfortable at 68-76. Jones kept charging for Aris, too, fighting off the best efforts of Horton and Bowman to flip the script. The Aris guard netted 10 of his 26 points in the final quarter, with the last three putting the win on ice as split free throws before going coast to coast to score the final basket of the game.

Umana Reyer Venice 81-85 Aris Thessaloniki Betsson | Round 1 highlights

The Greek team’s fans really made their presence felt inside Palasport Taliercio