Name: Theo Maledon December MVP: 'I'm getting more comfortable every game'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 13 game between 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has been suspended.

Lietkabelis vs. Cedevita Olimpija game suspended

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 13 game between 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has been suspended. The decision follows Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana's inability to reach Panevezys due to the weather conditions, which have resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays.

Euroleague Basketball is working closely with both teams to identify the best possible options for rescheduling the game. Additional information will be provided in the coming days as details are confirmed.

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-02T18:00:00.000Z)

After he was named the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP for December, Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne spoke to EuroLeague.net about his return to the Old Continent after four seasons in the NBA, some of the highlights from the past month, and his and his team's mindset

Theo Maledon December MVP: 'I'm getting more comfortable every game'

After he was named the [Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP for December](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/theo-maledon-makes-history-as-december-mvp/), [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) of [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) spoke to [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net) about his return to the Old Continent after four seasons in the NBA, some of the highlights from the past month, and his and his team's mindset.

Maledon, who has made history as the first ASVEL player to be named MVP of the Month in the EuroLeague, has helped carry his team from the tail end of the standings into the thick of the fight to reach the postseason. Hear more from one of the competition’s hottest players in this exclusive interview.

ASVEL's star guard shared his thoughts on winning the award

Countless highlights were produced during all the BKT EuroCup games played across the continent so far this December. Here's a look at the 10 best plays of December!

Top  10 Plays | December  |  2024-25 BKT EuroCup 

Countless highlights were produced during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague 2024-25 season so far. Here's a look at the 10 best plays of December!

Top 10 Plays | December | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 13 game between 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevėžys and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana will now tip off at **20:00 local time** on January 2, instead of the previously scheduled 19:00 local time. This change has been made due to logistical reasons.

Tip-Off Time Change: Lietkabelis vs. Cedevita

The passer's vision and execution were both faster than the defense in select moments this December. Check out the best assists for December!

Top 10 Assists | December | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup

 The passer's vision and execution were both faster than the defense in select moments this December. Check out the best assists for December!

The passer's vision and execution were both faster than the defense in select moments this season. Check out the December best assists!

Top 10 Assists | December | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

 The passer's vision and execution were both faster than the defense in select moments this season. Check out the December best assists!

Episode No. 14 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is here to help prepare you for 2025! Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 dish on strategies, lessons learned, and standout players from the latest fantasy round. 

Get your Fantasy Challenge Podcast fix in Episode No. 14

Episode No. 14 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is here to help prepare you for 2025! [Javier Gancedo](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fganchetto&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cf637e2d6bb3e4ec70a6008dd233d96d4%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638705469604612942%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fUS02rr3aDuSVx9gQ66XZiQcD%2Bv6TCX4GMBB6ALFkvE%3D&reserved=0) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fkaramouza_vas&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7Cf637e2d6bb3e4ec70a6008dd233d96d4%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638705469604647657%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ScfEOK5GTYf4YtFYuF6KZJfXNlUJjKq1IQ5NCpdoQBI%3D&reserved=0) of Sport 24 dish on strategies, lessons learned, and standout players from the latest fantasy round. They also reflected on a particularly low-scoring week, where even the top-performing team managed just 197 points.

Check out the teams Javi and Vasiliki plan to use in Round 18, which begins at 19:00 CET on Thursday when Zalgiris Kaunas and Olympiacos Piraeus meet. Good luck fantasy fans!

Episode No. 14 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast is here to help prepare you for 2025! Javier Gancedo of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 dish on strategies, lessons learned, and standout players from the latest fantasy round. They also reflected on a particularly low-scoring week, where even the top-performing team managed just 197 points.

Javi and Vasiliki share some advice and their teams ahead of Round 19

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of Round 13 of the BKT EuroCup, and who might be missing in action.

Round 13: Pregame quotes and injury reports

## Thursday, January 2

### Trefl Sopot vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (18:00 CET)

**Jakub Schenk, Trefl Sopot guard**

"It’s a really physical team, so we have to be ready on the perimeter and under the baskets. Rebounding is going to be a big key. I hope we can execute our targets offensively and be solid against their switching defense, because they switch a lot. We know how to punish that, we just have to be successful doing that."

