AS Monaco Basket and Paris Basketball go head to head on Thursday night in the first-ever EuroLeague meeting between these two sides.

Monaco-Paris rivalry puts French hoops in the spotlight

French basketball has been on the rise. 

One example of that came this past summer as the French national team won the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. Over the last decade, there has only been one season without a Frenchman on the All-EuroLeague team. 

[Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), a EuroLeague First Team selection in each of the last two seasons, helped Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens capture the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown in May. 

Even across the Atlantic, Wemby-mania has taken hold, with fans and analysts alike gushing over the exploits of former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague prospect [Victor Wembanyama](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/victor-wembanyama/009553/). 

And on Thursday night, French basketball will again be in the spotlight when AS Monaco hosts Paris Basketball in Round 5's Rivalry Series game. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A first EVER meeting between these two clubs in the EuroLeague takes place tomorrow 🍿 <br><br>And the hype for the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> clash is REAL 📈<a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> host <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Parisbasketball</a> tomorrow, are you ready? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/epxNKCPaDS">pic.twitter.com/epxNKCPaDS</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1849084051539251358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is the first time these teams will have met on the international stage, but make no mistake. They know each other well.

Back in June, Monaco ousted Paris 3-1 in the French League Finals and no fewer than 21 players from the teams’ current rosters were with the teams for that series, including one – Paris guard [Yakuba Ouattara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/yakuba-ouattara/004197/) – who joined the club over the summer from Monaco, where he spent parts of seven seasons.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Le retour de Yakuba Ouattara à Monaco demain en EuroLeague pour ce match comptant dans la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RivalrySeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RivalrySeries</a> 👀🔜 <a href="https://t.co/az7rvMRheM">pic.twitter.com/az7rvMRheM</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1849103875015360964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When it comes to the big stage, Monaco clearly has the upper hand. This is the club’s fourth season in Europe’s premier competition and it has made the playoffs in all of them, including reaching the Final Four in 2023. Before Monaco made itself a EuroLeague contender, it put the basketball world on notice by winning the EuroCup in 2021.

Paris, whose climb to the top is documented in the Euroleague Basketball Originals production 'The Making of a EuroLeague Team', followed in Monaco’s footsteps by winning the EuroCup last season to reach the EuroLeague for the first time.

How Paris Basketball Became a EuroLeague Team: The Complete Story | EuroLeague Documentary Series E1

The similarities between the teams do not end there. Both teams are led by dynamic guards, who were MVPs last season.

Monaco’s [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer, was the EuroLeague MVP, while Paris’ [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) took home the MVP trophies for the EuroCup, EuroCup Finals and French League.

In their showdowns in the French League Finals, James had the upper hand with averages of 20.5 points and 3.3 assists and backcourt mate [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) posted 18.3 points and 4.5 assists per game.

That duo continues to lead Monaco this season with Okobo contributing 16.0 points and 5.0 assists and James, who missed the preseason after undergoing back surgery, going for 15.7 points, 4.0 assists and 2.3 steals over the last three games.

Paris’ rising star [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) led Paris in scoring with 17.0 points per game in the playoffs, and Shorts was no slouch with 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

They remain Paris’s go-to guys in the EuroLeague, with Shorts fourth in the league in scoring with 17.8 points per game and third with 7.0 assists per game. Hifi has contributed 14.2 points per game off the bench.

Although these teams are by no means two-man shows, it is fair to expect the performances of these backcourt stars to play key roles in this game’s outcome.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🎬 Le remake des <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinalesBetclicELITE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinalesBetclicELITE</a> sur la scène de l&#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>, la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> reçoit <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisBasketball</a> à Monaco ! 👑🇲🇨<br><br>⏰️ 𝑫𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒆̀𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒔 👇<br>🎟 <a href="https://t.co/7R1YN87BCw">https://t.co/7R1YN87BCw</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/qcDtr7J9bH">pic.twitter.com/qcDtr7J9bH</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1849136698124325069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Monaco is unbeaten at home thus far this season and its three wins at Salle Gaston Medecin over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Virtus Segafredo Bologna have come by an average margin of victory of 11.7 points. 

