FC Barcelona was able to rely on its first-half three-pointers and second-half defense as it defeated Anadolu Efes 88-97, grabbing its fifth consecutive win in the EuroLeague in the process.

Barcelona showed impressive versatility in its win over Efes

FC Barcelona was able to rely on its first-half three-pointers and second-half defense as it [defeated Anadolu Efes Istanbul 88-97](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-beats-efes-to-stay-top-of-the-standings-88-97/), grabbing its fifth consecutive win in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in the process.

Indeed, Barca was unstoppable from beyond the arc before the break, right from the word go. [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) was at the center of it all, dishing three assists in the opening two minutes. [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/) opened fire from beyond the arc, then [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) hit two more. When [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) joined the three-point shootout, the guests already had a double-digit lead, 4-14.

Game Videos

Barca ended up hitting 7-of-10 three-pointers in the first quarter to get a 26-29 margin. Punter buried a huge three-pointer off the dribble to beat the halftime buzzer, good for a 51-55 Barca lead at the game. 

With that triple, Punter allowed Barca to match a club record for most three-pointers made in the first or second half of a EuroLeague game, with 11. 

The *Azulgrana* had only hit 11 three-pointers in a first half once before in the EuroLeague, doing so at home against Khimki Moscow Region on April 5, 2018. It also hit 11 shots from downtown three times in a second half, with one of those occasions coming this season against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Its defense, however, was far from perfect. Efes shot the ball well, hitting 15-of-22 two-pointers (68.2%) and 4-of-9 three-pointers (44.4%). Barca was also outrebounded 16-11 and only forced Efes to pick up 4 first-half turnovers. At halftime, Efes had a higher PIR (60) than Barca (57), but once coach Joan Penarroya made some adjustments, Barca took off right after the break.

FC Barcelona hit 11 first-half three-pointer against Anadolu Efes Istanbul

FC Barcelona ties three-point club record against Efes

"It was important to play better on offense. I think we played well on offense in the first half and the second half, but improved our defense in the second half; Efes only scored 15 points in the third quarter," Barca head coach Joan Penarroya told EuroLeague TV. "Until now, we played more or less well on offense but we needed our defensive situations, especially in one-on-one situations."

Barca limited Efes to just 37 points in the second half, with the hosts hitting 11-of-19 two-pointers (57.9%) and 3-of-12 three-pointers (25.0%). The visitors tied the battle of the boards after the break, 17-17. Above all, Efes picked up as many as 9 second-half turnovers, while Barca finished the game with 21 assists and 10 turnovers. On the other hand, Efes had fewer assists (16) and more turnovers (13), and won the PIR battle 33-51 in the second half.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">💚💚💚💚💚 <a href="https://t.co/nBs9bjfvUe">pic.twitter.com/nBs9bjfvUe</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1851353058955116694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) led the winners with 21 points. Punter added 20 and was there every time his team needed him. Above all, we saw two different versions of the same team during the game, both of which were really effective. 

Despite having room for improvement, Barca is currently on a five-game winning streak and is looking like the team to beat in the EuroLeague.

Game News

The Spanish side used three-pointers and defense to notch its fifth straight victory

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2024-10-29T17:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona registered its fifth consecutive win in the EuroLeague by downing Anadolu Efes 88-97 on the road in Round 6 on Tuesday. 

Barcelona beats Efes to stay top of the standings, 88-97

FC Barcelona registered its fifth consecutive win in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague by downing Anadolu Efes Istanbul 88-97 on the road in Round 6 on Tuesday. 

The *Azulgrana* improved to 5-1 and became the first team to win five consecutive EuroLeague games this season, while Efes dropped to 3-3. Chimezie Metu led the winners with 21 points. Kevin Punter added 20, Jabari Parker had 13 while Justin Anderson got 12 for Barca. Darius Thompson paced Efes with 16 points. Jordan Nwora added 13 while Vincent Poirier and Dan Oturu each had 10 for the hosts.

