It's that time of year! The much-awaited mid-season survey conducted by Turkish Airlines EuroLeague GMs has arrived, and there are several interesting answers.

The GMs' mid-season survey is here!

It's that time of year! The much-awaited mid-season survey conducted by Turkish Airlines EuroLeague GMs has arrived, and there are several interesting answers.

Let's start with who they think will be the 2024-25 EuroLeague MVP...

Now, let's move onto the Rising Star award...

These two have made a huge impact for their teams this year...

He may be just 1.75 meters tall, but his leadership skills make him a giant...

He's capable of jaw-dropping performances, too...

He's already got three EuroLeague Best Defender awards in his trophy case, but is a fourth on the way?

He has made the most three-pointers in a game in EuroLeague history, remember...

Two French internationals getting some love here...

There's one guy who comes to mind when you think of unbelievable passes...

Late-game situations are made for this individual...

It might be his first season as a head coach, but you wouldn't think it...

Will we see these four teams competing against each other in late May?

The EuroLeague newcomer has impressed fans so far...

It's always a tough night against these teams...

Their creativity on social media is rewarded...

Check out what the EuroLeague GMs had to say after the halfway point of the 2024-25 season

Check out the latest episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast to prepare your fantasy teams for Round 20. Co-hosts Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 celebrate some of their successes last week and look ahead to a new round of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games.

The Fantasy Challenge Podcast gang debates new topics in episode No. 15

Check out the latest episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast to prepare your fantasy teams for Round 20. Co-hosts [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) of Sport 24 celebrate some of their successes last week and look ahead to a new round of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games.

The trio discussed the center situation at [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) (is Round 19 MVP [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) the answer?), the backcourt of [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) (should you ride the [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) wave?) and who you should add from [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) (is [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) due for another huge game against ALBA?), among many other topics.

Check out the moves Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki have made ahead of Round 20, including who they have as captains. This week’s action tips off on Thursday at 18:45 CET in Istanbul with the duel between Fenerbahce and ALBA, so make sure to finalize your rosters by then. Good luck, fantasy fans!

Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki debate the best moves for your teams ahead of Round 20

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v ALBA Berlin (2025-01-09T17:45:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-01-09T19:15:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Real Madrid (2025-01-10T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul has appointed Luca Banchi as its new head coach. The sides agreed to a contract for the remainder of this season with an option for 2025-26

Efes appoints Luca Banchi as head coach

Anadolu Efes Istanbul has appointed Luca Banchi as its new head coach. The sides agreed to a contract for the remainder of this season with an option for 2025-26. Previous head coach Tomislav Mijatovic will remain with the club as part of Banchi's coaching staff. Banchi, 59, started the season with Virtus Segafredo Bologna, but resigned his position after a 2-10 start.

Efes will be Banchi's fifth club in the EuroLeague. He debuted with Montepaschi Siena of his native Italy in 2012 and has since spent time with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, Brose Bamberg and Virtus, which he joined just before the start of the 2023-24 season. Banchi guided Virtus to the Play-In Showdown in his lone complete season with the club.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">✍️ Kariyeri boyunca pek çok başarıya imza atan ve Letonya Milli Takımı’nın da başantrenörü olan Luca Banchi ile 1+1 sezonluk sözleşme imzaladık! <br><br>15 yıldır ailemizin bir parçası olan Tomislav Mijatović ise Yardımcı Antrenörümüz olarak kulübümüzde yer almayı sürdürecek. <br><br>👉… <a href="https://t.co/r6aS4hrB2o">pic.twitter.com/r6aS4hrB2o</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1876700827999449557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Banchi had started his EuroLeague career as an assistant coach with Montepaschi Siena between 2006 and 2012. He helped it reach the Final Four in both 2008 in Madrid and 2011 in Barcelona. He later led Milan to the club's first EuroLeague Playoff appearance this century in 2014. Banchi also coached two seasons in the EuroCup, first with Turin of Italy in 2017-18 and then with Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar of Russia in 2019-20, with an 8-11 overall record between those two seasons.

His trophy case includes winning the FIBA Intercontinental Cup with Lokomotiv in 2019, Italian League championships with Milan in 2013 and 2014 as well as the Italian Cup in the first of those seasons. Banchi, who has also coached clubs in Greece and France and spent a seasons as an assistant coach in the G League, is the head coach of the Latvian national team. He was named the Best Coach of the 2023 Basketball World Cup after leading Latvia to an unexpected fifth-place finish.

