Split-second timing for baskets off cuts fueled the season the season's first victory by visitors on the home court of the defending champs.

Stats review: Making the Cut

Round 27 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has come and gone with several teams notching important wins as the march towards the final month of the season continues. No team came away with a better win than Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, which handed Real Madrid its first home loss of the season in WiZink Center to hang onto third place in the standings. 

A lot of things went right for Panathinaikos on the offensive end in their 11-point victory, but perhaps the most glaring was the production they found cutting off the ball as they scored a season-high 18 points over 10 cuts. 

Cuts fill an important role in EuroLeague offenses but tend to take very different forms, possession to possession. That was particularly clear in Panathinaikos's win as they scored several cuts in the flow the game as their finishers played off dribble penetration and offensive rebounds, filling vacant space sneaking behind the defense. The Panathinaikos passers also found cutters coming off screens in a designed flex action, several flashing to the mid-post area for short jump shots, and a few with drop passes after timely duck-ins as well.

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens two-pointers vs. Real Madrid

Frequently, those opportunities are the byproduct of the play that precedes them. Whether it was [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) keeping his dribble alive to gain the attention of additional defenders, [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) getting double-teamed in the post, or one of Real's big men stepping up to help off their man, Panathinaikos's cut scoring was often the reward for moving the defense. In many ways, cuts are a proxy for all the other things going right for an offense.

That is not to say that the pass and finish do not require skill. Several of the cuts Panathinaikos scored would not have been possible without perfect timing, an accurate pass, and either the athleticism to finish a dunk or the combination of touch and footwork to score the resulting shot attempt. Mathias Lessort's poster dunk in the fourth quarter was perhaps that game's best example of the personnel involved cutting to the rim making all the difference.

Regardless of what goes into them, both the volume of cuts a team produces and the consistency with which they finish them matter. In the EuroLeague, only 6.3% of all possessions are cuts resulting in around 8.1 points per game, and teams finish them at a 66% clip. These tend to be high-value shots that are very difficult to come by. How many a team gets on any given night tends to vary wildly as every possession at this level is like a chess match and cuts are just the winning move, sometimes the route to that point is quick and simple and sometimes there's no route at all.

After his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut in 2021-22 with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, guard Keenan Evans moved on to Lithuania and signed with Zalgiris Kaunas. He was having a great season there that was cut short in the 17th round of the regular season when an Achilles' Tendon injury made him miss the rest of the campaign.

Keenan Evans, Zalgiris: 'I want to have more good days than bad days'

Zalgiris Kaunas has a bona fide star in [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/), who is enjoying a fruitful second year at the Lithuanian club. His performances are all the more impressive given that his debut campaign at Zalgirio Arena in 2022-23, which saw him play at an All-EuroLeague level in the first half of the season, was brought to a premature end following an Achilles injury he suffered in Round 17.

"You blame yourself, you know: 'Did I work hard enough? Did I not do some recovery things that I should have done?'" Evans says. "But at the end of the day, your season's over and you have to accept it."

For Evans, there stood a long, dark road that was expected to last nine months as he looked to make a full recovery. The Zalgiris guard knew it would be a tough test, but he also tried to take it with the most positive mindset possible.

"It's tough. It's bad days, it's long days... But there's also good days," Evans remembers. "For me, my thought process was: 'I want to have more good days than bad days.'"

After a lengthy recovery process, Evans returned to EuroLeague action with Zalgiris, ready for 2023-24 and not only he has been a key piece in the team this season but he is also playing the best basketball of his career.

Evans is averaging 13.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals in over 27 minutes on the court as a starter in all 27 games this season. He has quickly become one of the favorite players of the always-demanding Zalgiris fans.

"We understand how much you mean to people here," Evans explains. "When they express their gratitude, and how much they appreciate you, it's such a heart-warming type of thing."

As the season faces the final stretch before the playoffs, Zalgiris will be leaning heavily on Evans as it looks to make a strong push for the postseason.

EuroLeague Fantasy guru Javier Gancedo has chosen five players worthy of serious consideration for your teams this week.

Round 28 fantasy tips: Great choices at all prices!

Round 28 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is full of great games, which makes for plenty of [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) opportunties. 

We are recommending three players worth 7.0 credits or less along with two more expensive ones. Without further ado, here are our suggestions for the upcoming round. 