Alex Abrines hit a triple and Parker added two more to give Barca an early 2-9 lead. Punter followed a jumper with a three-pointer to make it a double-digit game, 4-14. Poirier took over with an alley-oop slam and Bryant added a floater in a 7-0 run that Nwora capped with a driving basket. Abrines and Ercan Osmani each struck from beyond the arc and Bryant's coast-to-coast layup made Barca stop the game at 16-17. Bryant completed Efes' comeback with a three-pointer. Anderson and Nwora traded triples, Jan Vesely hit a jumper and Tomas Satoransky's three-point play restored a 22-26 Barca lead. Rolands Smits hit a jump hook, Thompson scored again and Metu's three-pointer fixed the score at 26-29 after 10 minutes.

Anderson scored off a steal early in the second quarter and Metu erased Smits's close basket with a jump hook. A red-hot Metu dunked and matched Bryant's three-point play with a bomb from downtown, good for a 32-38 Barca lead. Oturu dunked but Anderson and an unstoppable Metu kept the guests way ahead, 36-43. Rodrigue Beaubois buried a floater, Oturu dunked again and Stanley Johnson brought Efes within 42-43. Smits ignited the crowd with a dunk and Thompson added a triple but Parker single-handedly kept Barca in charge, 47-48. Smits sank another jump hook, Willy Hernangomez scored in the paint and Punter followed that with a huge buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Barca a 51-55 edge at the break.

Juan Nunez struck from beyond the arc and found Hernangomez for a jumper that gave Barca a 51-60 lead. Parker scored in the low post, Poirier answered with a huge dunk and Hernangomez gave the guests a 53-65 edge. Poirier dunked again, Parker erased that with a jumper off the dribble, then Beaubois's driving layup gave Efes hope at 58-67. Punter and Beaubois each struck from beyond the arc and Metu's big basket off the dribble restored a 62-73 Barca lead. Bryant tried to change things for Efes, Metu shocked the crowd with an acrobatic three-point play and Nwora's floater kept the hosts within 66-76 after 30 minutes.

Anderson finished a three-chance Barca offense with a baseline jumper and Vesely added a put-back slam for a 66-80 margin with over 7 minutes left. Nwora buried a jumper that an unstoppable Anderson improved with a bomb from downtown. Oturu scored in penetration, Nwora added consecutive driving layups, and Dogus Ozdemiroglou hit a corner triple to give Efes hope at 77-86. Nunez somehow found Punter for a layup, getting help from Matu to stop Efes' comeback, 79-91. Thompson buried a three-pointer, Parker scored around the basket and Abrines sealed the outcome from the foul line, as Efes had ran out of chances in the final 2 minutes.

Joan Penarroya's men now have a 5-1 record, while the hosts dropped to 3-3

Euroleague.net's team of experts – Javier Gancedo, Geoff Gillingham, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic – have made their bold predictions for Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Bold predictions, Rounds 6-7: Teams going in different directions

The second double-round week of the season is here, which should spell plenty of drama for all 18 teams in Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

In the lead-up to Round 6, the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) experts have each come up with one bold prediction.

### Paris to keep on charging this week

### *by Geoff Gillingham*

What a time to be a [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/?season=2024-25) fan. In the club’s first-ever season in the EuroLeague, Tiago Splitter has guided his team to two notable wins – at home against reigning champ Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in Round 3 and on the road at AS Monaco in Round 5 – to give the Parisian club a 2-3 record after five games. In fact, Paris could easily have found itself with two, if not three, more wins under its belt, but its inexperience was its undoing. This week, I think Paris – led by superstar point guard [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) – will beat ALBA Berlin on the road on Tuesday before downing Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz at home on Friday. That Baskonia game will be a special occasion for Coach Splitter, who had his No. 21 jersey retired by the Spanish club last season, but I think Paris will be looking at an impressive 4-3 record come the end of this week.