Latest Efes news

Previous bench boss Tomislav Mijatovic will remain with the club as part of Banchi's staff

In Round 20's Rivalry Series game, Real Madrid heads to Zalgiris Kaunas in a contest that sees the two teams heading in different directions in the standings.

Real Madrid faces Zalgiris in friendly territory

Friday night pits two teams – [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) and [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) – against each other with the same 10-9 record, but they come into this Rivalry Series game but in very different circumstances.

*Los Blancos* are riding the wave of a four-game winning streak and after this Round 20 showdown, they play their next three game in the Spanish capital. Zalgiris, meanwhile, had a strong start to the season having won six of its first seven games, but is now on a three-game losing streak.

The game comes at a pivotal time for both teams and getting the tiebreaker could have a big impact in the standings at the end of the regular season. In Round 15, [Zalgiris upset Real 83-92 at Movistar Arena](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-overpowers-real-in-madrid-83-92/) behind 21 points from [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/), all of them coming in an outstanding first half in which he helped his team get a 38-54 lead. Zalgiris had six players score in double digits and the team buried 15-of-29 three-pointers.

That was Real's last loss in the competition, and that night saw coach [Chus Mateo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/mateo-chus/?season=E2024)'s team hit just 8-of-26 triples (30.8% 3FG) while finishing the contest with 16 assists and 14 turnovers. It was a wake-up call for Real, which has taken a better care of the ball since that day, leading to a higher three-point shooting percentage.

In its last four wins, Madrid totaled 74 assists (18.5 apg.) while its opponents combined for 58 (14.5 apg.). *Los Blancos* also outrebounded each and every opponent in that stretch, grabbing 157 boards (39.3 rpg.) and allowing just 124 (31.0 rpg.). Being solid under the boards has made the difference in the last four games.

In the opening 16 fixtures, Zalgiris averaged more two-point shots (33.7) than three-point attempts (28.4). Things have changed in the last three games, with Zalgiris pulling the trigger from downtown way more often than before. Coach [Andrea Trinchieri](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/trinchieri-andrea/?season=E2024)'s team took 34.3 three-point attempts on average, and just 25.0 shots inside the arc.

Zalgiris has taken worse care of the ball, too, averaging 4.7 assists and 18.0 turnovers in the last three games, compared to 6.8 steals and 11.9 turnovers in the opening 16 showdowns.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✨ HISTORIA QUE TÚ HICISTE. HISTORIA POR HACER.<br>🎩 <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/upUo2d4KDB">pic.twitter.com/upUo2d4KDB</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1875306141455876148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Real comes to one of its favorite courts, Zalgirio Arena, where it won its 11th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title in 2023 after [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) buried a shot late in the championship game which [allowed Los Blancos to beat Olympiacos Piraeus 78-79](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/championship-game-blog-olympiacos-piraeus-vs-real-madrid/). Llull returns to Kaunas not just as a three-time champion, but as the competition's all-time leader in game appearances (426), minutes played (9,410) and three-pointers made.

In general, Real has been rock-solid in Kaunas this century. Other than its two victories at the 2023 Final Four, Real has an 11-4 road record at Zalgiris’s home. Last season, [Coach Mateo’s men edged Zalgiris 62-64](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-real-madrid/) on a buzzer-beating turnaround jumper by [Gaby Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/), who will miss this week’s Rivalry Series game due to injury.

This contest gives EuroLeague fans the chance to see two of the best point guards in the competition go against each other. Despite his team's struggles, Zalgiris playmaker [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) has been spectacular of late, averaging 18.0 points, 3.5 assists and a PIR of 20.2 in the last six games. [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) had a PIR of 7 in his team's Round 15 loss against Zalgiris, which is just one of two single-digit PIR games for him this season, so he has probably marked this showdown in red. Since then, Campazzo has averaged 13.3 points, 6.0 assists and a PIR of 21.0.

There is more to this game than a stellar matchup. Two of the four players to earn EuroLeague Best Defender honors more than once, [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) of Real and [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/) of Zalgiris, are going up against each other. [Dimitris Diamantidis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dimitris-diamantidis/jko/) and [Kyle Hines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kyle-hines/002812/) are the other two players in this exclusive list.

At Movistar Arena in mid-December, [Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brady-manek/012715/) had a season-high 13 points against Real and [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) had 12, one shy of his best mark in the present campaign. Their matchup against Eli Ndiaye and [Usman Garuba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/usman-garuba/007630/) should be one to follow. Without Deck, [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) is set to see playing time at power forward, too.