**Injury report, Trefl**: Andy Van Vliet is no longer with the team.

Jakub Schenk: 'Rebounding is going to be a big key'

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:00 CET)

**Zvezdan Mitrovic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana head coach**

"An important game, but under unusual circumstances. We are still in Belgrade, having been to the airport twice, but due to weather conditions, we couldn’t take off either time — something entirely beyond our control. Unfortunately, we were unable to reschedule the game against Lietkabelis and we’ll see if conditions on Thursday allow us to travel to Panevezys. For the team, this time spent at the airport, returning, and sleeping in a hotel has been very taxing. We extend our gratitude to Partizan Mozzart Bet for providing us with a training session in a small gym at the Belgrade Arena. After all the waiting and standing around, we wanted to activate the players a bit and prepare them for the game and everything that lies ahead. On Thursday, we’ll wake up at 4:00 AM and travel directly to the game. Our priority will certainly be to take care of the players in such a situation. If an opportunity to win the game presents itself, we will seize it, as this game is extremely important for us. Had our trip to Panevezys gone as originally planned, our ambitions and motivation would have been entirely different. First, we must take care of the players, and then we’ll see where we stand."

**Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana center**

"A very important game, as we are fighting to make the EuroCup Playoffs. A good game awaits us in the great atmosphere of Lietkabelis's home fans. We must be prepared for the game and the battle and give it our all to secure a win on Thursday."

Zvezdan Mitrovic: 'This game is extremely important'

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs Aris Midea Thessaloniki (19.00 CET)

\-

### Umana Reyer Venice vs Valencia Basket (20:00 CET)

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"We are facing the best team in the EuroCup at the moment. A team with immense talent, great versatility in their game, and a deep bench. They are a team suitable for the EuroLeague, just as Paris Basketball was last season. We have been training well and have found the right chemistry for our system, which allows us to fight until the end. Playing in front of our home crowd will be extremely important."

**Aamir Simms, Umana Reyer Venice forward**

"It will be a very physical game. Valencia is at the top of the EuroCup standings, but we need to win to secure a spot in the playoffs. As long as we maintain control of their breaks and continue to defend the way we know how, we will be able to take the game. Playing in front of our home crowd is very important for us, and we want to win for them."

**Injury report, Valencia:** Ethan Happ did not travel with the club for this game. Jean Montero's participation is in doubt due to a sprained right ankle.

Aamir Simms: 'It will be a very physical game'

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (21:00 CET)

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"I think the team, despite the defeat in Badalona, ​​is in a good moment. The most important thing will be to see how the team recovers after a few days of rest, among them this end of the year, to prepare for the game and compete well against a great team built to try to win the EuroCup and play in the EuroLeague. I think the game is very important for us. To continue adding points in the EuroCup, to continue in an upward line and in the positions that take us to the playoffs. We already know Hapoel. It's full of experienced players at the EuroLeague level, with a lot of quality and talent. That's why we have to be very well prepared, play very physically and know how to impose our pace of play."

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We are facing a very strong team, one that has built a solid core of players and coaching staff over the past few years. They won the EuroCup in the 2022-23 season and recently beat Valencia. This is a team with impressive size and versatility. They can play both small-ball and big-ball styles, and they operate at a very high pace. We’ve been practicing well and are looking forward to this game as an opportunity to test ourselves against such a high-quality and intelligent opponent."

**Tomer Ginat, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"The game against Gran Canaria is a big challenge for us, as they are one of the strongest teams in the group. We are all aware of the importance of this match, and we will come focused and aggressive, doing everything we can to rise to the challenge."

**Injury report, Gran Canaria:** Andrew Albicy injured his leg in the Spanish League on Monday. His participation this week is in question.

**Injury report, Hapoel:** [Marcus Bingham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoels-marcus-bingham-to-miss-time/) is sidelined with pericarditis. [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/patrick-beverley-sidelined-with-quadriceps-tear/) and [Noam Yaacov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-guard-noam-yaacov-to-miss-time-with-muscle-tear/) are both out with quadriceps injuries.

Tomer Ginat: 'We will come focused and aggressive'

## Friday, January 3

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (17:30 CET)

**Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach**

"Ankara is a very talented team and has one of the best defenses. The goal will be to start the year in the best possible way by playing our best basketball and also being able to take another step towards qualification."