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### Olympiacos bounces back at home

### *by Javier Gancedo*

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/?season=2024-25) has had a rough start to the season and currently ranks 11th with a 2-3 record. It also lost against archrival Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in the Greek League derby last Sunday, so it is time for the Reds to regroup at home against Real Madrid and FC Barcelona – that's my bold prediction. Olympiacos should beat Real, as it is [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/)'s first game against *Los Blancos* since losing the 2023 EuroLeague Championship Game at the buzzer. No one will be more motivated in this game, and Vezenkov already had 29 points and a PIR of 34 in that fatal night back in 2023. [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) should have a key role, guarding [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) in Round 6 and [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) in Round 7. Olympiacos beat Barca in last season's playoffs, winning Game 5 at Palau Blaugrana, so the atmosphere should be wild at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Despite its slow start, Olympiacos is basically the same team as last season, plus Vezenkov, [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) and [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/). Expect the Reds to have a winning record by the end of this week. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">🙏🏽 Τα εισιτήρια για την αποψινή (29/10, 21:15) αναμέτρηση με την <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> εξαντλήθηκαν !<br><br>✊🏽 Πάμε να παλέψουμε ΟΛΟΙ μαζί για τη νίκη! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/UFEbP7jKMN">pic.twitter.com/UFEbP7jKMN</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1851275766547324965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Zalgiris’s magic act comes to an end

### *Frankie Sachs*

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) is tied for the league’s top record alongside FC Barcelona at 4-1. And now it hosts back-to-back home games. Is now the time coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team establishes itself among the contenders. In my humble opinion, it will not. Since beating Barcelona on opening night, Zalgiris’s wins thus far have come against teams at the bottom rungs of the standings and its clashes against teams with winning records – Crvena Zvezda Meridienbet Belgrade on Wednesday and AS Monaco on Friday – present much stiffer challenges. Zalgiris has won so far with a collective effort as only two players ([Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) and [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dovydas-giedraitis/007513/)) are averaging double digits in scoring or PIR. Zalgiris has not yet replaced Tyrone Wallace and offseason additions [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/) and [Matt Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/) have not provided offensive fireworks. To beat the stars on Zvezda and Monaco, they will need those fireworks. I am not sure they are up Trinchieri’s sleeve.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EuroLeague Round 5 🎬 <a href="https://t.co/3R0OCeB3wG">pic.twitter.com/3R0OCeB3wG</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1849859311763337480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Monaco shows character on the road

### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Monaco has had an up-and-down start to the season, just like almost every other EuroLeague team. Heading into the second double-round week of the season with a 3-2 record isn't that bad, especially considering the team has been missing key backcourt pieces in [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) and [Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-furkan-korkmaz-to-miss-3-4-weeks/), while [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) is still not at 100% after his back surgery this past summer. However, Monaco played four of its five games at home and lost its only away clash, which came at FC Barcelona. This week, Monaco will first visit Partizan, then travel to Kaunas to face Zalgiris. A challenging week with two tough road games in front of packed houses. But I think Monaco shows character and steals two road wins in three days, putting the rest of the league on notice of what this team is capable of.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎬 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 🔮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/LegTwlyI2M">pic.twitter.com/LegTwlyI2M</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1851192274165649897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Euroleague.net's team of experts have each made one bold prediction ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024-25 season

Paris Basketball v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-11-01T19:45:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Paris Basketball (2024-10-29T18:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v AS Monaco (2024-11-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-30T18:00:00.000Z)

TJ Shorts is blazing the trail for undersized guards in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, but some other sub-1.80m players also shined in the EuroLeague in the past.

Three sub-1.80m EuroLeague stars who paved the way before TJ Shorts

Round 5 MVP [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) has been one of the standout players of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season so far, despite standing at just 1.75 meters. The [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) guard is putting on a clinic when it comes to dominating the game with his speed by actually using his height to his advantage. The funny, and rather impressive, thing is that we are talking about a player who isn’t really a reliable threat from the perimeter but still manages to be pretty much unstoppable.

The sample isn’t large, of course, but his averages of 19.8 points, 7.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds are telling. As are Paris’ wins over defending champion Panathinaikos, which came at Adidas Arena, and Final Four contender AS Monaco on the road.

Very few EuroLeague players before Shorts managed to have such an impact on their teams’ game and make this kind of noise while being under 1.80m. Here’s a Holy Trinity (plus one special mention) of past EuroLeague stars who perfectly exemplified the “heart over height” motto.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1734817/three-sub-1-80m-euroleague-stars-who-paved-the-way-before-tj-shorts/).