Of course, Zalgiris relies on its home-court advantage to be a big factor in this game. Zalgiris has lost three of its last four home games against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Olympiacos Piraeus. Real won its last four games by double digits and arrives in Lithuania in its best form of the season, so a big push will be required from Zalgiris fans.

Expect nothing but a heavy basketball atmosphere and an outstanding basketball game, the kind only the EuroLeague can offer this early in 2025. Tune in on Friday, January 10 at 19:00 CET and enjoy the show!

Game News

The two teams face off in Kaunas in Round 20's Rivalry Series game

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) has confirmed that forward [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) will be out of action for at least the next 10 weeks after suffering an injury to his left foot.

Clyburn has been an ever-present for Virtus this season, averaging 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals and a 15.6 PIR in 19 appearances.

"Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna S.p.A. announces that during the Italian League game with Reggio Emilia, Will Clyburn suffered a partial injury to the plantar fascia of his left foot," Virtus said.

"The player will undergo specific treatments, will be reevaluated periodically and will be absent from play for a period of no less than 10 weeks."

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cy" dir="ltr">Comunicato Will Clyburn ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/5V56vtNFZN">https://t.co/5V56vtNFZN</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1876592230443700282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Clyburn is in his first season at Virtus and ninth Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign overall, having previously suited up for [Darussafaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/darussafaka-dogus-istanbul/dar/) (2016-17), [CSKA Moscow](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/cska-moscow/csk/) (2017-22), and [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) (2022-24) prior to joining the Bologna-based side this past summer.

More Virtus News

He is in his first season at Virtus, appearing in all 19 of the team's games this season

Will Clyburn out at least 10 weeks with foot injury

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-03-07T17:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-02-28T19:00:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Paris Basketball (2025-02-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-02-05T19:30:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-31T17:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v AS Monaco (2025-01-23T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-15T18:00:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-01-10T19:45:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade announced on Monday that it has signed a two-year extension with head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos. The new deal will keep the sides together through the 2026-27 season. 

Zvezda, Coach Sfairopoulos pen extension 

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade announced on Monday that it has signed a two-year extension with head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos. The new deal will keep the sides together through the 2026-27 season. 

The Greek tactician first joined the club in October 2023 on a two-year deal. Sfairopoulos, 57, has Zvezda currently in sixth place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings with an 11-8 record.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sr" dir="ltr">КК Црвена звезда Меридианбет са великим задовољством и поносом објављује да је наш први тренер Јанис Сферопулос 06.01.2025. године продужио уговор са Клубом на још две године! 🔴⚪️<br><br>То значи да ће Јанис провести још најмање две и по године на клупи црвено-белих, односно до истека… <a href="https://t.co/RUGDHM9t6X">pic.twitter.com/RUGDHM9t6X</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1876328016306901045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His career record in the EuroLeague is 153-124, which breaks down to 76-46 with Olympiacos Piraeus, 56-50 with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and 21-28 with Zvezda. Sfairopoulos's career 55.2% winning rate ranks 14th among head coaches with at least 100 EuroLeague games. 

He led Olympiacos to a pair of runner-up finishes in the EuroLeague. In his first season in the competition, the Reds reached the 2015 championship game but fell to host Real Madrid. Similarly, they reached the 2018 final together only to lose to Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

More on Coach Sfairopoulos 

The new deal will keep the sides together through the 2026-27 season

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast co-host Frankie Sachs steps in for Javier Gancedo this week to offer some tips for your fantasy teams

Fantasy tips, Round 20: Time to gamble? 

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge have to re-evaluate their lineups every week based on who’s hot, who’s not and who won’t be there. It can be a gamble, however. Team dynamics change, the player expected to fill in for an injured teammate could change rotations. Of course, foul trouble can wreak havoc. For the five recommendations I am offering here, each has significant upside, but there is always some risk. At least three of them play on Turn 1, which minimizes that risk. For the record, two of them are on my team.

 

[**Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris Kaunas (12.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)

Both of Francisco’s top two scoring games have come in the last three rounds – and in the other he dished a career-high 9 assists to go with 15 points. Now a regular in the Zalgiris Kaunas starting lineup, Franscisco has benefitted from the backcourt partnership with Lonnie Walker and taken advantage to post big numbers. He came up big (17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) earlier this season against Real Madrid, the team Zalgiris will host this week.   

