After winning five games in a row, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (9-2) will hope its potent offense can keep on firing against shaky Veolia Towers Hamburg (2-10), which conceded 120 points against Paris last week. 

Hapoel seeks to keep streak alive vs. Hamburg

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-veolia-towers-hamburg/U2023/124/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs13-game-notes-facts-hta-ham/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

That game featured the best performance of the season from the appropriately named [William Christmas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/william-christmas/012580/), with 16 points and 5 assists, but Hamburg knows defense must be the priority after allowing 111 points when the teams met earlier in the season. [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) scored 22 points for Hapoel in that game and remains in great form with 25 points on 10-of-13 field goal shooting in last week's win over Reyer.

[Hapoel Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/statistics/hta/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Hamburg Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/veolia-towers-hamburg/statistics/ham/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Jaylen Hoard vs. William Christmas: The battle at small forward will be key to this showdown on Wednesday.

Veolia Towers Hamburg-Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2023-12-27T17:30:00.000Z)

After last week's stunning triumph over reigning champ Gran Canaria, Dolomiti Energia Trento (5-7) will look to keep heading in the right direction as it welcomes direct rival 7bet Lietkabelis Panevezys (5-7). 

Trento looking to sweep Lietkabelis and continue surging

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dolomiti-energia-trento-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/127/#roster) | [Notes and Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/ec2324-rs13-game-notes-facts-trn-lkb/) | Quotes |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/tv-listings-ec/)

[Andrejs Grazulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrejs-grazulis/005738/) was the inspiration for Trento's success in Round 12 with 23 points on 10-of-11 field goal shooting and Lietkabelis will have bad memories of [Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) after his late game-winner when the teams met in Round 4. The Lithuanian team will be confident after gaining a good win over Ulm last time out, powered by 24 points from fit-again guard [Paulius Valinskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/paulius-valinskas/004664/), and this should be another exciting encounter between two optimistic teams with everything to play for.

[Trento Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/dolomiti-energia-trento/statistics/trn/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Lietkabelis Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/teams/7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/statistics/lkb/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Andrejs Grazulis vs. Nikola Popovic: Two big men who have performed well take each other's measure on Wednesday.

7-Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys-Dolomiti Energia Trento | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup   

Dolomiti Energia Trento v 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-12-27T19:00:00.000Z)

Looking for some hot suggestions for for EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team? You have come to the right place!

 Fantasy Challenge tips: Finding keepers at a reasonable price 

As we enter the final third of the regular season, there is still time to find players who have proven to be consistent fantasy performers and can be fixtures in fantasy lineups without breaking the bank. Here are five suggestions.

[Andres Feliz, Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) (12.4 credits)

Since Round 8 when he returned from an injury that sidelined him for five games, the Joventut point guard has accumulated at least 20.9 fantasy points in four of five games. During that span, Feliz is averaging 16.0 points, 5.8 assists and 4.8 assists and leading Joventut on its four-game winning streak. This week, Joventut is at home against Umana Reyer Venice, which has allowed exactly 100 points in each of its last two games. In addition, with Guillem Vives out with a broken finger, so Feliz is set to carry an even bigger load.

[Dusan Miletic, Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) (12.6 credits)

Miletic had a quiet few rounds after a hot start to the season, but has picked up his production once again in recent weeks. Over the last three rounds, Miletic has averaged a PIR of 26.7, which is third best among all centers in the EuroCup. He is not only playing heavy minutes, 25:24 for the season, but also averages 10.7 field goal attempts per game. Miletic's consistent production makes him a great option for the remainder of the regular season.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge tips for Round 13; Dusan Miletic, Andres Feliz, Jonathan Stark, Paulius Valniskas and Karim Jallow.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge tips for Round 13

[Jonathan Stark, Aris Midea Thessaloniki](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/jonathan-stark/012792/) (10.4 credits)

The Aris guard had a great start with Aris last week. In 19 minutes on the floor, he scored as many points, making 2-of-3 triples and 5-of-6 two-pointers. What makes him so appealing to all fantasy managers is his affordable price. And what's even better, if he repeats his debut performance from last week, his price will be certain to grow some more in the coming weeks, and so will the value of any team that has him rostered.