More Paris Basketball News

He is following in the footsteps of some memorable guards

Fantasy experts Frankie Sachs, Javier Gancedo and Vasiliki Karamouza offer their advice ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast: Tips for another double-round week

The fifth episode from season two of the EuroLeague Fantasy Podcast has landed, with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) duo [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) and [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and Sport 24’s [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) offering their advice for fantasy managers ahead of Rounds 6 and 7 in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Which players should you specifically target this week? Which players should you drop? Find out more by checking out the video above.

The Reds look to snap a four-game slide in games against Los Blancos when they meet on Tuesday.

The heat is on for Olympiacos-Real Madrid showdown

What do you get for the rivalry that has it all?

After all, [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/?season=2024-25) and [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/?season=2024-25) have met in back-to-back Final Fours, including the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game, which was only decided in the final seconds. One player ([Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/)) switched sides from the Spanish capital to the Greek port city in the summer of 2023.

Olympiacos head coach Georgios Bartzokas and forwards [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) and [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) all spent time with Real Madrid’s archrival, FC Barcelona. Real forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) is a self-avowed fan of Olympiacos’s archrival, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

<center><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/rvaQRHCzisFeo" width="480" height="298" style="" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/russell-crowe-rvaQRHCzisFeo">via GIPHY</a></p>

Okay, not entertained. I get it. Been there, done that.

How about the fact that Real has won four in a row against Olympiacos? Now we are getting somewhere. And add the fact that – to put it mildly – neither team has gotten off to a blistering start to the season. Real is 3-2 and Olympiacos is 2-3.

Now just imagine how important this Round 6 fixture is to both teams… And thus we have captured the essence of the Rivalry Series. This win will mean a lot to the victors. And it will truly smart the losers.

### The heat is on the coaches

We can start with the coaches. If Real wins, Bartzokas will be off to the worst start of a season among his eight on the Olympiacos bench. That would add even more pressure after the Reds lost their Greek League derby against Panathinaikos on Sunday. And with Vezenkov, the 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP, back with the team after a year away.

If Olympiacos wins, coach Chus Mateo of Real will be off to his worst start as head coach of the team. For contrast, *Los Blancos* did not lose their third game last season until Round 22. So the heat is on.

### Two of the league’s biggest stars

Despite the team’s quiet starts, their main stars have been rocking. Real playmaker [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) leads the league in PIR (25.2 per game) with excellent shooting (50% 2FG, 56.2% 3FG, 100% FT). Vezenkov is fifth in PIR (22.6) and averaging 16.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Between [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), the reigning EuroLeague Best Defender, and [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), who is Campazzo’s friend and former teammate at both the club and national team level, Olympiacos has reasons to believe it can slow down Real’s star. Last season, Campazzo only totaled 24 points in three games against Olympiacos. He also had 27 assists as well as 11 turnovers.

The last time Vezenkov played Real, he went off for 29 points, 9 boards and 4 assists in the 2023 title decider. But he will see a much different defense this time; [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) was injured and [Eli Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eli-ndiaye/009213/) was but a teenager with a bit role. Can they contain the former MVP this time?

The list of what may make this Rivalry Series game great is infinite. Both teams are rich in talent and history. But if we just focus on the rivalry between them, the dread of another early-season loss and the great form of their stars, we have enough of an understanding why this is must-see basketball!

The Reds look to snap a four-game slide in games against Los Blancos when they meet on Tuesday

Olympiacos Piraeus v Real Madrid (2024-10-29T19:15:00.000Z)

The Paris Basketball playmaker is on a record pace so far this Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season entering Round 6.

Stats review: TJ Shorts and this season's pick-and-roll masters

Paris Basketball notched its first-ever road victory in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague – over AS Monaco in the Rivalry Series, no less – by following a familiar formula.  