Paris has yet to win a EuroLeague game on the road, though it pushed FC Bayern Munich to the limit before falling 109-107 last week.

Will Paris be able to get its first road win on the floor of its chief domestic rival? If so, it will go a long way toward taking this rivalry to the next level. Or will Monaco hold court to remain the king of French League clubs? We will learn the answer in this week’s EuroLeague Rivalry Series game.

Game News

Last season’s French League finalists meet on Thursday for the first time in the EuroLeague

AS Monaco v Paris Basketball (2024-10-24T17:00:00.000Z)

Sylvain Francisco is enjoying a wonderful start to the 2024-25 EuroLeague season with Zalgiris Kaunas, and his experiences with Vassilis Spanoulis are certainly paying dividends.

Sylvain Francisco using Spanoulis’ Mamba Mentality to star for Zalgiris

The late, great Kobe Bryant summarized his famous “Mamba Mentality” as “constantly try to be the best version of yourself.” That “hard work outweighs talent.” It’s not just a philosophy but a way of living, followed by thousands of athletes – and not only basketball players – across the globe.

This attitude is also what’s driving [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carousels/zalgiris-kaunas/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22zal%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Zalgiris%20Kaunas) guard and certified Kobe mega-fan [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/). Tireless grind against all odds.

“I'm really happy for Sylvain. He's not coming from a rich family. So what he got, he worked hard to get it,” said Jean-Denys Choulet, Francisco’s former coach at Roanne in 2020-21.

Francisco’s hard work has been paying off with a gradual upward curve over the last couple of years. After debuting in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last season with FC Bayern Munich, the 27-year-old player is now emerging as the main man for Zalgiris, leading his team in points (15.0) and assists (5.8).

Read more of this article [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1732491/sylvain-francisco-using-spanoulis-mamba-mentality-to-star-for-zalgiris/).

The Zalgiris star has started the 2024-25 season on fire

Will Clyburn enjoyed a rare win at Belgrade Arena on Wednesday night, playing a key role as Virtus Bologna got its first win of the EuroLeague season at KK Partizan.

Will Clyburn instrumental as Virtus gets the monkey off its back

In a thriller, [Virtus Segafredo Bologna edged Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 69-70](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-gets-off-the-mark-with-hard-fought-win-at-partizan-69-70/) on Tuesday night to secure its second win in as many years at Belgrade Arena, with two-time All-EuroLeague forward [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) leaving his fingerprints on the contest. 

With Virtus' win, all 18 teams competing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this season have at least one victory to their name. Since last week, there are no undefeated teams left in the competition. Virtus used defense to keep its chances open in the fourth quarter, limiting Partizan to just 8 points in the final 10 minutes. When it was time to deliver, Clyburn was ready.

He had the most crucial baskets of the game in the final two minutes. [Iffe Lundberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/iffe-lundberg/010781/) hit a three-pointer to give Partizan a 68-66 edge, then Virtus put the ball in the hands of Clyburn, who missed a step-back three-pointer. [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) grabbed the offensive rebound and found Clyburn all alone under the basket for a layup. Lundberg split free throws at the other end and Partizan got the ball back. [Rayjon Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rayjon-tucker/012591/) collected the all-important steal before Clyburn got the ball and silenced the home crowd with a go-ahead driving layup, which ended up being the final basket of the game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WE DID IT, AGAIN. 🤍🖤 <a href="https://t.co/pQKZJWercx">pic.twitter.com/pQKZJWercx</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1849187591049884006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Clyburn finished the contest with 27 points on 9-of-12 two-pointers, scoring 13 of those in the final 15 minutes. At the end of the game, Clyburn said something that made us double-check what he said.

"I am just happy we got the win. I am pretty sure I have been winless in this building against Partizan, so I am just happy we got the win," Clyburn told EuroLeague TV in a courtside interview. "That's all that matters, we got the win today.

"We were fighting. Obviously there are going to be ups and downs in the game, but it was no point in the game where I felt we were out of it today. Everybody was locked in defensively and it was only a matter of time before we made shots and get back in the game."