[Paulius Valinskas, 7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/paulius-valinskas/004664/) (10.4 credits)

Valinskas returned from injury last week and did it with a bang. The Lietkabelis guard played more than 33 minutes and finished with 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, 10 assists and 2 steals for a PIR of 31. It was his first game since early November. He's had double-digit PIRs in each of his last four appearances and averages 26 minutes per game this season, so Valinskas is definitely worth a try, especially at this price, and could easily be the keeper everyone is looking for.

[Karim Jallow, ratiopharm Ulm](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karim-jallow/005422/) (10.8 credits)

Only seven players have accumulated more fantasy points over the last two rounds than Jallow, who combined for 51 in Rounds 11 and 12. And, among players who accumulated at least 40 fantasy points over the last two rounds, no player is cheaper than Jallow. In those two games, he averaged over 30 minutes on the floor and a combined 15-of-22 shooting from the floor, totaling 39 points, 6 steals, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Fantasy Challenge tips: Finding keepers at a reasonable price

T.J. Shorts of Paris Basketball gave an interview to Javier Gancedo of the official EuroCup website about his team's outstanding season.

T.J. Shorts, Paris: 'We feel like nobody can stop us'

Paris Basketball stands out in the BKT EuroCup for many reasons. The club from the French capital has the best record in the competition (11-1), was the first to clinch a spot in the playoffs and leads the league in scoring (99.5 ppg.) at a record pace. Point guard T.J. Shorts has been the team leader despite playing in the EuroCup for the first time. He is the competition's top scorer (18.1 ppg.) and assists leader (7.4 apg.). After earning MVP of the Round honors last week for the third time this season, Shorts spoke to Javier Gancedo about his and his team's outstanding season and their goals. "I think at this point in the season, everyone is trusting in the system and when we're doing that and we're at our best, I think this is the result," Shorts said of the team's recent form. "At the end of the season, we want to just do whatever we can to put ourselves in a position to win a championship."  

**We've gotta talk about the win against Hamburg. It was the eighth time this season that Paris has scored 100 or more points in a EuroCup game. What is the key to being so effective and playing such a fun-to-watch game?**

"I think our success on offense is coming from the trust in our coaches and the trust in each other in that locker room. We got together in August and we've been working very hard up until this point. I think Coach T.I. has been very clear about our roles and what he wants and the way he wants us to play with the tempo and what shots to look for, where to attack, stuff like that. I think at this point in the season, everyone is trusting in the system and when we're doing that and we're at our best, I think this is the result. It's obviously high-paced games, high-paced tempo. This is just the result and hopefully, we can continue to keep this rolling for the remainder of the season."

"Every single guy in that locker room, there's not one selfish guy. We're all rooting for each other."

**It's a record-breaking pace. If you go like this, you're going to break all the scoring records in the competition. It must be a lot of fun.**

"When we put in so much work and then you see the results during the game, you can't be anything but happy for each other out there on the court and that's basically how it feels. We're going to war for each other. Every single guy in that locker room, there's not one selfish guy. We're all rooting for each other. Our coach encourages us to take open shots, so we're never turning down open looks. We know that with the way we play, everyone's going to have their opportunity to get their looks and get their feel on offense. Right now it's a lot of fun. We're just hoping to, like I said, continue to keep this thing rolling and continue to play for each other because when we're doing that and we're at our best, we feel like nobody can stop us."  

**This summer, Paris did something that I think is unprecedented, which is they brought the coach and six players from a different team. How important has this move been in the run that you're having right now?**

"I think it's been super important with bringing six guys from another team. That's almost like bringing a core of the group and if you look at some of the great teams in Europe, most of the time the core stays together. For us to be able to keep our core together and then on top of that add a lot of incredible new pieces and some young guys, some older guys that have been around, I think that's huge. I think we've found a way to find the balance of having all those old guys from the previous team and then blending them with the new guys. It's been great for us so far and I think it's been a huge factor in why we've been so successful this early."

**What are your thoughts on the EuroCup as a competition?** 

"It's super challenging. I think first of all the main thing that makes it so tough is just the amount of games that you have to play. EuroCup, I mean you're playing early in the week and then on top of that you combine that with your local league so it's a lot of games that are being played. Obviously, there's 10 teams in each group so there's a total of 18 extra games on top of your local league that you have to play in such a short amount of time. So it makes it very difficult and then obviously with the travel schedule that just adds another aspect to it. The physicality level, the speed of play, the quality, everything I feel like is raised. But it's nothing that I guess I'm surprised by. I was kind of expecting it so this is kind of what I envisioned coming to the EuroCup."