**Jordan Usher, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse forward**

"We are ready to start the new year off right. Every win is a big game in terms of qualification. We need to keep a good rhythm and play hard to beat this talented Turk Telekom team."

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:00 CET)

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"This is an extremely important game, because the competition is very tight, especially in our group. We need to win our home games and gain confidence. We had some good practices before this game and we have the right mindset. We are confident we can win this game, even though Karel Guzman might not play. He is still facing that injury, but we want a victory!"

**Sasu Salin, U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard**

"It is going to be a different game than it was in Hamburg. They have recovered some of the players and actually got some new ones. They are going to be very dangerous so we have to respect them. At the same time, we need to show we are playing at home and we have to give the first hit. We need to be ready for the beginning, it is the time we are fighting for the playoffs. We have to do a great job, especially in defense, where we have been struggling lately. Our team needs to play good for 40 minutes and take the win."

**Benka Barloschky, Veolia Hamburg Towers head coach**

"Cluj is statistically strong at both ends of the floor. They have a lot of length and physicality. Imposing our game against them will be the biggest challenge. They have a very strong playmaker in Zavier Simpson. He creates over 35 points per game through his scoring and assists. Containing him will be the biggest challenge defensively. We did a very good job in this regard against Jerusalem's Jared Harper - and we want to build on that."

**Injury report, Cluj**: Karel Guzman's participation is in question.

Mihai Silvasan: 'We have the right mindset'

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs Joventut Badalona (18:00 CET)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach**

"It's a very important game for us. It's the first game of the new year and very important for the standings. We are happy even watching that game, respecting what we did in the first game in Badalona. But now they are in a different moment, they are winning games, even in their domestic league, and signed new players. From our side, we want to keep running to achieve our goals. We know exactly how important this home game against Joventut is for the standings."

**Arnoldas Kulboka, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius**

"Badalona will be determined after their first-round home loss to us. They are coming to Vilnius on a strong winning streak, so a tough game awaits. Both teams need to win for the standings. We are prepared to fight until the very last minute, staying fully focused and physical. We know Joventut will be seeking revenge. We will give our all to secure the victory in front of our fans."

**Dani Miret, Joventut Badalona head coach**

"We have a situation in the standings where it is very important to win the next two games to stay alive. When there are possibilities, we have to do our best to achieve them. We have to understand why we have not been competitive so far and come out with the initiative to win. In the EuroCup, we are not playing well and we want to change this trend and add victories."

**Injury report, Joventut:** Miguel Allen and Michael Ruzic will mis this game. Joventut has released Pep Busquets.

Arnoldas Kulboka: 'We know Joventut will be seeking revenge'

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs Bahcesehir College Istanbul (20:00 CET)

**Jordan Bayehe, Dolomiti Energia Trento center**

"Bahceşehir is a very strong team made up of very experienced players, many of whom also have experience in the EuroLeague. We are working hard to prepare for this game as best as possible, knowing that it will be essential to defend aggressively to limit their high shooting percentages, especially from three points. We are coming off a less-than-brilliant performance in the league, but we have practiced well in recent days. We know that difficult games can happen, but what matters is to react the right way and we are ready to do so."

Jordan Bayehe: 'It will be essential to defend aggressively'

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2025-01-03T19:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2025-01-03T17:00:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v Joventut Badalona (2025-01-03T17:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2025-01-03T16:30:00.000Z)

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-01-02T20:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Valencia Basket (2025-01-02T19:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2025-01-02T18:00:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2025-01-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-01-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Join Shani Blatt, Deniz Aksoy, Aleksandra Radivojevic and Kyle Hines on this special episode of EuroLeague & Friends 

EuroLeague & Friends: New Year Special Episode with Kyle Hines

Join [Shani Blatt](https://www.instagram.com/shaniblatt/) of Israel, [Deniz Aksoy](https://www.instagram.com/denizzaksoy/?hl=en) of Turkiye, and [Aleksandra Radivojevic](https://www.instagram.com/amazing__alex/?hl=en) of Serbia on this special episode of EuroLeague & Friends as four-time EuroLeague champion [Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kyle-hines/002812/) shares his incredible basketball journey. 

From Olympiacos’s unforgettable 2012 championship run to CSKA Moscow’s thrilling 2016 victory, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of EuroLeague’s most iconic moments. Plus, hear his thoughts on legendary players, the passion of EuroLeague fans, and the beauty of unpredictable Final Four matchups.

