Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for the coming week in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge
Fantasy tips, Rounds 20-21: Four bargains and a star
Fantasy Challenge
3 Mins read
The first double-round week of 2026 is here, and EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers know what that means: time to make smart moves. I’m Javi Gancedo, back with five picks to help you maximize value — four affordable players who can deliver big returns and one superstar primed for a monster game. But first, let’s quickly recap last week’s tips.
I recommended Talen Horton-Tucker of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, who had a PIR of 15 before being ejected from the game. It was going well and he still earned 0.2 credits, so I am going to call it a win. I also recommended Matt Costello of Valencia Basket instead of Kameron Taylor. Given the fact that Taylor had a PIR of -3 and Costello had 8.8 fantasy points, it was a pretty good tip. Costello lost 0.1 credits but I will call it a tie, given the circumstances. I went for Cesi Osman of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens: he had 10 points and lost 0.2 credits, so that was not a good tip. Despite his team's loss, Nick Weiler-Babb of Anadolu Efes Istanbul had a huge game: 28 points and an increase of 0.6 credits. Finally, Nigel Williams-Goss of Zalgiris Kaunas had 11 fantasy points and his price didn't change, so it's a tie. Two wins, two ties, one loss.
Here are my recommendations for Rounds 20 and 21. Remember, I only went for one really expensive player and everyone else is 10.5 credits or less.
Mbaye Ndiaye, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (8.3 credits)
Mbaye Ndiaye has been rock-solid in the last three games, averaging 9.3 points on 75.0% two-point shooting, 7.3 rebounds and a PIR of 19.0. Nando De Colo left the team to join Fenerbahce, so Ndiaye should see even more responsibilities on offense. If he keeps crashing the boards like he has lately, he has a lot of value.
Tarik Biberovic, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (7.0 credits)
It took him some time, but Tarik Biberovic is bringing out his best version lately. Over the last four games, Biberovic has averaged 15.3 points and 4.0 rebounds for a PIR of 13.3 without getting to the foul line often (1.7 fouls drawn, 9 pf 9 free throws). In Round 19, he had a season-high PIR of 19. It is Tarik time!
Jared Butler, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (10.5 credits)
After a much-needed adjustment period, Jared Butler has finally taken off. He has scored at least 20 points in three of the last five games and reached a PIR of 29 twice. In Round 19 against Efes, Butler had 10 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists for a PIR of 14. Butler is seeing more playing time and is making the most out of it.
Derrick Alston Jr, Virtus Bologna (8.9 credits)
Derrick Alston leads the EuroLeague in three-point shooting, having made 60.0% of his attempts from downtown (27 of 45). Alston comes off a really good game in the Italian derby, with 20 points and a PIR of 17. With more rebounds (2.3 rpg.) and fouls drawn (0.9) his value should skyrocket soon.
Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (17.4 credits)
I know, he is the second-most expensive player in the game after Sasha Vezenkov. I am recommending Kendrick Nunn, especially in Round 20: He had a PIR of 40 in a losing effort last week and Panathinaikos plays at home again and faces Milan. Last season, Nunn had 21 points against Milan... In the first quarter alone. He is my Round 20 MVP candidate!