Tj Shorts Top Plays of the 2023-24 Regular Season

2023-24 EuroCup highlights: TJ Shorts, Paris

**Looking at your numbers compared to last season, you have more assists and you have half the turnovers. Is this something that you worked on in the summer or is this something that the system is helping, knowing that you played for the same coach last year?** 

"I think this is a combination. Putting in work in the summer, making better decisions just being on the court, but also being in the same system for another year. Knowing what my coach wants me to do, knowing where he wants me to attack. I just kind of have a better understanding of the offense, so I feel like I know kind of where, like last year, I was maybe struggling a bit in terms of creating offense. So this year, just being in the same system, having a better understanding, I think all that just helps with cutting down those turnovers and not making, I guess, silly plays." 

**Well, I wanted to ask about Coach Iisalo, who is also new to the competition. What's the best thing about him, now that you've played for him for two years?** 

"I think the biggest thing with him is the way he's able to bring the maximum out of every player. He really stresses a lot about practicing hard and he always says to us, he wants the practices to be harder than the games. So when we're in practice, there's a lot of moments where he's kind of testing players. He's poking the bear. He's really trying to get you into an uncomfortable position so that when we go into the game, nothing phases us. And I think the way we practice translates directly to our games because when we practice as hard as we do, obviously with what you can do because we play so many games, but when we practice and we have the time to practice, it directly translates to what we do in the game. And we've basically seen everything. We've seen a bad call. We've seen maybe somebody getting yelled at. So when it comes to the game, it just almost feels like it's effortless and we could just play together and have none of those struggles that we might have seen already in practice."

More from TJ Shorts 

**Coaches Iisalo is only 41 years old, which is young for a coach. Do you think that, as a point guard, a young coach helps in terms of understanding you a little bit better than an older one?**  

"Yeah, possibly. I mean, with a younger coach, obviously, they can maybe relate a little bit more because we're a bit closer in age. But even with him being younger, I think he's got a lot of knowledge. He looks at a lot of different things, a lot of basketball things, a lot of non-basketball things to kind of help him grow as a coach. And he's always looking for ways to grow, but it definitely helps with him being younger because I almost feel like I can relate because maybe not so long ago, he was also playing. So he can use that and kind of teach us with it. So, yeah, I think it's just a mix of his wisdom that he's gaining from maybe older coaches or wherever else he gets his information from. And then also his younger style and the new generation of where basketball is headed to with this, I guess, fast tempo kind of playing free style of basketball." 

**You and Nadir Hifi have scored in double digits in every game this season. How fun is it to play with him and what's the best thing about him as a player?** 

"Nadir is a special talent. I kind of see myself a bit in him in terms of just the way he's kind of able to score at will. And I think the best thing about him is that he's always trying to learn. This guy is always asking questions like, 'Hey, what do you see when you're attacking here?' Or he's asking Coach questions. He's getting breakdowns in film with our assistant coaches. Even sometimes when we have film as a team, he's getting grilled. But right when we walk out of the film session, he's right back at it. And he's trying to learn more again. But playing with him, it just makes it kind of easy for me because I know there's another threat on the court that the teams have to respect. So I know when he's out there with me, it's going to help me be successful on the basketball court. So he's a guy that I have a lot of fun playing with right now. Even with him being so young, he's very mature in terms of how he plays basketball and how he's able to score the ball and make the team better. I'm happy he's on my team and I'm glad to help him continue to grow. It's only going to be up for him as he continues to get older."

"I'm happy Nadir's on my team and I'm glad to help him continue to grow. It's only going to be up for him."