Join Shani Blatt of Israel, Deniz Aksoy of Turkiye, and Aleksandra Radivojevic of Serbia on this special episode of EuroLeague & Friends as four-time EuroLeague champion Kyle Hines shares his incredible basketball journey.

Fans, Rivalries, and Triumphs: What Makes EuroLeague Special

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague was full of vicious stops so far this season! Check out the best blocks of December!

Top 10 Blocks | December | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Polish League champion Trefl Sopot continued its midseason roster makeover by signing combo-guard Terrell Harris for the remainder of the season

Trefl Sopot signs combo-guard Terrell Harris

Polish League champion Trefl Sopot continued its midseason roster makeover by signing combo-guard Terrell Harris for the remainder of the season. The move comes the day after the club announced a deal with [Darious Moten](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/trefl-sopot-reunites-with-darious-moten/) and parted ways with Andy Van Vliet. Harris (1.91 meters, 31 years old) played for Gruppo Mascio Treviglio last season in the Italian second division, where he averaged 14.1 points, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

After playing college basketball at Georgia College & State University, Harris has spent most of his professional career in Germany, beginning with Iserlohn Kangaroos and followed by spells with Rostock Seawolves, Niners Chemnitz, and Crailsheim Merlins. He has also played in Denmark Svendborg and in Turkiye for Buyukcekmece. Harris, who will play with uniform no. 2, is expected to land in Poland on Wednesday.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Terrell Harris nowym zawodnikiem Trefla Sopot! ✅✍ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/plkpl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#plkpl</a><br><br>Mierzący 191 centymetrów combo w przeszłości występował w Niemczech, Turcji i Włoszech 🔙 W każdym z klubów sezon kończył z dwucyfrową średnią punktową, a ostatnio dla Gruppo Mascio Treviglio przeciętnie zapisywał 14.1… <a href="https://t.co/P2l7IXjH11">pic.twitter.com/P2l7IXjH11</a></p>&mdash; MISTRZ POLSKI 2024 🏆 (@treflsopot) <a href="https://twitter.com/treflsopot/status/1874076764835647935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Terrell will help our perimeter players, strengthen the competition and give them the opportunity to play with greater intensity," club president Marek Wierzbicki said of the signing. "We are counting primarily on his ability to score points and play well on defense, but he is also a player who makes good decisions on the court and is able to create situations for others. He is an experienced player who finds his place on the court in decisive moments of the game."

Latest Trefl Sopot news

Harris has spent most of his professional career in Germany

Real Madrid forward Gabriel Deck will be sidelined after he was diagnosed with a rupture of the hamstring tendon on his left leg

Real Madrid loses Gabriel Deck to torn hamstring

Real Madrid forward [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) will be sidelined after he was diagnosed with a rupture of the hamstring tendon on his left leg. The veteran forward suffered the injury during his team's narrow victory over FC Barcelona in the Spanish League on Monday. No timetable has been set for his recovery.

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Parte médico de Deck.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMBaloncesto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMBaloncesto</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1874073463931224305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Deck, 29, is in his seventh season with Real Madrid, which he helped to the EuroLeague crown in 2023. This season he has averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds on 18 games. Deck has won four Spanish championships, four Spanish SuperCups and two Spanish King’s Cups with *Los Blancos*. He has also played for Asociacion Quimsa Santiago del Estero and San Lorenzo de Almagro in his native Argentina and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.

Latest Real Madrid news

The former champion was injured in a Spanish League game on Monday

Real Madrid v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-03T20:00:00.000Z)

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup was full of vicious stops! Check out the best blocks of December!

Top 10 Blocks | December  | 2024-25 BKT EuroCup 

 The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup was full of vicious stops! Check out the best blocks of December!

Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens announced on Tuesday that it has agreed to a contract extension with All-EuroLeague center Mathias Lessort that will keep them together through the 2027-28 season

Panathinaikos, Mathias Lessort pen extension

Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens announced on Tuesday that it has agreed to a contract extension with All-EuroLeague center [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) that will keep them together through the 2027-28 season. Lessort, 29, dominated for the Greens in the first half of this season before suffering a [broken fibula](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) that will keep him sidelined for several months. He averaged 13.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 17 games this season to rank second in the league in rebounds and sixth in average PIR (20.5).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει την επέκταση της συνεργασίας της με τον αθλητή Ματίας Λεσόρ έως το καλοκαίρι του 2028.<br><br>Χρόνια Πολλά σε όλους τους φίλους του Παναθηναϊκού!<br><br>——————————————————<br><br>Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership… <a href="https://t.co/D1YBeltbq5">pic.twitter.com/D1YBeltbq5</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1874063872165867837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This season is his second with Panathinaikos, which he helped win the championship last season. Overall Lessort has six EuroLeague seasons for five clubs: Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, FC Bayern Munich, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Panathinaikos. He also suited up for Unicaja Malaga, AS Monaco and Partizan in the EuroCup. He won the EuroCup with Monaco in 2021. Lessort has won national championships in Serbia, Greece and the Adriatic League and was twice selected to the All-EuroCup team. He has also won silver medals at the Olympic Games and the European Championship and a bronze at the Basketball World Cup as a member of the French national team.

More Panathinaikos news

The two-time All-EuroLeague center will remain with the Greens through 2028

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips for the week ahead

Fantasy tips, Round 13: Let's take the new year by storm!

A new week, a new year and a new opportunity in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Round 13 is the first one in 2025 and after this, there will be only five more games for all teams in both groups. Winning tie-breakers could be as important as winning games for some teams, so high intensity is guaranteed in the BKT EuroCup. As for the Fantasy Challenge, as always, I have some ideas. Here are my recommendations this week:

[**Trey Woodbury, Aris Midea Thessaloniki (10.4 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trey-woodbury/013251/)

Woodbury had an impressive return to the competition, leading Aris to a much-needed home victory over Lietkabelis. He scored 25 points on 7-of-10 two-point shooting and 3-of-6 on three-pointers plus 8 rebounds for a PIR of 29. After missing four games due to injury, Woodbury is back and ready for more. 

[**Marcus Weathers, Trefl Sopot (12.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/marcus-weathers/013297/)

I recommended him when Tarik Phillip left Trefl and Weather has stepped up. He's done really well over the last couple of games, averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks for a PIR of 25.0. Trefl is all but mathematically eliminated, but Weathers and his team are ready to keep fighting for that first win.

Marcus Weathers, Jordan Ford, Anthony Cowan, Trey Woodbury and Devon Dotson are featured in this week's article.

EuroCup Fantasy tips: Round 13

[**Jordan Ford, Dolomiti Energia Trento (13.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/)

It is do-or-die time for Trento, which needs its best players to step up in the remaining six games. Ford has certainly done so, getting a PIR of 21 or better in the last three games. During that time, he has averaged 18.7 points on 10-of-14 three-point shooting and 12-of-13 on free throws plus 4.7 assists for a PIR of 22.7. Fantastic!

[**Devon Dotson, Joventut Badalona (11.6 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devon-durrell-dotson/013285/)

Joventut has a 4-8 record in Group A and most likely needs to win five of its last six games to make it the playoffs. Dotson has been one of its best players recently, averaging 15.3 points on 12-of-13 free-throw shooting and 4.7 assists for a PIR of 18.3 over his last three games. Dotson and Joventut are on a mission to get to the next round.

[**Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (14.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/)

Cowan is my fantasy superstar of choice in Round 13. Wolves play against Joventut and all eyes will be on Andrew Andrews, who played for both clubs. That could give Cowan an edge. He has been unstoppable lately, too, averaging 21.0 points and 4.3 assists for a PIR of 25.0 in the last four games. Cowan went for 26 points and a PIR of 33 last time against Joventut.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his tips for Round 19 of the 2024-25 season.

Fantasy tips, Round 19: Bargains galore!

Get ready for the first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague round in 2025 and it should be a good one for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers. All of a sudden, there are plenty of undervalued players in the game and good opportunities to improve your teams and be even more competitive. From players returning from injuries, others getting more playing time or simply doing really well, here are five of my top recommendations ahead of Round 19.

[**Duane Washington, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (10.7 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/duane-washington/013370/)

Washington has stepped up in the last three rounds, averaging 19.7 points and 4.7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 18.0. He comes off his best game in the competition with 27 points and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 27 in a home victory over Fenerbahce. It seems like his adjustment period is over and Washington is ready to showcase his best basketball.