Will Clyburn of Virtus Segafredo Bologna had 27 points to lead his team to a 69-70 road win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 5 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Clyburn leads Virtus past Partizan

Indeed, Clyburn had not enjoyed great results at Belgrade Arena. He played his first-ever EuroLeague game with Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul against Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade in the Serbian capital, registering a 70-73 win and scoring 19 points, but the game was played at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall. During his two years at Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Clyburn twice played against Partizan at Belgrade Arena, losing both games.

It gets worse. Clyburn also lost twice at Belgrade Arena at the 2018 Final Four with CSKA Moscow; first against Real Madrid in the semifinals, then again Zalgiris Kaunas in the third-place game. Until tonight, Clyburn was 1-5 in the building. His only victory came with CSKA against Zvezda, 59-85, on November 15, 2017, almost seven years ago.

Clyburn was not the only key contributor for Virtus on Wednesday night as [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) finished the game with 12 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, recording his first EuroLeague double-double in his 55th game in the competition. Cordinier thinks that playing in front of a such strong atmosphere helped the team get the focus it needed to finally get that elusive first victory.

"First win of the season in the EuroLeague. Coming in, in this special atmosphere, maybe it was the type of game we needed to find ourselves," Cordinier said. "And today we fought until the end. We had a great effort on defense, rebounding the ball and thanks to Will \[Clyburn\], who scored these big buckets to get the lead down the stretch.

"I want to enjoy the first win of the season. We went through a lot of struggle and kept building, trying to find our chemistry, our identity. And tonight, we found something we can work on and build on for the future."

Cordinier talked about rebounding at the end of the game, and that definitely was one of the keys to his team's win. Virtus outrebounded Partizan 28-34, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and only allowing the hosts to grab 18 defensive boards. In other words, 45.5% of all rebounds under Partizan's rim went the other way. Virtus grabbed 65.5% of all rebounds under its rim, 19 out of 29.

Virtus is not leaving Italy during the next three rounds as it hosts FC Bayern Munich in Round 6, visits EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 7 and plays at home again against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Round 8. It should be a good test for Virtus, which started the 2023-24 campaign with a 5-1 record but is 1-4 so far this season. At least it got the monkey off its back and notched its first win in Round 5.

The Italian side got its first win of the season in Round 5

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-10-23T18:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Bologna registered its first win of the EuroLeague season by edging KK Partizan 69-70 in the Serbian capital on Tuesday. 


Virtus gets off the mark with hard-fought win at Partizan, 69-70

Virtus Segafredo Bologna registered its first win of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season by edging Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 69-70 in the Serbian capital on Tuesday. 

Virtus improved to 1-4 in the standings, while Partizan dropped to 2-3. Will Clyburn paced the winners with 27 points, scoring the go-ahead layup with 12.5 seconds remaining. Isaia Cordinier added 12 and 10 rebounds, and Matt Morgan had 10 points for Virtus. Tyrique Jones led Partizan with 20 points and 5 steals. Iffe Lundberg added 14 points and Vanja Marinkovic had 10 for the hosts.

Game Videos

Sterling Brown got Partizan going with a layup and a three-point play, then Lundberg added a jumper for a 7-1 lead. Ante Zizic stepped up with a put-back slam, which Clyburn followed with a layup high off the backboard that brought Virtus within 7-5. Brandon Davies scored around the basket and Marinkovic followed a layup with a fast-break basket that made the guests call a timeout at 13-5. Tyrique Jones soon added a three-point play for a 16-7 score. Clyburn struck from downtown and followed Morgan's triple with a jump hook to bring Virtus within 16-15. Tyrique Jones single-handedly restored a 20-15 Partizan lead after 10 minutes.

Aleksej Pokusevski struck from beyond the arc early in the second quarter. Rayjon Tucker buried an off-balance shot and soon added a jumper to bring Virtus within 23-19. Carlik Jones sank a mid-range jumper that a red-hot Tucker erased with a two-handed slam. Clyburn beat the shot clock with a wild turnaround jumper and Toko Shengelia added a driving layup that tied it at 25-25. Tyrique Jones took over with a huge dunk and Brown bettered Morgan's layup with a three-pointer. Clyburn scored around the rim, then Isaac Bonga and Lundberg restored a 34-29 Partizan margin. Clyburn and Lundberg traded three-pointers to fix the halftime score at 37-32.