Last season, Paris emerged as a powerhouse in the BKT EuroCup to earn a spot in the EuroLeague as it lost only a single game before lifting the trophy.  While it did some truly innovative things with full-court pressure, substitution patterns, and play calling, the cornerstone of its high-powered offense, its biggest differentiator in key moments, and the thing that gives the team real upside in its maiden voyage in the EuroLeague was the ability to score at a high-level playing out of pick-and-rolls.

Even after a coaching change as they ascended to the gauntlet that is the EuroLeague, Paris has been able to hang its hat on pick-and-roll play. Generating 44 points over only 39 possessions created out of pick-and-rolls against AS Monaco in Round 5, Paris enters the week ranked fourth in efficiency and second in points scored per game in pick-and-roll situations.  While new head coach Tiago Splitter certainly deserves some credit for fostering some continuity from last season, the return of playmaking ball handler TJ Shorts has ensured that this offense has the same pathway to success.

The table above lists the EuroLeague leaders in points created out of pick-and-rolls combining those the players scored themselves and created with passes. As the table suggests, Shorts has been the league’s most prolific ball screen weapon by a wide margin so far this season as Paris has leaned into his ability to make things happen off the dribble.  The 38 points he created against Monaco in Round 5 were a reflection of that.  He is currently on pace to exceed the EuroLeague record of 24.2 points created out of pick-and-rolls per game set during the 2020-21 season by Alexey Shved – the only player to ever eclipse the 20-point threshold for a full season.  

Scoring in bunches even as he is not particularly aggressive from beyond the arc, Shorts has a combination of quickness, craftiness, and creativity that is unforgiving to opposing defenses and positions Paris to exceed expectations.  Currently scoring more points per game in the midrange than any player in modern EuroLeague history as well, Shorts puts huge pressure on opposing help defenders and scores and passes off that at an exceptional level.  As prolific as he is, his 1.05 points per possession created out of the pick-and-roll sits well above average as well.

Facundo Campazzo has flirted with that level of production but fits a different mold owning the lowest score-to-pass ratio among the most productive guards this season and throughout his prime.  While he may not look for his own shot aggressively, he’s a big reason Real Madrid ranks second in overall pick and roll efficiency.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has been bitten by the injury bug and that is one reason it has two players featured here.  However, the performance of those players in oversized roles has been a boon for the club as their efficiency has not suffered through their reshuffling.  

Paris Lee and Theo Maledon are arguably this list’s most intriguing duo as they bring a contrast of styles to the floor—sometimes in the same lineup.  Maledon’s aggressiveness in looking for his own shot and Lee’s more conventional approach allow LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne to give opposing defenses different looks.

Pick-and-roll play is at an all-time high in the EuroLeague this season thanks in some part to the addition of Shorts and Paris.  While he has a chance to rewrite the history books, there are plenty of new faces on this list relative to previous seasons as there are rising stars taking the reins for their teams throughout the league. 

The Paris Basketball playmaker is on a record pace so far this season.

Javier Gancedo reveals his choices of players who could make a difference on your EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Squads this week

Fantasy Challenge tips, Rounds 6-7: A double opportunity!

It should be a busy week for everyone in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague ecosystem. The second two-round week of the week is upon us! That means all EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers have two chances to win our weekly prize as well as to climb spots in the standings, both in private leagues and overall. Here are my recommendations for you to enhance your teams in Rounds 6 and 7.

### Nick Weiler-Babb, FC Bayern Munich (7.7 credits)

Carsen Edwards and Devin Booker combined for 50 points in Bayern's home win against Olympiacos Piraeus and all flashes were on them after the game. Weiler-Babb had an outstanding, fantasy-friendly performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and just 1 turnover for a PIR of 20. In the German League, Weiler-Babb has averaged a PIR of 18.0. Watch out!

### Elijah Bryant, Anadolu Efes Istanbul (10.1 credits)

Unfortunately, Efes will be without superstar guard Shane Larkin for 3-4 weeks, so other players have to step up. Rodrigue Beaubois and Elijah Bryant should see more responsibilities on offense and that's good news for Fantasy Challenge managers because Bryant always delivers with extended playing time. In Milan, he had 19 points and 5 assists for a PIR of 22.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhUz-rNnl-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhUz-rNnl-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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### Tomas Satoransky, FC Barcelona (10.8 credits)

Satornasky has stepped up big-time since Nico Laprovittola was injured. In last week's game against ASVEL, Satoransky had 9 points on 3 of 4 three-point shooting and 4 assists for a PIR of 10. In the Spanish League over the weekend, Satoransky had 14 points and 9 assists for a PIR of 25. Seeing more playing time should enhance Satoranssy's all-around game going forward.