[Aleksa Avramovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (6.7 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/)

It's Aleksamania time in EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Avramovic was one of the most-bought players in the game last week, and that number should skyrocket after h had 30 points, making 9 of 10 two-pointers, plus 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 2 steals for a PIR of 32 to help beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul. At just 6.7 credits, he is a player to have right now, no matter what.

[James Webb, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (7.0 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/james-webb-iii/011971/) 

Roman Sorkin is sidelined so Webb saw extended playing time at the power forward position as Maccabi beat ALBA Berlin in Round 27. He certainly made the most out of the extra minutes, getting 17 points on 5-for-5 two-point and 2-for 3 three-point shooting. He added 6 rebounds for a PIR of 21 in less than 23 minutes. Webb has been up and down all season and this could be his moment to shine. 

James Webb, Chima Moneke, Aleksa Avramovic, Noah Yaacov and Guerschon Yabusele are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 28

[Chima Moneke, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (15.6 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/)

Moneke has been rock-solid all season long, but has done even better in the last three games, in which he averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and a PIR of 18.0. Baskonia hosts ALBA, a high-tempo game, perfect for Moneke's playing style. Expect him to be all over the place, doing a lot of good things to lead Baskonia to a much-needed win. 

[Guerschon Yabusele, Real Madrid (12.3 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/)

First, Yabusele plays against Fenerbahce, a team against which he can get certain advantages due to his combination of size, versatility and post skills. Yabusele has been playing well, getting 26 points and a PIR of 33 in Round 25 against ASVEL and amassing a PIR of 24 in a losing effort against Panathinaikos. 

[Noam Yaacov, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (4.5 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/noam-yaacov/011386/)

There has been an adjustment in ASVEL's rotation since Nando De Colo came back. All of a sudden, Yaacov is seeing extended playing time and is taking his game to the next level. In the last two games, Yaacov is averaging 10.0 points, 2.0 assists and a PIR of 10.5. His price, just 4.5 credits, make Yaacov incredibly interesting. 

Euroleague Off Court, the highly anticipated fusion of basketball, art, streetwear, fashion, and music, is back with a vengeance following the resounding success of last year's edition in Paris. This time, the excitement doubles as the event makes its mark in both Paris on March 30 at the brand-new Adidas Arena in Berlin on May 23. Presented by Turkish Airlines, Euroleague, Off Court is set to redefine the intersection of sports and culture in an unprecedented way.

Euroleague Off Court Event Returns with a Bigger Splash in Paris and Berlin

Euroleague Off Court, the highly anticipated fusion of basketball, art, streetwear, fashion, and music, is back with a vengeance following the resounding success of last year's edition in Paris. This time, the excitement doubles as the event makes its mark in both Paris on March 30 at the brand-new Adidas Arena and in Berlin on May 23. Presented by Turkish Airlines, Euroleague, Off Court is set to redefine the intersection of sports and culture in an unprecedented way.

This year's theme, "Underground," takes inspiration from the raw atmosphere of cage competition and authentic streetball culture. The event promises an immersive experience that transcends traditional boundaries, featuring dunk contests, urban art installations, pulsating DJ performances, appearances by influencers, exhibitions, legendary players and a revolutionary 3x3 tournament.

In the Berlin edition, Adidas x Kickz will take center stage, amplifying the event's vibes with a cutting-edge DJ booth. Motorola, meanwhile, will seamlessly blend technology with art, offering attendees a chance to unleash their creativity at the ball-painting station, where personalized basketballs become canvases for self-expression. Turkish Airlines, as the presenting partner, will lead the dunk contest, ensuring an exhilarating display of athleticism, all carried out with top-notch Spalding equipment.

Access to this exclusive celebration will be limited, creating an atmosphere of anticipation for enthusiasts of basketball, art, music and street culture.

Get ready to witness the collision of basketball, art and music like never before. Euroleague Off Court is set to redefine the cultural landscape, one dunk, one brushstroke and one beat at a time.

Euroleague Off Court, the highly anticipated fusion of basketball, art, streetwear, fashion, and music, is back with a vengeance following the resounding success of last year's edition in Paris.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has confirmed the renewal of Tadas Sedekerskis' contract until the end of the 2028-29 season.