Lundberg and Cordinier exchanged three-point plays soon after the break. Cordinier kept pacing Virtus with a jumper and the free throw that came with it. Marinkovic hit a corner three-pointer and an outstanding Tyrique Jones restored a 47-41 Partizan lead. Momo Diouf scored down low, Marinkovic insisted from downtown and Tyrique Jones's put-back basket made Virtus call a timeout at 52-43. Clyburn buried a triple that Jones improved with consecutive dunks. Clyburn scored around the basket and followed Cordinier's layup with a dunk off a steal for a 56-55 Virtus deficit. Bonga rescued Partizan with a put-back layup and got help from Carlik Jones and Tyrique Jones to give the hosts a 61-57 edge after 30 minutes.

Morgan was the first player to score in the fourth quarter. Brandon Davis hit a jumper and Zizic got Virtus as close as 63-61. Carlik Jones ignited the crowd with a driving layup that Shengelia improved on that with a three-pointer. Cordinier made free throws to complete Virtus's comeback, 65-66, with 3:41 left. Lundberg buried a critical three-pointer in the penultimate minute, good for a 68-66 Partizan lead. Clyburn scored around the basket, then Lundberg split foul shots for a 69-68 Partizan lead. Both teams exchanged turnovers and Clyburn scored in penetration, putting Virtus ahead, 69-70, with 12.5 seconds left. It all came down to the final second, which saw Frank Ntilikina airball a three-point shot at the buzzer.

Euroleague.net's team of experts – Javier Gancedo, Geoff Gillingham, Frankie Sachs and Igor Petrinovic – have made their bold predictions for Round 5 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Bold predictions, Round 5: Four road triumphs on the cards

Four rounds are already in the books, so now it is time for Round 5 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, which features one game on Wednesday, five on Thursday and three on Friday.

In the lead-up to Round 5, the [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) experts have each come up with one bold prediction.

### Virtus to shock Partizan, grab its first win

### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Want to hear something crazy? Last week [I predicted that Virtus Segafredo Bologna would go 2-0](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-rounds-3-4-how-many-surprises-will-we-see/) and improve to a 2-2 record overall. That didn’t go to plan, but I am going to double down on the 0-4 Virtus and predict that Luca Banchi’s men get their first win of the season on the road at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Wednesday night. Virtus is without guard Alessandro Pajola for this clash, but I believe we will see big performances from [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) and [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/). I also think first-year guard [Matt Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-morgan/012585/) and rookie center [Momo Diouf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamet-diouf/013374/) have what it takes to stun the home supporters. Virtus did beat Partizan at Belgrade Arena back in Round 17 last year, and I predict another surprise is on the cards.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Game day in Belgrade ⚖️ <a href="https://t.co/zWctkxIUQ8">pic.twitter.com/zWctkxIUQ8</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1849047911809618354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Saben Lee to lead injury-plagued Maccabi past Zalgiris

### *by Javier Gancedo*

Things are not looking good for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv this week. [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) and [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), its two playmakers, are injured, [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) is also out, plus [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) left the team to join AS Monaco. Maccabi, however, signed [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) and I expect him to inspire his team to a road win against Zalgiris Kaunas. Zalgiris had a strong start but Maccabi has favorable one-on-one matchups in this game, particularly [Jalen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/profile/006835/) at small forward and [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) at center. Above all, Lee has only shown us hints of the great player he is. This is already his third game in the competition and Lee should be ready to unlock his full potential. Due to all that, I will say that Lee scores at least 20 points and Maccabi wins at Zalgirio Arena.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On our way to Kaunas <a href="https://t.co/Vq6bxByjeO">pic.twitter.com/Vq6bxByjeO</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1849087157186502674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Paris makes a road statement