[**Jaylen Hoard, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (15.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/)

Simply put, Hoard is the player to have in the game right now. Sasha Vezenkov is owned by almost 30% of fantasy managers and Theo Maledon is in around 25% of the teams. Hoard is owned by 6.1% of all managers out there while averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds for a PIR of 23.4 in the last five games. It's time to get ahead of the fantasy curve!

Jaylen Hoard, Neal Sako, Dinos Mitoglou, Joel Bolomboy and Duane Washington are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 18

[**Konstantinos Mitoglou, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (8.2 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/)

As you probably know, Mathias Lessort is injured and will most likely miss the remainder of the regular season. Panathinaikos had to adjust and Mitoglou is starting to see playing time at the '5' position. He delivered right away, getting 15 points and 9 rebounds for a PIR of 20 in almost 30 minutes against Bayern in Round 18. Buy him now!

[**Neil Sako, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (10.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/)

Sako is in a similar situation to Mitoglou. Mbaye Ndiaye is set to miss some time and Sako may see extended playing time at the power forward position. Sako is the kind of player who always delivers when he gets the minutes: he had 12 points and 9 rebounds for a PIR of 20 against Virtus last week. There are not many good centers in his price range.

[**Joel Bolomboy, Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade (12.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/)

Bolomboy is back and he immediately made Zvezda better. His team won the last two games, including a rare home victory over Barca at Palau Blaugrana. Since he's back, Bolomboy has been nothing but rock-solid, averaging 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds for a PIR of 17.0. In fantasy, you can't go wrong with rebounds, blocks and a high shooting percentage.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his tips for the week ahead

The race for the playoffs in the BKT EuroCup will feature several clashes between direct rivals in Round 13, which started last week with Ulm overcoming Besiktas. Here’s your guide to all this week’s action.

At a glance: Closer to the finish line! 

The race for the playoffs in the BKT EuroCup will feature several clashes between direct rivals in Round 13, which started last week with Ulm overcoming Besiktas 104-97. Here’s your guide to all this week’s action.

### Thursday, January 2

**Trefl Sopot vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (18:00 CET)**

Winless Trefl (0-12) will continue its quest for a victory with a visit from Buducnost (5-7), which is currently placed one win short of the all-important top six. Buducnost’s main offensive strength is an excellent three-point shooting game, making 38.2% of long-range strikes (third best in the competition). One of the keys to that success is [Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/fletcher-magee/012630/), who has made 53.6% of his attempts from deep, including 3-of-5 in October’s 92-83 victory over Trefl. The Polish team has the second-worst offense in the EuroCup, averaging just 76.3 points, despite forward [Jaroslaw Zykowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaroslaw-zyskowski/013295/) showing his shooting power with 25 points in the narrow loss to Joventut just before the break.

**7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:00 CET)**

Boosted by a stunning overtime win at Valencia before the festive break, Lietkabelis (4-8) will look to build more momentum with a visit from playoff-chasing Cedevita (7-5). The host will look for young guard [Oleksandr Kovliar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/oleksandr-kovliar/013247/) to repeat the performance which saw him net 25 points in the dramatic victory in Spain, while Cedevita will counter him through [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/), who had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss against Turk Telekom last time out. Cedevita won 76-72 behind 17 points from [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) when the teams met in Round 4, so a road win in Lithuania could put a decisive distance between the teams.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Maldunas vs. Stipanovic

**Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs Aris Midea Thessaloniki (19.00 CET)**

Jerusalem (7-5) will look to end a three-game losing run and at least maintain its share of second place in Group B against an Aris team (3-9) battling to build on a good win over Lietkabelis last time out. 25 points from fit-again guard [Trey Woodbury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/trey-woodbury/013251/) were vital to that victory, and he will look to punish a Jerusalem defense which has allowed an average of 90.3 points during the three-game losing slide. Jerusalem won 68-78 when the teams met in Greece in Round 4 paced by 18 points from now-injured [Justin Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justin-smith/013276/), so the host will again rely on league leading scorer [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) to maintain his average of 22.8 points per game.