Tadas Sedekerskis pens a five-year extension at Baskonia

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has confirmed that team captain [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) has signed a new five-year contract extension at the club, which will keep him at Buesa Arena until the end of the 2028-29 season.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Tadas Sedekerskis, capitán de Baskonia hasta 2029 🔵🔴<br><br>📎 <a href="https://t.co/0YrbBTEWKq">https://t.co/0YrbBTEWKq</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tadas2029?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tadas2029</a> <a href="https://t.co/aknPqTBP7l">pic.twitter.com/aknPqTBP7l</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1764602276105068814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sedekerskis joined Baskonia as a 15-year-old in 2013 and, should he remain in Vitoria until the end of his contract, he will have spent 16 years at Buesa Arena. Now 26 years of age, Sedekerskis went on a number of loans before establishing himself as a full-time member of Baskonia’s first-team squad. He did, however, make 13 appearances – all off the bench – in the 2016-17 season and featured in two games in the 2018-19 campaign.

Sander Raieste and Tadas Sedekerskis left Estonia and Lithuania, respectively, to join Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the middle of the last decade, and so they had plenty to talk about when they rolled the dice recently for random interview questions to each other!

Roll-the-dice interview: Baskonia's Raieste and Sedekerskis

Since 2020-21, though, Sedekerskis has been a regular member of Baskonia’s first-team setup. He played in 32 games that season, 27 in 2021-22, 23 in 2022-23 and 23 so far in 2023-24. This current campaign has been Sedekerskis’s most impressive to date, averaging 9.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and a 15.7 PIR. His overall totals in points, rebounds and PIR are career-best marks, too: 225 points, 162 rebounds, and 362 combined PIR.

Sedekerskis has appeared in 120 EuroLeague games for Baskonia and 277 overall. He was a part of the Baskonia side that became the Spanish League champion in the 2019-20 season.

More Baskonia News

Tadas Sedekerskis in action for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

His previous deal was set to expire this summer

AS Monaco making the biggest move made in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings over the season's shortest month had everything to do with the peerless performances of superstar Mike James, who is Euroleague Basketball's choice as the MVP of February.

February MVP: Mike James, Monaco

AS Monaco making the biggest move made in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings over the season's shortest month had everything to do with the peerless performances of superstar [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who is Euroleague Basketball's choice as the MVP of February.

James showed his leadership every step of the way during three victories – two of them on the road – against teams that had started the month ahead of Monaco in the standings. He led Monaco in scoring, performance index rating or both in all three of those and finished the month among the top six players in the league in both categories. In so doing, James helped Monaco extend its winning streak to six games, jump from sixth to fourth place, and take several steps closer to early qualification for the playoffs – all while chasing first place on the EuroLeague's all-time scoring charts, leaving himself just 12 points away from that distinction at month's end.

The MVP of the Month is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performances. Last month's award covered the three games played by all teams between Thursday, February 1 and Friday, March 1. James becomes the MVP of the Month honoree for the fifth time in his 10 EuroLeague seasons to date. Only Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has won more, splitting seven such awards between his stints with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. James has now won the monthly MVP honor in four consecutive seasons – a first – and five of the last six.

### James paced Monaco's February climb

To open February, Monaco faced a visit from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, which held fourth place at the time and had won five of its previous six games. With his team behind 57-64 early in the fourth quarter, James scored Monaco's next 10 points in less than 2 minutes, including a three-pointer that changed the lead for good. [Monaco stayed ahead to win 76-69](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/222/). James's 23 points and 29 PIR that night more than doubled the highest Fenerbahce performers.

A week later, on the road at then third-place Virtus Segafredo Bologna, James again was the game-changer, outscoring the hosts 6-1 over 90 seconds with under 5 minutes left to flip the scoreboard in Monaco's favor for [an eventual 78-81 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-as-monaco/E2023/234/). He scored 21 points while leading his team with a 21 PIR and 6 rebounds in that one.

Coming back after the mid-month break, Monaco visited second-place FC Barcelona and registered [a statement victory, 67-77](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-as-monaco/E2023/240/), to finish February perfect. James got plenty of help from his teammates, especially on defense, but still led Monaco with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

### A month to remember

James could easily have been distracted during February by his rise in the all-time points rankings, where he is poised to surpass the great Vassilis Spanoulis to become the EuroLeague's top career scorer. Far from being distracted, though, he led his team in five different statistical categories over three games: points (20.3), rebounds (6.0), assists (3.7), steals (1.7) and PIR (22.6). And due in considerable part to his efforts, Monaco was one of just two teams in February to sweep all three games. Monaco fans will surely be thankful when James is presented with the February MVP trophy at an upcoming home game.