### *by Igor Petrinovic*

Paris Basketball has quickly proved it belongs and is ready to compete in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Each of the team's first four games in its debut campaign have been decided by five points or fewer, and I expect more drama in the French League derby in Monaco on Thursday. This Rivalry Series clash will also feature last year's EuroLeague MVP and the league's all-time leading scorer, [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), against last year's EuroCup MVP, Paris playmaker [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/), who is averaging 17.8 points after his first four EuroLeague games. Monaco is the favorite against its French League rival for many reasons, but I think Paris and Shorts will make another statement. After edging the reigning EuroLeague champs last week, the club from the French capital will shock Monaco and register the club's first EuroLeague road win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Le premier choc 🇫🇷 de la saison en <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> ! <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> : ON ARRIVE 👀 <a href="https://t.co/AMJAByPPPL">pic.twitter.com/AMJAByPPPL</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1849029370398068969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### It's time to believe in ASVEL

### *by Frankie Sachs* 

Do you believe in LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne? Because if you do, now is the time to say so. To date, the season has been just okay. Two wins at home against teams that made the playoffs or the Play-In Showdown last season... And two losses on the road. But we can learn more about teams through the first four rounds than just their records. And what we have seen is that this is a very talented ASVEL roster. [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) and [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/) have been killing it. [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) is his old reliable self. And the cast of newcomers and veterans behind them – including [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), [David Lighty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-lighty/003526/), [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/), [Shaq Harrison](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquille-harrison/013371/), and [Admiral Schofield](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/admiral-schofield/013372/) – give coach Pierric Poupet the tools needed to mount a playoff challenge. Facing FC Barcelona on the road on Friday night is no simple task. However, Barcelona is also figuring things out, especially after [losing star guard Nico Laprovittola to injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nico-laprovittola-to-undergo-knee-surgery/). And beating Barcelona in the Catalan metropolis is not impossible as three players on ASVEL's current roster – De Colo, Lighty and [Charles Kahudi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/charles-kahudi/kir/) – can attest to. After all, they won there just two seasons ago. If there is ever a time to predict a repeat of that result, that time is now. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🏟️ <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLC_Arena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLC_Arena</a> <a href="https://t.co/gw9cPFvFgC">pic.twitter.com/gw9cPFvFgC</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1848748016842207233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 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 Round 5 of the 2024-25 season

Zalgiris Kaunas v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-10-24T17:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-25T18:30:00.000Z)

KK Crvena zvezda has announced the signing of Filip Petrusev on loan from Olympiacos BC, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

Filip Petrusev returns to Crvena Zvezda

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has announced the signing of [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/), who has arrived on loan from fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague team Olympiacos Piraeus.

Petrusev (2.11 meters, 24 years old) is back for his second spell with Crvena Zvezda, having starred for the Belgrade club in the 2022-23 campaign. 

So far this season, the Serbian big man has played in all four of Olympiacos' EuroLeague games, coming off the bench to average 5.0 points and 2.5 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет обавештава јавност да се у клуб у среду вратио наш некадашњи члан и репрезентативац Србије Филип Петрушев! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Filip Petrušev is still a red-and-white, but for the rest of the season in the jersey of Crvena zvezda Meridianbet. Welcome back, Filip!… <a href="https://t.co/6aU92gwiff">pic.twitter.com/6aU92gwiff</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1849038113617715400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Following a stint in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings, Petrusev joined Olympiacos in late November 2023 and made his debut in mid-December that same year. He made 22 appearances last season, posting 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in a bench role as the Reds made it to the Final Four.

His real breakout season came at Crvena Zvezda, though, as he averaged 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 34 EuroLeague games. That year, he developed incredibly well and established himself as one of the league's best young players, which resulted in him heading to the NBA.

On the road with BKT: Flip Petrusev, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Petrusev first put himself on the map with Anadolu Efes Istanbul, where he became a EuroLeague champion in 2022. The 2021-22 season, his first among Europe's elite, saw him post 5.2 points and 1.6 boards per night across 22 appearances. However, as the season went on, his role diminished, leading to him not featuring at the Final Four.

The 2020-21 ABA League MVP with Mega Basket is now heading back home to Belgrade, where he will hope to enjoy a big role at Crvena Zvezda once again. The [injury to Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-bolomboy-hyperextends-knee-avoids-acl-tear/) should mean that Petrusev can come in right away and make a difference.