**Umana Reyer Venice vs Valencia Basket (20:00 CET)** 

Valencia (11-1) could become the first team to clinch playoff qualification by overcoming Reyer (6-6), which also needs the win to strengthen its top six challenge. After suffering its first loss with an overtime defeat to Lietkabelis in a game rescheduled from Round 6, Valencia will look to recover the kind of dominance that saw it roll to a 105-83 victory over Reyer in October behind 16 points from [Semi Ojeleye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/semi-ojeleye/011982/). But the Italian team is in great form with four wins in the last five, mostly recently winning a thriller at Bourg thanks to [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mfiondu-kabengele/012796/)’s seventh double-double of the season, and the center’s dominance will give Reyer a fighting chance of maintaining its hot streak.

**Dreamland Gran Canaria vs Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (21:00 CET)**

A crucial clash in Group A will see second-placed Gran Canaria (9-3) attempt to take a three-game lead over fourth-placed Hapoel (7-5). The Spanish team needs a 14-point swing to claim the head-to-head advantage after being 79-66 on the road by Hapoel earlier in the season, when the versatile talents of veteran [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) made all the difference with 15 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Beverley is one of the reasons that Hapoel boasts the third-best offense in the competition (89 points per game), so Gran Canaria will need every inch of its strong defense (73.1 points conceded, second-best in the EuroCup). The rebounding battle between [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/) (6.1 boards per game) and [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) (5.5 rpg) could be crucial.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Albicy vs. Ragland

### Friday, January 3

**Turk Telekom Ankara vs Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (17:30 CET)**

The race for the playoffs will be intense as Turk Telekom (7-5) looks to protect its homecourt against direct rival Bourg (6-6) in Friday’s opening tipoff. The teams have been heading in different directions recently, with Turk Telekom winning three in a row while Bourg has lost four of the last five. With head to head advantage very much at stake, Bourg will look to reproduce the strong defense which propelled a 67-63 home victory over the Turkish team in Round 4, and will look for leadership from veteran forward [Maksim Salash](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/maksim-salash/004525/) (9.8 points per game). The host has recently rolled behind big man [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) (11.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game), and will give everything for a vital victory this week.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Alexander vs. Pansa

**U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs Veolia Towers Hamburg (18:00 CET)**

After keeping its faint playoff hopes alive with a surprise win over Jerusalem just before the festive break, Hamburg (3-9) will look to upset another top six aspirant with a trip to Cluj (6-6). The Romanian team is currently locked in a three-way tie for fifth place, and should have plenty of confidence after winning four straight at home – but needs to improve a defense which has allowed triple figures in two of the last three games. [Jaizec Lottie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaizec-lottie/013309/)’s 18 points were central to Hamburg’s triumph last time out, and the in-form guard faces a good matchup with one of the league’s top performers, [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/), who will be looking to maintain his streak of double-digit scoring in every game so far.

**Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs Joventut Badalona (18:00 CET)**

A significant Group A showdown will be staged in the Lithuanian capital, with Wolves (6-6) aiming to establish a three-game margin over Joventut (4-8). The Spanish team has little hope of claiming head-to-head advantage after suffering a 63-86 thrashing when the teams met in October, with [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) pouring in 26 points for the Wolves. But the Lithuanian team has suffered recently with three losses out of four, while Joventut’s last game saw 20 points from youngster [Yannick Kraag](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yannick-kraag/010161/) seal a vital home win over Trefl. If the veteran leadership of [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) and [Pau Ribas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/pau-ribas/jug/) can help seal a road win on Friday, the Group A playoff picture would be blown wide open.

**Dolomiti Energia Trento vs Bahcesehir College Istanbul (20:00 CET)**

Group A leader Bahcesehir (10-2) will look to take another step towards the playoffs by overcoming a Trento team (4-8) fighting hard to stay in contention. The host has lost four of its last five games, and needs to find more offensive rhythm after only averaging 15.4 assists so far – second-worst in the competition. Bahcesehir, which is looking to extend a perfect home record, enjoyed a 110-70 rout when the teams met in Round 4, with big man [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) powering his way to a season-high 24 points, and Trento needs its center [Jordan Bayehe](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-bayehe/006724/) to repeat the same kind of spirit he showed in that contest, also recording a season-high with 13 points.

Round 13 Head-to-Head: Ellis vs. Hazer

An exciting top-two clash highlights the action in Round 12 of the BKT EuroCup. Here’s your overview of this week’s games.

At a glance: A step closer to the finish line

Valencia Basket v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-12-18T19:30:00.000Z)