Mike James | February MVP | Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The race for the EuroLeague playoffs intensifies with Round 28 providing several scintillating matchups between direct rivals. Here's an overview of the action ahead.

Round 28: Pressure to reach the postseason mounts

### Thursday, March 7

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/anadolu-efes-istanbul-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/244/)

After winning three of its last four, Bayern (12-15) will attempt to maintain its postseason challenge with a testing trip to unpredictable direct rival Efes (11-16). These teams' strengths lie in different areas, with the Efes relying on star guard [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), who memorably scored 49 points against Bayern in 2019. The German team, on the other hand, will look to dominate the frontcourt through the duo of [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) and [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/), who combined for 34 points and 14 rebounds in last week's win over Zvezda. Bayern also possesses long-range shooting threats like [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/), who netted 17 points in a 86-71 home win over Efes in Round 15.

[AS Monaco vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/245/)

Red-hot Monaco (17-10) will look to make it seven straight wins with a visit from Zvezda (10-17) which is falling away from top-ten contention after losing five of the last six. All eyes will be on Monaco ace [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who needs just 12 points to overtake Vassilis Spanoulis as the competition's all-time leading scorer. James made the difference when the teams met in Round 3, with his double-double of 18 points and 11 assists helping to overcome 20 points from [Rokas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-giedraitis/006436/) to secure a 76-82 road win for Monaco. Zvezda big men [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) and [LukaMitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luka-mitrovic/002553/) will also have to battle in the paint to control [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) and [Donatas Moteijunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/), who each played a big role in Monaco's epic win at Barcelona last week.

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-zalgiris-kaunas/E2023/246/)

Maccabi (14-13) will look to solidify its position in the top ten and establish a four-game lead over visiting Zalgiris (11-16). After scoring at least 16 points in eight consecutive games, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) will again attempt to lead the Maccabi offense against an equally inspirational [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/), who scored 18 in last week's loss to Olympiacos. Maccabi boasts the league's second-best offense, at 87.1 points per game, but leaned on excellent defense to secure a 70-78 road win in Kaunas in December. That was unusual because overall Maccabi ranks next-to-worst defensively, allowing 87.8 points per game, so Zalgiris will hope Evans and versatile power forward [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) can step up to take a much-needed road triumph.

Zalgiris wish to restore winning-ways and are expected to turn to backcourt star and former Maccabi player Keenan Evans for a focal point, whereas the visitors may lean on Lorenzo Brown to repeat his high standards of 14.8 ppg and should be welcoming back team captain John DiBartolomeo to the squad.

Zalgiris Kaunas-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Round 17 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Valencia Basket vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-fc-barcelona/E2023/249/)

A Spanish derby with plenty of significance in the race for the playoffs sees Valencia (13-14) welcome a Barcelona (18-9) team that will play five of its last seven games on the road. Last week's loss in Bologna again showed Valencia's tendency to be over-reliant on playmaker [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/), whose 20 points made him the only Taronjas player to score in double digits. The host certainly needs a big contribution from former Barca center [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) as he confronts [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/). Vesely was the decisive force, scoring 17 points, as his team edged Valencia 74-70 earlier in the season, and he was also Barca's best player in last week's home loss to Monaco.

[Real Madrid vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/248/)

After losing its 100% home record with last week's setback against Panathinaikos, league leader Real (22-5) faces a familiar foe as Sarunas Jasikevicius brings his dangerous Fenerbahce (16-11) to the WiZink Center. Real will guarantee qualification for the playoffs with a win, but faces the first team it lost to this season, with Fener taking that overtime tussle 100-99 thanks to 21 points from [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) in Round 11. The Turkish team's offense was working to perfection in last week's record win over Baskonia, with [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) dishing 12 of the team's 32 assists. Real will look for [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) to dominate the backcourt both with and without the ball in this heavyweight matchup.

[Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/247/)

Another meeting of direct rivals sees Olympiacos (16-11) welcome Virtus (17-10) as sixth faces fifth. Virtus showed a good collective game to overcome Valencia last week, dishing 23 assists with just 8 turnovers orchestrated by [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) with 6 helpers, and will need a similarly controlled effort to gain a vital road victory. But that won't be easy against an Olympiacos defense marshalled by the outstanding ball-hawking skills of [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), who powered last week's win at Zalgiris, and the Italian team will also have to find an answer to the shooting prowess of [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/). December's meeting between these teams was a close encounter, taken 69-67 by Virtus after a game-winning shot by former Olympiacos player [Daniel Hackett,](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/) and this pivotal showdown should be another hard-fought battle.

Offensive production is becoming a major issue for Olympiacos, who average 76.4 ppg (third worst in the league) and were held to just 56 in a loss to Valencia. They could be outgunned by Isaia Cordinier, who has made six of his last eight attempts from deep for a Virtus team which ranks second for assists.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Friday, March 8

[Panathinaikos Aktor Athens vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/251/)

Fresh from a morale-boosting win in Madrid, third-placed Panathinaikos (17-10) will look to keep on rolling by overcoming ASVEL (6-21), which also lifted its spirits by overcoming Milan last week. We can look forward to a classic backcourt tussle between Greens leader [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) and ASVEL veteran [Nando de Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), who returned from injury to net 13 points in the win over Milan. The French team will also have to handle powerhouse [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) after his MVP-worthy exploits in Madrid. His fellow French center, [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/), will look to counteract Lessort by repeating his double-double (10 points and 11 rebounds) from the Greens' 81-89 victory between the teams in December. 

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. ALBA Berlin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-alba-berlin/E2023/252/)

Playoffs-chasing Baskonia (14-13) will look for home comforts against an ALBA team (5-22) that has only won once on the road all season. Both teams need to improve defensively, after ALBA allowed 106 points against Maccabi last week while Baskonia fared even worse, conceding 111 at Fenerbahce. The Spanish team's backcourt dynamo, [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/), top-scored with 17 points in an 86-91 victory in Berlin in Round 2. That was also helped by 13 rebounds from [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/), who returned from injury in last week's loss at Fenerbahce. He will now look to regain his top form and combine with [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) to overcome the challenge of ALBA big man [Johannes Thiemann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/johannes-thiemann/003958/) and give his team the physical edge at Buesa Arena.

After consecutive thrilling home wins, fast-rising Partizan bid to make it three in a row against a Milan team longing to bounce back from two straight losses. Energy reserves are to be tested with both fresh from overtime showdowns with Partizan overcoming Monaco, while Milan feel to defeat at Bayern.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 13 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/250/)

A meeting of coaching legends will see Ettore Messina's Milan (11-16) attempt to overcome Zeljko Obradovic's Partizan (13-14) in a big battle just outside the postseason places. The Serbian team ended a three-game losing streak by downing Efes last week thanks to a career night from [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/), with 30 points, and a big game from the athletic [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/), while Milan's inconsistent season took another blow with a loss at Bayern. LeDay also shined with 15 points as Partizan comfortably beat Milan, 83-69, in December, and the visitors will now look to control the threat of Milan leader [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) to potentially push into the all-important top ten.

The race for the playoffs intensifies with Round 28 providing several scintillating matchups between direct rivals. Here's an overview of the action ahead.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v ALBA Berlin (2024-03-08T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-03-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-03-08T19:15:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-03-07T19:45:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v FC Barcelona (2024-03-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-03-07T20:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-03-07T19:05:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-03-07T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v FC Bayern Munich (2024-03-07T17:30:00.000Z)

**ANY SUGGESTIONS?**: Codi Miller-McIntyre has a book idea and is willing to listen to your thoughts on the topics.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I&#39;ve been saying for years I wanted to write a book called &quot;Thoughts of the Unspoken.&quot; if I did, what are some topics you guys would want to hear it about?</p>&mdash; Codi Miller-McIntyre (@CMMPatience) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMMPatience/status/1761334763854463073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

**BEST FRIEND**: Everyone uses free time differently. Justin Anderson enjoys some of his by strolling through Valencia with his beautiful German Shepherd.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Walking the city of Valencia with the boy today! 🧡 👑 <a href="https://t.co/6SCbSXG3t1">pic.twitter.com/6SCbSXG3t1</a></p>&mdash; Jus (@JusAnderson1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusAnderson1/status/1761412769759273269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**FOOD ON THE COACH**: Olympiacos head coach Georgios Bartzokas treated the entire team with a meal after receiving a technical foul in a domestic game. That's one way to keep your players happy!