More Crvena Zvezda News

Imagine stepping into the shoes of a EuroLeague player for a day. Well, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz forward Chima Moneke wants to bring fans as close as he can to the action through his YouTube channel.

Chima Moneke shows fans what a EuroLeague game day entails

Imagine stepping into the shoes of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague player for a day. Well, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz forward [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) wants to bring fans as close as he can to the action through his YouTube channel.

During [Baskonia’s Round 1 victory over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-grinds-down-partizan-88-82-thanks-to-cohesive-team-effort/), Moneke walks EuroLeague fans through his game-day routine.

1ST GAME OF THE EUROLEAGUE SEASON VS PARTIZAN

Starting with preparing his breakfast at home, the 28-year-old – now in his second season with Baskonia and third EuroLeague campaign overall – then explains his plans for his YouTube channel and previews the Partizan game before getting himself ready and leaving for Buesa Arena.

Once he arrives at Baskonia’s gym, clearly excited ahead of the team’s EuroLeague opener, he goes through his warmup alongside his teammates. Following the team introductions, which sees Moneke get a warm reception from the crowd, he goes on to provide a commentary of how he saw the game while highlights run.

Moneke is your typical EuroLeague player, even accepting that his performance in the first half against Partizan was not up to his usual standard, but he is leading the way when it comes to bridging the gap between players and fans.

Make sure to subscribe to [Moneke’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@chimdoggg) in order to watch more of his videos during the EuroLeague season. You can also catch up on the content he has produced in the past, which has featured [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) and Ergin Ataman, plus many more.

The Baskonia forward published his latest video on YouTube

KK Crvena zvezda has revealed that Joel Bolomboy has hyperextended his knee and avoided an ACL tear.

Joel Bolomboy hyperextends knee, avoids ACL tear

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has confirmed that [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) has avoided a meniscus or ligament injury after suffering an injury during the team's ABA League game at Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on Monday night.

The 30-year-old did, however, hyperextend his right knee and suffer bruising to the bone. As Crvena Zvezda states, Bolomboy will receive conservative therapy and won't have to go under the knife. Crvena Zvezda confirmed to [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) on Wednesday that he will be out for four to six weeks.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">Након извршених прегледа и тестирања, КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет обавештава јавност о стању Џоела Боломбоја након повреде у 5. колу регионалне лиге.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://t.co/9KKmB1DQdh">https://t.co/9KKmB1DQdh</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1848668047189373024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Like many at Crvena Zvezda, Bolomboy had enjoyed a great start to the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, averaging 12.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.0 block and a 16.5 PIR through the first four games. He ranks second overall in rebounds and leads Zvezda in PIR.

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC expects Tamir Blatt to miss the next three weeks due to a hamstring tear.

Tamir Blatt sidelined with hamstring tear

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) is expected to be out for the next three weeks after suffering a 'small tear in his hamstring,' the club confirmed on Monday.

With fellow backcourt player [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) also sidelined for another couple of weeks [after breaking his thumb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-rokas-jokubaitis-to-a-broken-thumb/), Maccabi head coach Oded Kattash will have to heavily lean on new signing [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/), as well as the experienced [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/) and 18-year-old prospect [Omer Mayer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-mayer/011433/).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">עדכון: תמיר בלאט, שנפצע אמש במשחק מול גלבוע/גליל, עבר היום בדיקת MRI. הרכז סובל מקרע קטן בשריר הירך האחורי. צפי היעדרות: כשלושה שבועות <a href="https://t.co/NSdl9cgJlT">pic.twitter.com/NSdl9cgJlT</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1848386173502099890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Tamir Blatt, who was injured last night in the game against Gilboa/Galil, underwent an MRI today," read Maccabi's statement. "The guard suffered a small tear in the hamstring. Expected absence: about three weeks."

Blatt has enjoyed a red-hot start to the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, earning MVP of the Round honors in Round 1 and coming close to recording a triple-double in Round 4. For the season, he is averaging 12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and a 19.0 PIR.

More Maccabi News

The club expects him to miss the next three weeks 