The last double-round week could prove itself to be highly significant as playoff qualifications, home-court advantage and eliminations are all at stake in a thrilling selection of games. Here's your overview of all the action in Round 31 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna
Red-hot Maccabi (17-13), looking for a fifth straight victory to put one foot in the playoffs, could not face a more hungry visitor than Virtus (13-17), which knows it must win all four remaining games to have any real chance to advance. Virtus will have to find a way to compete with the physical presence of Maccabi big man Josh Nebo, who has averaged 9.4 rebounds over the last five games, and could use a big performance from veteran leader Tornike Shengelia as he gets back to his best following injury.
Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC Bayern Munich
Two eliminated teams will play for pride as Panathinaikos (10-20) welcomes Bayern (11-19). The Greens will hope past form is maintained, given that 10 of the 11 meetings between these teams have been won by the home team, including an 84-68 victory for Bayern in January when Freddie Gillespie registered his only EuroLeague double-double by pairing 10 points with 10 rebounds. Panathinaikos has improved since then and could leap Bayern in the standings with a win of 17 points or more.
Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Reigning champ Efes (14-16) has perhaps a last opportunity to maintain its chances of a historic three-peat as it receives surging Milan (14-16) in a true do-or-die battle for both. Final Four MVP Vasilije Micic will again try to power Efes's offense after netting 30 points during last week's last-second loss at ALBA. In-form Milan – which has won eight of the last nine games to spark a remarkable late charge for the playoffs – will look for another big night from Shabazz Napier, who has averaged 18.8 points in the last four games.