 

[**Omer Yurtseven, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (10.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/)

There was always going to be a question about who will benefit the most – fantasy-wise – from the injury to Mathias Lessort. Wenyen Gabriel was a main candidate after he came from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, but last week Yurtseven staked his claim as the MVP of the Round in a rout of Virtus Segafredo Bologna. The Turkish center played nearly 28 minutes, made 13 of 16 shots and posted a PIR of 34. To put that in perspective, his PIR in the previous six games combined was exactly half of that. If you believe in Yurtseven, buy him now. His price already rose 1.1 credits from his Round 19 outburst. And if you are a sceptic, at least he plays in Turn 1.

Mouhamet Diouf highlights, Rounds 1-19 of the 2024-25 season

Mouhamet Diouf highlights

[**Mouhamet Diouf, Virtus Segafredo Bologna (7.3 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mouhamet-diouf/013374/) 

With the announcement that Ante Zizic will miss time with an elbow injury, the door is wide open for Mouhamet Diouf, who has posted three consecutive games with double-digit PIRs. Diouf is the only other natural center on the Virtus roster and the 23-year-old has made 66.7% of his shots and 72.9% of his free throws. The only downside is that he plays on Turn 2, so if Diouf doesn’t produce, there is no swapping him out. But he could be a very valuable fantasy asset.

 

[**Tarik Biberovic, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (6.0 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tarik-biberovic/006961/)

Coming off a career-best 5 three-pointers made in the derby, Biberovic has his confidence back. And that is all you need for a shooter who has played more than 20 minutes in seven of his last eight games. In what promises to be a fast-paced high-scoring game against ALBA Berlin, the gamble on Biberovic in Turn 1 is one that could pay off nicely.

Elias Rapieque highlights, Rounds 1-19, 2024-25 season

Elias Rapieque highlights

[**Elias Rapieque, ALBA Berlin (4.5 credits)**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elias-rapieque/011631/)

Those who listen to the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast know that I am a big believer in finding guys for the end of the bench with upside, even if it’s just getting a few extra credits. Rapieque fits that bill after posting a PIR of 16 in 21 minutes last week against AS Monaco. What I liked most about his line is the 7 rebounds and 4 fouls drawn. If Louis Olinde remains sidelined this week, the opportunity is there for Rapieque to contribute a nice line in Turn 1 against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul for just 4.5 credits.  

Round 20 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will see the competition’s co-leaders facing tough challenges at home as the race for the playoffs heats up. 

At a glance: Home games for the teams atop the table

## Thursday, January 9

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-alba-berlin/E2024/172/)

Fenerbahce (11-7) will look to build on last week’s [Istanbul derby victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-downs-efes-in-rivalry-series-matchup-84-76/) by overcoming last-placed ALBA (3-16). The all-around talents of [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) came to the fore with his best performance of the season to help down Efes last week (17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists), and [Coach Saras Jasikevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/jasikevicius-saras/?season=E2024) will have also been heartened by a much-improved collective defensive display that limited its dangerous opponent to 76 points. That’s exactly what ALBA needs after [allowing 105 points against Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-beats-alba-again-90-105/) last week – the fifth time this season the German team has shipped triple figures. The visitors will also hope to exploit the long-range shooting prowess of [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/), who averages 2.3 triples per game.

### [AS Monaco vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/as-monaco-fc-barcelona/E2024/173/)

[League-leading](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/standings/) Monaco (13-6) faces a tough challenge from a Barcelona team (10-9) looking to claim a second straight road win. The Spanish giant [overcame Paris last week](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-holds-off-paris-79-90/) with a determined team effort, led by in-form point guard [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) who has dished 8 assists in each of the last three games. He faces a tough task in overcoming a Monaco backcourt now finally featuring ex-Barca star [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/), who made a solid debut with 7 assists in last week’s win over ALBA. The visitors will also hope that big man [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) continues his resurgence after bagging his first double-double of the season in Paris, while Monaco will attempt to control him through [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/), who grabbed 5 offensive boards in Berlin and has converted 17 of his last 21 two-point attempts.