**Is there a little bit of rivalry between you and this week's opponent, the London Lions?** 

"First of all, it's going to be definitely a huge game. Obviously, when you look at the standings, us, London Lions, Hapoel, we're all right there and we're super close trying to compete for that one seed. And obviously, everybody wants that first-round bye. It's going to be a huge game. We know the first time we played them, it was an incredible game. Double overtime, a crazy game. But yeah, there's, I think you could definitely say there's a little rivalry building there, whether within the cities, within the clubs. There's something there. It always feels like, and I only played them one time. But you see the previous years, there's always like a little extra to the game, like, I don't know, a little pride on the line. Maybe you're fighting for your city because there are two beautiful cities that are going to war. So we'll be ready when that game comes. But yeah, it's been, I guess, incredible up until this point between the two."

**How much of a goal is it to win the EuroCup and take Paris to the EuroLeague for the first time?** 

"I think that's the biggest goal for the club this season. For what they've been able to do for such a young club being established in, I believe, 2018 and taking the steps to get to where they are now and having a realistic goal of winning the EuroCup, I think it's something that every guy, every coach wants to accomplish this year. Obviously, we understand that that's a ways away and we're going to have to just take it one game at a time, one step at a time, one week at a time. But at the end of the season, we want to just do whatever we can to put ourselves in a position to win a championship. And then we'll go out there, roll the dice and see what happens. And hopefully we can take that next jump and get to the best league in all of Europe. Let's hope."

The EuroCup leader in scoring and assists speaks about his team, their season and this week's clash against the London Lions. 

Paris Basketball v London Lions (2023-12-26T19:45:00.000Z)

London local hero Gabe Olaseni is leading the EuroCup

Some may debate the value of the performance index rating stat (PIR) and whether the numbers add up to something truly meaningful. However, on some occasions, the numbers just confirm what you see on the court and, in Gabe Olaseni's case, this has a very special meaning.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1602730/london-local-hero-gabe-olaseni-is-leading-the-bkt-eurocup)

The highest average PIR in the competition belongs to Gabe Olaseni, who has the London Lions roaring.

Round 13 of the BKT EuroCup provides a festive treat with two meetings between high-flyers - one of which is certain to send a team into the playoffs - and several more matchups between direct rivals in the race for playoff qualification. Here's your guide to the last games of 2023.

This week's action features 10 games on nine countries spread out over Tuesday and Wednesday. Here's your guide to the final games of 2023.

### Tuesday, December 26

[JL Bourg en Bresse vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/mincidelice-jl-bourg-en-bresse-dreamland-gran-canaria/U2023/126/)

In a big battle for first place in Group B, red-hot Bourg (10-2) will look to make it seven wins in a row as it welcomes stuttering reigning champ Gran Canaria (10-2), which has lost two in a row. The winner of this game will become the first team from Group B to qualify for the playoffs, while the losing side could potentially back in on Wednesday, depending on other results. A superb performance from [Isiaha Mike ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/isiaha-mike/011836/)(28 points, 8 rebounds) was the inspiration for Bourg's latest high-scoring triumph at Cluj, while Gran Canaria needs to rediscover its offensive production after being held to a season-low 76 points in last week's loss to Trento. Only [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/), with 17 points, was able to reach double digits in that game and he will be a key figure again as the Spanish team looks for a victory that would also secure head-to-head advantage in the race for the top spot in the group.

[ratiopharm Ulm vs. Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/ratiopharm-ulm-turk-telekom-ankara/U2023/128/)

After an upset loss last week against Lietkabelis, German champ Ulm (8-4) will look for a quick recovery against a Turk Telekom team (3-9) that is running out of time to push for the playoffs. Teenage guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) contributed to last week's loss by getting himself ejected with consecutive technical fouls and Ulm will need him on the court to lead an offense that has averaged 22.3 assists per game, third-best in the competition. Turk Telekom has [Tyrone Wallace](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tyrone-wallace/011925/) in superb form with 22 and 30 points in his last two games and will hope he can stay hot to inspire a vital road win.

[Joventut Badalona vs. Umana Reyer Venice](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/joventut-badalona-umana-reyer-venice/U2023/123/)

Joventut (7-5) is aiming for a fifth straight win as it welcomes Reyer (4-8), which has been heading in the opposite direction by losing three in a row. With [Guillem Vives injured](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/news/joventuts-guillem-vives-sidelined-with-broken-finger/), Joventut will need [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andres-feliz/011247/) to repeat his superb performance (18 points and 10 assists) that masterminded last week's win against Wolves. Reyer has already beaten the Spanish team once this season, 79-64 in Round 4, behind 24 points from [Marco Spissu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/marco-spissu/004381/), and will need a similarly strong defensive effort to reignite its playoff ambitions this week. But that will require a big change in recent form after allowing 95, 100 and 100 points in its last three losses.

