2022-23 Games to Watch: Partizan NIS Belgrade

Partizan NIS Belgrade makes its return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in 2022-23 after nine years away from the competition. Hopes are high for legendary head coach Zeljko Obradovic and his team, as Partizan sets its sights on a place in the top eight. Here are five games during the EuroLeague Regular Season for Partizan fans to get excited about.

Round 3: Making an early statement

Partizan plays its first two games of the regular season on the road, but in Round 3 it welcomes EA7 Emporio Armani Milan to Stark Arena in the first of a three-game home stand. During last year's 7DAYS EuroCup, Partizan went 8-0 at home in the regular season, so it will be keen to make Stark Arena a fortress once again. Ahead of the visit of Virtus Segafredo Bologna and Zalgiris Kaunas in Rounds 4 and 5, respectively, Partizan has the chance to lay down a marker by beating one of the EuroLeague favorites.

Round 12: The Serbian derby

One fixture that all Partizan supporters immediately look for upon the release of the EuroLeague calendar is its matches against archrivals Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade. The first Serbian derby takes place in Round 12 at Stark Arena, which is the home of both Partizan and Zvezda; on this occasion, Partizan will be the 'home' team. There is always a lot of tension when these two teams face each other, and Partizan will be eager to get the bragging rights in this meeting, particularly after losing out to Zvezda in the ABA League Finals last season.

Round 14: Facing the champs

On December 16, Partizan will host the 2021-22 EuroLeague champion, Anadolu Efes Istanbul. There should be a good atmosphere for the visit of Efes, particularly as it is led by star Serbian guard Vasilije Micic, who spent one season with Zvezda in 2015-16. If Partizan can grab a win against an Efes side that is tipped to win it all for a third straight year, it would provide a massive boost in confidence for Coach Obradovic's team.

Round 31: The return of Vesely

Former Partizan star Jan Vesely changed clubs this summer, as he moved from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to FC Barcelona in one of the biggest transfers of the off-season. After playing for Partizan between 2008 and 2011, and helping the team reach the EuroLeague Final Four in 2010, Vesely is likely to get a good reception from the home crowd at Stark Arena. This Round 31 meeting could end up being pivotal, as the playoff race begins to take shape.

Round 34: Trying to end on a high

Partizan's final match of the 2022-23 EuroLeague Regular Season is at home against Panathinaikos OPAP Athens, which has an added importance for two people in particular: Coach Obradovic and new signing Ioannis Papapetrou. After spending 13 years with the Greens and winning five EuroLeague titles in the process, Coach Obradovic will always have a place in his heart for Panathinaikos. Papapetrou, meanwhile, brought his four-year stay with Panathinaikos to an end this summer as he signed a deal with Partizan. Both teams will be determined to end the campaign on a high, particularly with playoff places potentially up for grabs.