Round 20 Head-to-Head: Blossomgame vs. Parker

### [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2024/175/)

Milan’s (10-9) quest to climb into the top 10 will be challenged by a Maccabi team (5-14) desperate to boost its fading postseason hopes. Maccabi has won just one of its last seven games and has already tasted defeat against the Italian team this season, losing [98-86 in Round 11](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olimpia-milano-stands-strong-against-maccabi-98-86/) behind predictably strong displays from dynamic duo [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) (22 points) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) (20). The game did feature 10 assists from Maccabi playmaker [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) and the Israeli champs will hope that his backcourt combination with league leading distributor [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) (8 assists per game) will be enough to overcome a Milan team that showed excellent defense to get back into winning ways by [downing ASVEL last week](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mirotic-leday-help-milan-snap-losing-streak-with-win-at-asvel-66-75/).

### [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2024/174/)

The legendary [Zeljko Obradovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/obradovic-zeljko/) will make his latest return to Athens by attempting to lead ambitious Partizan (9-10) past in-form reigning champ Panathinaikos (12-7). The Greens have won four straight behind a potent offense which has reached triple figures in three of those triumphs, most recently netting [a season-high 111 points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-excels-on-offense-to-beat-virtus-111-90/) to destroy Virtus last week. The depth of options available to [Ergin Ataman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/ataman-ergin/) was shown by the previously under-performing [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) leading the way with 27 points in that rout and Partizan will need to repeat the excellence at both ends of the floor that resulted in last week’s [23-points triumph over Maccabi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/rampant-partizan-blows-away-maccabi-98-75/), featuring another strong performance from in-form shooter [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) (21 points) along with 8 assists for key playmaker [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/).

Round 20 Head-to-Head: Yurtseven vs. Jones

## Friday, January 10

### [Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/anadolu-efes-istanbul-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2024/176/)

In Friday's opening tip-off, a pair of teams on the fringes of the playoff places go head to head as ASVEL (8-11) travels to Efes (10-9). The French team needs to take better care of the ball after committing 21 turnovers in [last week’s loss to Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mirotic-leday-help-milan-snap-losing-streak-with-win-at-asvel-66-75/) – 13 of those coming from backcourt stars [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) and [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/). ASVEL will hope that important big man [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/), who poured in 20 points in [a 97-82 win over Efes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-rallies-to-blow-past-efes-97-82/) earlier this season, is fit enough to return after three games out. Efes was gridlocked in [last week’s derby loss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-downs-efes-in-rivalry-series-matchup-84-76/) to Fenerbahce and needs to create better looks on the perimeter after only making 6 triples in that game, with three of those netted by [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/).

### [Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/zalgiris-kaunas-real-madrid/E2024/177/)

In a meeting between two of the five teams currently tied for eighth place, fading Zalgiris (10-9) will attempt to end a three-game losing streak with a visit from a reignited Real (10-9), which is looking for a fifth straight victory. Arguably the high point of Zalgiris’s season – and Real’s low – came with [an 83-92 triumph in Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-overpowers-real-in-madrid-83-92/) last month, propelled by 21 points from the dangerous but inconsistent [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/). But the fortunes of both teams have changed dramatically since then, and Real will look to keep on climbing by leaning on a strong inside game which has converted [a league-best 61% of two-point shots](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2024&category=FieldGoals2Percent&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame). That includes 10.3 points per game for the incomparable [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2024&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds), who also leads the league in both [rebounding](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and [blocked shots](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2024&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=blocksFavour).

Round 20 Head-to-Head: Francisco vs.Campazzo

### [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-paris-basketball/E2024/178/)

Two direct rivals in contrasting form meet in Belgrade as Zvezda (11-8) aims for a fourth straight win against a Paris team (11-7) that has lost four in a row. Zvezda has the head-to-head advantage between the teams under control after winning [77-80 in the French capital](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-spoils-the-party-for-paris-77-80/) in the opening round of the season, and will look to again restrict a Paris offense that has sputtered in recent weeks despite MVP contender [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) (19 points and 7.4 rebounds) continuing his remarkably consistent season. Zvezda showed great spirit and self-belief to snatch last-gasp road wins from [Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-pulls-out-a-dramatic-win-in-barcelona-74-78/) and [Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/resilient-crvena-zvezda-edges-out-baskonia-73-75/) in its last two games, and will hope that [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/)’s dramatic game-winner last time out will propel the sharpshooter to a return to top form.