London Lions-Paris Basketball | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[Paris Basketball vs. London Lions](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/paris-basketball-london-lions/U2023/125/)

After becoming the first team to secure playoff qualification, Paris (11-1) will look to maintain its magnificent form with a visit from another ambitious and talented team, London (9-3). It should be a high-scoring showdown with Paris leading the competition in scoring (99.5 points per game), while London is ranked third (92 ppg.). [Sam Dekker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/sam-dekker/009672/) was last week's hero for the English team with a late three-pointer to beat Prometey, while [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tj-shorts/012608/) continued his magnificent season by taking the weekly MVP award in a crushing win over Hamburg. With both rosters loaded with scoring potential, this could be one of the best games of the season, and highly significant for playoff seedings.

### Wednesday, December 27

[Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul vs. Wolves Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/besiktas-emlakjet-istanbul-wolves-vilnius/U2023/122/)

Besiktas (7-5) will look to take a big step toward playoff qualification against a Wolves (4-7) team that desperately needs to arrest a four-game losing streak. The Turkish team got back to winning ways last week with a vital victory, 83-88, at Cedevita, thanks to [Angel Delgado](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/angel-delgado/012647/) making a big-time return to form with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Wolves took an exciting win, 90-88, when the teams met earlier in the season and will look for [Tre'Shawn Thurman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/tre-shawn-thurman/012577/) to repeat his heroics from that night after netting 31 points, including the winning basket, on 12-of-15 field goal shooting.

[Prometey Slobozhanske vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/prometey-slobozhanske-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/U2023/121/)

Prometey (6-6) is aiming to bounce back from last week's heartbreaking loss in London and protect its precarious position in the playoff zone with a visit from Cedevita (0-12), the competition's only winless team. Prometey is the league's second-best offensive-rebounding team, averaging 12.9 per night - with 3.3 of those coming from the irrepressible [Ondrej Balvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ondrej-balvin/002644/). But Cedevita protects its backboard very well, claiming 27.6 defensive rebounds per game, and [Karlo Matkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/karlo-matkovic/009395/) (12.8 ppg., 6.6 rpg.) will do his best to control Balvin's influence in the paint.

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Veolia Hamburg Towers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv-veolia-towers-hamburg/U2023/124/)

After winning five games in a row, Hapoel (9-2) will hope its potent offense can keep on firing against shaky Hamburg (2-10), which conceded 120 points against Paris last week. That game featured the best performance of the season from the appropriately named [William Christmas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/william-christmas/012580/), with 16 points and 5 assists, but Hamburg knows defense must be the priority after allowing 111 points when the teams met earlier in the season. [Xavier Munford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/xavier-munford/007759/) scored 22 points for Hapoel in that game and remains in great form with 25 points on 10-of-13 field goal shooting in last week's win over Reyer.

U-BT Cluj-Napoca-Buducnost VOLI Podgorica | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

[Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/buducnost-voli-podgorica-u-bt-cluj-napoca/U2023/130/)

A key battle in the playoff race will see Buducnost (5-7) host Cluj (8-4), which has lost two out of the last three but can still take a major step toward qualification with a road win. Buducnost is locked in a four-way tie for fifth place after winning two of its last three, with 17 points and 5 assists from recent signing [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/) proving crucial in last week's narrow win at Slask. He faces a key battle with Cluj's key backcourt man [DJ Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/), while Buducnost will also be wary of big man [Andrija Stipanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrija-stipanovic/005113/) after he netted 18 points in Cluj's comfortable Round 4 victory between the teams.

[Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Slask Wroclaw](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/aris-midea-thessaloniki-slask-wroclaw/U2023/129/)

After winning its last two games to boost its playoff hopes, Aris (5-7) will look to continue its resurgence with a visit from Slask (1-11), which is in danger of imminent elimination from the race to prolong its season. Aris has the competition's worst-performing offense, averaging only 71.8 points per game, but also the best defense with an average of just 74.8 points allowed. So Slask big man [Dusan Miletic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dusan-miletic/009896/) will struggle to maintain his average of 13.9 points per game, while Aris hopes guard [Vassilis Toliopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/vassilis-toliopoulos/004292/) can continue his outstanding form after scoring at least 15 points in each of the last five games.