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">🍣🍱🥢Οι κορυφαίοι έχουν χρέη και πληρώνουν με… sushi! Ο προπονητής του Ολυμπιακού, Γιώργος Μπαρτζώκας, έκανε σήμερα (28/02) το τραπέζι σε όλα τα μέλη της ομάδας, προκειμένου να «ξεχρεώσει» την τεχνική ποινή που δέχθηκε στον ημιτελικό του Final 8. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1GnRHEPERC">pic.twitter.com/1GnRHEPERC</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1762823910930682247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**GREAT TO SEE YOU!**: Two EuroLeague greats, former teammates and champions, Kyle Hines and Nando De Colo, embraced before their teams met on Friday, while Ignas Brazdeikis received a warm welcome on his return to Kaunas.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 picture, 706 Euroleague games, 2 legends. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/lRHynFmGni">pic.twitter.com/lRHynFmGni</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1763930304668942629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good to see you, <a href="https://twitter.com/_iggy_braz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_iggy_braz</a>! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/AUmNcn9ijn">pic.twitter.com/AUmNcn9ijn</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1763625064367374740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**FAMILY SURPRISE**: Bayern's Devin Booker had a birthday surprise in Munich he will never forget!

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C38k9mbtA6f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Devin Booker (@devbook31)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**PURE EMOTIONS**: Zeljko Obradovic was greeted to a massive ovations from Partizan fans ahead of the game against Efes, a two-minute chant that left his assistant and long-time close friend Vlada Androic in tears.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Partizan je emocija! Partizan je porodica!<br><br>Partizan is an emotion! Partizan is a family!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/pDhbMF0hXk">pic.twitter.com/pDhbMF0hXk</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1763330701120995606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**WINNERS' CORNER**: Panathinaikos got a huge win in Madrid, while Monaco conquered Barcelona. And ASVEL got its first win in its new LDLC Arena.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Mastermind 🪄☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://t.co/0OKR3ZDCjO">pic.twitter.com/0OKR3ZDCjO</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1763335964599238731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">🖤🤍</p>&mdash; Danilo Andjusic (@Djusa33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Djusa33/status/1763514496331452847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I missed this atmosphere 🤩 !! Great team win tonight 💛💙 let’s keep going 💪🏽 <a href="https://t.co/VJuTcl3Kxx">https://t.co/VJuTcl3Kxx</a></p>&mdash; Amine Noua (@NouAmine_12) <a href="https://twitter.com/NouAmine_12/status/1763671195260440582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Victoire à la <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLC_Arena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLC_Arena</a> 💪🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euroleague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euroleague</a> <a href="https://t.co/1tt6Id86NB">pic.twitter.com/1tt6Id86NB</a></p>&mdash; Nando De Colo (@NandoDeColo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NandoDeColo/status/1763980438580650112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🥳🥳 Congrats Fellas <a href="https://t.co/NUOW9NapW8">https://t.co/NUOW9NapW8</a></p>&mdash; Frenchie (@S_CISCO_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/S_CISCO_2/status/1763686083114492041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Impact winning 🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/R3XkTeXaJH">https://t.co/R3XkTeXaJH</a></p>&mdash; Jaron Blossomgame (@JaronBgame) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaronBgame/status/1763679538599391411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Everybody was happy that Turkish Airlines EuroLeague was back. Check out our selection of social media posts from around the EuroLeague.

EuroLeague week on social media

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Josh Nebo dunks with both hands against ALBA in Berlin. 

Paris Lee of ASVEL dribbles past Milan's Maodo Lo. 

Georgios Papagiannis of Fenerbahce rejects the shot attempts from Baskonia's Tadas Sedekerskis.

Matthew Strazel of Monaco handles the ball in front of Barcelona's Nicolas Laprovittola. 

Round 27 MVP Mathias Lessort emotes as he dunks in Madrid. 

Nemanja Nedovic of Zvezda handles the ball against Bayern Munich. 

Johnathan Motley of Fenerbahce shoots despite the defense of Baskonia's Tadas Sedekersis and Matt Costello.

Moses Wright of Olympiacos dunks at Zalgirio Arena. 

Aleksa Avramovic of Partizan dribbles by Will Clyburn of Efes. 

Isaia Cordinier of Virtus dunks against Valencia Basket. 

Look back at all the action from Round 27 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!