Round 20 Head-to-Head: Canaan vs. Hifi

### [Olympiacos Piraeus vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/olympiacos-piraeus-fc-bayern-munich/E2024/179/)

Red-hot Olympiacos (13-6) will attempt to maintain its top spot status with a visit from a Bayern team (11-8) that needs to improve on the road to stay in the top four fight. The Greek giant is targeting a fifth consecutive victory, while Bayern has lost three of its last four. The German team would love [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) to repeat the 30-points performance that powered [October’s 84-80 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/carsen-edwards-leads-bayern-past-olympiacos-84-80/) over Olympiacos, while [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/)’s power in the paint will also be crucial in attempting to contain the rebounding prowess of [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/). The Reds demonstrated their title credentials with an outstanding [comeback win at Zalgiris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-rallies-to-down-zalgiris-85-92/) last time out, with playmaker [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) netting a season-high 13 points, and will be fighting hard to stay in first place.

Round 20 Head-to-Head: McKissic vs. Weiler-Babb

### [Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/virtus-segafredo-bologna-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2024/180/)

Virtus (5-14) boss [Dusko Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko/) will attempt to boost his team’s fading playoffs hopes by overcoming his beloved former club Baskonia (8-11). The Spanish team – which has only won twice on the road this season – has been weakened by the loss of influential forward [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) to injury, and will hope that his absence can be covered by recent signing [Luka Samanic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luka-samanic/007579/). Virtus will want to recover its defensive identity after [allowing 111 points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-excels-on-offense-to-beat-virtus-111-90/) in last week’s mauling at Panathinaikos, where [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) gave a reminder of his offensive capabilities by netting 25 points. Clyburn also authored one of this season’s most memorable moments when the teams last met, sinking a four-point play to snatch [an 81-82 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/clyburn-saves-virtus-81-82-at-baskonia-to-give-ivanovic-victory-in-debut/) which Baskonia will be eager to avenge.

Round 20 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will see the competition’s co-leaders facing tough challenges at home as the race for the playoffs heats up. Here’s your guide to all the action.

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-10T19:15:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Paris Basketball (2025-01-10T19:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-01-10T17:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-01-09T19:05:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v FC Barcelona (2025-01-09T18:00:00.000Z)

The difference between three-pointers made and three-pointers allowed can shed some light on results in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Stats review: Diving into three-point differential 

Round 19 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague saw [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2024-25) match its win total from last season with [a narrow 75-73 road victory ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/resilient-crvena-zvezda-edges-out-baskonia-73-75/)over [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/roster/bas/?season=2024-25) in Buesa Arena.  In a low-scoring affair, Zvezda held Baskonia to 6-of-28 shooting from beyond the arc to overcome a difficult shooting night of its own.

It is Zvezda's perimeter defense that is at the root of its improvement year-over-year along with a bit of karma as well. Last season, Zvezda allowed 38% shooting from beyond the arc when it *was* in position to close out jump shooters. This season it has allowed an outlier 25% when getting a hand up in catch-and-shoot situations. Despite returning eight contributors from last season, the club has found itself on both extremes over a two-year period. A shift in priorities and personnel has been key as it has focused on guarding the three-point line at the expense of rotations inside, but the difference has been greater than the sum of its parts and the driving force behind its success to this point.   

As the table above suggests, Zvezda is one of the five teams that has built a distinct advantage on the scoreboard from beyond the arc this season, albeit among the second tier of that group. The EuroLeague is often a make-or-miss league with many games hinging on a couple of bounces one way or the other and the Serbian club has put itself on the right side of those bounces and reaped the rewards after a season on the wrong side.

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/roster/zal/?season=2024-25) and [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25) are unsurprising leaders here, though the margin they have sustained over their opponents — more than 3 makes per game — is striking. While Zvezda has done a dramatically better job contesting shots and seen the toll that takes on the rhythm shooters find on other attempts, Zalgiris and Fenerbahce often take three-point shots away entirely. The way they close out has stood out across the league this season with Zalgiris ranking second in overall defensive efficiency as it not only brings great energy to the perimeter, but manages to hold up well around the rim in spite of those efforts too.

Perhaps fittingly, Zvezda’s defensive efforts have put it on par with this season’s two more aggressive three-point shooting teams and its other biggest surprises. [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2024-25) and [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2024-25) have fired away at a historic rate from beyond the arc this season with that strategy fueling Paris’s impressive debut campaign and Bayern’s equally impressive turnaround from a year ago. Paris is an intriguing fit here given it has shot a 15th-ranked 34% from beyond the arc to this point as it still seemingly has some room to climb.

Unsurprisingly, many teams have fallen right around even this season in three-point differential, but some of this season’s biggest surprises have been rooted in their ability to build an advantage along the arc. 