### Facu Campazzo, Real Madrid (16.6 credits)

Campazzo is our superstar of choice this week even if Real plays a pair of road games. Campazzo was truly outstanding against last week Crvena Zvezda, amassing a PIR of 30 (13 points, 6 assists) in less than 20 minutes. In five games, he has averaged 14.8 points on 56.2% three-point shooting and 100% on free throws plus 8.0 assists for a PIR of 25.2. He is at the prime of his career.

Zach Leday, Nick Weiler-Babb, Facu Campazzo, Elijah Bryant and Tomas Satoransky are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Rounds 6-7

### Zach LeDay, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (13.3 credits)

LeDay has been solid until now, scoring in double digits in all games. He is averaging 13.8 points on 60.0% three-point shooting and 92.0% on free throws plus 5.8 fouls drawn for a PIR of 16.2. Against Efes, LeDay had a season-best PIR of 24, getting 16 points, 7 rebounds and 10 fouls drawn. Milan plays twice at home and that should help LeDay keep rolling.

The start to the latest two-round week is headlined by a pair of recent championship game rematches as the action heats up with Round 6 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Here’s your guide to Tuesday and Wednesday’s games.

At a glance: The madness continues

The start to the latest two-round week is headlined by a pair of recent championship game rematches as the action heats up with Round 6 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Here’s your guide to Tuesday and Wednesday’s games.

## Tuesday, October 29

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona (18:30 CEST)

Two in-form teams collide as Efes (3-2) hosts Barcelona (4-1). The Spanish side has climbed to the top of the standings with four straight wins, while Efes has taken two in a row behind a free-flowing offense netting 91 and 96 points. Both teams have been hit by injuries to star guards with Shane Larkin and Nico Laprovittola sidelined. That means more responsibility for [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/), who guided Efes with 17 points and 7 assists against Milan last week, while Barca's young talent [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) will look to build on his 8 points and 3 assists in Friday's win over ASVEL. In the paint, Barca big man [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) returns to a city he knows well to face [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), a matchup sure to produce highlight reel plays.

Round 6 Head-to-Head: Poirier vs. Vesely

### ALBA Berlin vs. Paris Basketball (19:30 CEST)

Fresh from gaining a historic first road win by overcoming Monaco last week, Paris (2-3) will seek to repeat that feat against an ALBA (1-4) team aiming to climb off the bottom of the standings. The hosts must try to slow down explosive visiting guard [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/), who was last week's MVP and ranks second in the league in both scoring (19.8 points per game) and PIR (24.6). ALBA’s backcourt leader [Martin Hermannsson ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/)has also made a fine start to the season, averaging 15 points and 4.8 assists per game. The injury-hit hosts will try to win through physical dominance, averaging a league-high 40.4 rebounds per game, against just 32 boards per night for Paris.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (19:30 CEST)

Two teams aiming to return to winning ways meet as Fenerbahce (3-2) meets Maccabi (2-3) in a game that has been relocated to Kaunas. Maccabi has problems in the backcourt following injuries to Tamir Blatt and Rokas Jokubaitis, placing a big responsibility on the shoulders of recent signing [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) (15 points and 3.7 assists per game). Fener also has a new guard, with [Skylar Mays](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/skylar-mays/013396/) making his debut in last week’s home loss to Panathinaikos, which saw big man [Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/) continue his strong form with 16 points and 6 rebounds. The Turkish team needs to find more efficiency inside the paint as it has converted fewer two-point shots (43.7%) than any other team.