[Dolomiti Energia Trento vs Lietkabelis Panevezys](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/game-center/2023-24/dolomiti-energia-trento-7bet-lietkabelis-panevezys/U2023/127/)

After last week's stunning triumph over reigning champ Gran Canaria, Trento (5-7) will look to keep heading in the right direction as it welcomes direct rival Lietkabelis (5-7). [Andrejs Grazulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/andrejs-grazulis/005738/) was the inspiration for Trento's success in Round 12 with 23 points on 10-of-11 field goal shooting and Lietkabelis will have bad memories of [Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) after his late game-winner when the teams met in Round 4. The Lithuanian team will be confident after gaining a good win over Ulm last time out, powered by 24 points from fit-again guard [Paulius Valinskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/paulius-valinskas/004664/), and this should be another exciting encounter between two optimistic teams with everything to play for.

7-Bet Lietkabelis Panevezys-Dolomiti Energia Trento | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 BKT EuroCup

Round 13 of the BKT EuroCup provides a festive treat with two meetings between high-flyers - one of which is certain to send a team into the playoffs - and several more matchups between direct rivals in the race for playoff qualification.

This week: At least one Group B team advances

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2023-12-27T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Slask Wroclaw (2023-12-27T18:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Turk Telekom Ankara (2023-12-26T18:30:00.000Z)

Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2023-12-26T18:30:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v Umana Reyer Venice (2023-12-26T19:30:00.000Z)

Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul v Wolves Vilnius (2023-12-27T17:00:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-12-27T17:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara has signed veteran point guard Brandon Brown for the remainder of the season. 

Turk Telekom signs playmaker Brandon Brown

Turk Telekom Ankara has signed veteran point guard [Brandon Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/brandon-brown/010477/) for the remainder of the season. Brown (1.86 meters, 34 years old) arrives from Spanish side Zunder Palencia, where he averaged 7.2 points and 3.3 assists in 15 ACB games this season. Turk Telekom will be Brown’s second EuroCup club after he spent the 2020-21 season with Boulogne Metropolitans 92. He averaged 7.5 points and 3.0 assists in a dozen EuroCup games with the French club, which lost in the quarterfinals 66-64 at Gran Canaria that season.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Brandon Brown <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a> için mücadele verecek ✍️👏 <br><br>Sezona Palencia takımıyla başlayan Brandon Brown’u renklerimize bağladık. Ailemize hoş geldin Brandon Brown. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/mrfPqq4eMR">pic.twitter.com/mrfPqq4eMR</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1739215384467681305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brown has previously played in Brazil (Cearense, Rio Claro), Cyprus (Omonia Nicosia), Poland (KWM Szczecin, Slarka Tarnobrzeg, PGE Turow Zgorzelec, Trefl Sopot), Bulgaria (Balkan Botevgrad), Romania (U-BT Cluj-Napoca) and Israel (Hapoel Jerusalem). He has won national championships in Bulgaria and Romania.  

Brandon Brown's best plays in the EuroCup

Brown returns to the EuroCup for the first time since helping Metropolitans reach the 2021 quarterfinals. 

Creating space in the EuroCup is as important as ever and having reliable catch-and-shoot marksmen can make a big difference for winning teams. 

Stats review: A look at this season's best floor spacers

Dolomiti Energia Trento scored the biggest win in Round 12 of the BKT EuroCup when it handed Dreamland Gran Canaria its second consecutive loss after the defending champs opened the season 10-0.  Shooting 12-for-28 from beyond the arc, Trento put together its best shooting effort of the season thanks in large part to the 7 contested catch-and-shoot three-point attempts it converted.

As Trento found the bottom of the net even when Gran Canaria was getting the job done defensively, its spacing was as impactful as it had been all year.  At the EuroCup level, it is easy to take the way teams maintain, create, and capitalize on their spacing for granted—every team does it so well on nearly every possession that it is usually only obvious when a team is not spreading the court effectively. 