Round 6 Head-to-Head: Birch vs. Rivero

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Real Madrid (20:15 CEST)

It's a major showdown between perennial title contenders as inconsistent Olympiacos (2-3) welcomes improving Real Madrid (3-2), a matchup that has been a championship game three times since 2013. A key will be the backcourt battle between the Reds’ defensive ace [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) and Real’s playmaker [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/), who averages 8 assists per game and leads the competition in average PIR (25.3). In the frontcourt, Olympiacos will hope that [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) can immediately return to his best after a recent injury to face Real big man [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), who co-leads the league with 1.8 blocks per night and didn’t miss a shot as he scored 12 points in last week’s huge win over Zvezda. Olympiacos is perfect at home, Real has not won away… will those streaks stay intact?

Round 6 Head-to-Head: Wright vs. Ndiaye

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:30 CEST)

Milan (1-4) will seek to restore some positivity with a tough trip to Baskonia (3-2), which is aiming to stay perfect at home. The Italian team may have to cope without the services of key man and former Baskonia star [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), who was injured in domestic action at the weekend. The visiting defense – which has allowed the second-most points in the league (87.4 per game) will need to deal with [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/), who drained no less than 7 triples in Baskonia’s easy victory over ALBA last week, which also saw big man [Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/khalifa-diop/008072/) show his rebounding ability with 4 boards at both ends. Milan will feed off the energy of [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/), who had 16 points and 7 rebounds in last week’s loss to Efes.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. FC Bayern Munich (21:00 CEST)

Two of last week's big winners are looking to ride the momentum as Virtus (1-4) welcomes Bayern (3-2). With the visiting team looking for a first road win of the season, Bayern sharpshooter and league-leading scorer [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) (20.6 points per game) has the chance to become the first player in EuroLeague history to score 30 points in three consecutive games. Virtus finally grabbed its first win of the season with last week’s nail-biting triumph at Partizan, where [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) hit the game-winner to cap a personal contribution of 27 points. The former Final Four MVP will look to use that as a catalyst to become Virtus’s go-to guy as the Italian team aims for a first home victory.

## Wednesday, October 30

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (19:00 CEST)

Co-leader Zalgiris (4-1) will attempt to maintain that status with a visit from Zvezda (3-2), which wants to maintain its position in the top half of the standings by bouncing back from two straight losses. In addition to the offensive leadership of [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) (13.2 points and 5.6 assists per game), Zalgiris has built its strong start on a league-best defense, allowing only 70.8 points per game and playing particularly well on the perimeter with opponents making just 25.2% of three-pointers. That will test the shooting skills of Zvezda star [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/), who has made just 2 of his last 13 attempts from long-range. Zvezda could give a second debut to recently re-signed big man [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/).

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:15 CEST)

Fast-improving ASVEL (2-3) will hope to snatch a first road win as it takes on reigning champ Panathinaikos (3-2). The French team gave a strong performance before ultimately coming up just short at Barcelona last week, and will hope to have playmaker [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) back from injury to face his former club. [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) will relish the chance to continue his hot streak of scoring at least 17 points in four games straight, while Panathinaikos can rely on its own scoring star with [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), who has netted 15 or more in every game so far. The Greens will also need [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) (15.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game) to control the influence of [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/) (13.6 points, 9.8 boards) in a fascinating all-French big man battle.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. AS Monaco (20:45 CEST)

After suffering losses last week, Partizan (2-3) and Monaco (3-2) will battle for a return to winning ways. The visiting team will look for another strong game from [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), who leads the offense with 15.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. Partizan boasts the best three-point shooting record in the league, converting 42.6% of long-range shots, but suffered a bad night in last week’s loss against Virtus with the previously prolific [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) missing all 4 of his deep shots. The Serbian team enjoyed more success inside through [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/), who had 20 points and 6 rebounds. He will look to win the battle of the backboards against Monaco’s [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/), who averages 7.2 boards per night and had a double-double in last week’s loss to Paris.

Round 6 Head-to-Head: Jones vs. Jaiteh

Another two-round week tips off with Tuesday's six-pack of games

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-10-29T18:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v AS Monaco (2024-10-30T19:45:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-30T19:15:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v FC Bayern Munich (2024-10-29T20:00:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-29T19:30:00.000Z)