With offenses often placing four and sometimes five players along the three-point line, having multiple shooters who are a threat to make shots off the ball spreads out defenses.  Some players take that even a step further with their ability to make catch-and-shoot three-point attempts over effective closeouts, adding a different dimension to their teams' offense and redefining the value of their spacing.

### The best of the best in catch-and-shoot situations

Several of the players in the group above serve as prime examples of shooters who amplify their teams' spacing beyond just potential shots and open looks.  The table lists the top players in catch-and-shoot three-point percentage this season with their total number of makes listed for reference and the percentage of their total attempts that were contested by a defender listed to illustrate how often they shoot right over the top of closeouts. 

Oleksandr Lypovyy of Prometey Slobozhanske and Braian Angola of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv have both been exceptionally reliable with their feet set and Nadir Hifi of Paris Basketball has been a revelation as he’s emerged as one of the more versatile young jump shooters across Europe, but Andrej Grazulis of Dolomiti Energia Trento and Hapoel's Xavier Munford have been just as effective while frequently rising up over defenders.

Oleksandr Lypovyy

Braian Angola

Andrejs Grazulis

Nadir Hifi

Xavier Munford

Jeremy Morgan

Okben Ulubay

Gediminas Orelik

### How different shooting styles help

In Grazulis’s case, that’s perhaps not entirely surprising.  His combination of size and his unconventional release from behind his head gives him a large margin for error to shoot over defenders few players can match.  Like Lypovvy, he’s made massive strides with his accuracy from beyond the arc a decade into his pro career and he showed the value of his ability to make contested shots on all three of his attempts in a super-efficient performance against Gran Canaria. 

Gediminas Orelik of 7bet Lietkabelis Panevezys may not cock the ball back quite like Grazulis, but he gives teams headaches with his size and shooting prowess all the same.  He ranks among the most prolific set shooters across professional basketball this season and has made more contested spot-up threes than four teams to this point.  Unlike Orelik and Grazulis, Hapoel's Munford is not particularly tall, but often still manages to get his shot off under duress thanks to the elevation he combines with a quick release. 

Quality floor spacers are at a premium in the EuroCup this season as seven teams are making over 40% of their catch-and-shoot three-point attempts.  That’s up from only three last season as the consistency with which those shots have fallen is responsible for this season’s league-wide jump in offensive efficiency.   While capable shooters keep defenses honest and consistent shooters play a key role in their team’s offensive efficiency, players who take and make contested shots at volume have begun to shift the math and redefine what spacing means in the EuroCup.

Creating space in the EuroCup is as important as ever and having reliable catch-and-shoot marksmen can make a big difference for winning teams.

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica announced a signing of big man Nikola Tanaskovic on Saturday. Tanaskovic (2.05 meters, 26 years old) joined Buducnost on a long-term deal, agreeing on a deal that will keep him in the Montenegrin capital until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Buducnost adds Tanaskovic on a long-term deal

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica announced a signing of big man [Nikola Tanaskovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/nikola-tanaskovic/005637/) on Saturday. Tanaskovic (2.05 meters, 26 years old) joined Buducnost on a long-term deal, agreeing on a deal that will keep him in the Montenegrin capital until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Tanaskovic played the first part of the season with Igokea of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he posted 11.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in Adriatic League action.

This marks Tanaskovic's return to the BKT EuroCup for the first time since 2017-18 season when he made his debut with Partizan Belgrade, and averaged 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in four appearances.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Nikola Tanasković novo pojačanje Budućnost Volija! 🔵⚪️<a href="https://t.co/YD6TePwbtk">https://t.co/YD6TePwbtk</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKB</a> <a href="https://t.co/49jrt6QIwV">pic.twitter.com/49jrt6QIwV</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1738528074222768164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Tanaskovic grew up with Partizan, team he also played for in the ANGT Tournaments, before going on his professional journey. He made stops in his native Serbia with Spartak Subotica, Mladost Zemun, OKK Belgrade and Mega Bemax. He also played with Borac Banja Luka in Bosnia, and spent the end of last season with Rio Breogan in Spain.

Apart from adding Tanaskovic, Buducnost also announced ahead of round 12 win against Slask Wroclaw that it parted ways with Colbey Ross.

Buducnost has added Nikola Tanaskovic to its roster.