Ninth-placed Saski Baskonia (13-12) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from lowly LDLC ASVEL (5-20).

Preview: Saski Baskonia vs. LDLC ASVEL

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/230/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-bas-asv/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-bas-asv/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-bas-asv/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

Baskonia took an 81-88 win in France earlier this season thanks to its usual leaders: a personal best 35 points from [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) and 19 points plus 13 rebounds from [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), which was enough to overcome 22 points from ASVEL sharpshooter [Mike Scott](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-scott/012729/). Baskonia has been inconsistent in recent weeks and will view this as a must-win game against a visiting team that suffers from the worst three-point shooting percentage in the league (33.0%).

[Baskonia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/statistics/bas/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [ASVEL Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/statistics/asv/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Codi Miller-McIntyre vs. Paris Lee: Two of the most impressive point guards in the EuroLeague this season meet at Buesa Arena.

Two teams with confidence restored under the guidance of new coaches meet in France as ASVEL welcome red-hot Baskonia. The hosts have won two out of three under Gianmarco Pozzecco and similarly, Dusko Ivanovic's Baskonia made it three gains in a row via a majestic 94-71 victory over Barcelona.

Last game: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Ninth-placed Baskonia (13-12) will look to protect its position in the playoff zone with a visit from lowly ASVEL (5-20).

Baskonia needs to be wary against tricky ASVEL

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

After a pair of road defeats last week, KK Partizan (13-12) will hope for home comforts with a visit from FC Bayern Basketball (10-15). 

Preview: KK Partizan vs. FC Bayern Basketball

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/229/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-par-mun/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-par-mun/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-par-mun/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

[Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) will look to maintain his magnificent form after scoring 28 and 22 points in last week's losses in Monaco and Bologna, while Bayern has [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) in great shape with double-digit scoring in six consecutive games. He also netted 17 points when Bayern beat Partizan 94-85 in November, supplemented by 21 points from backcourt teammate [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/). Bayern won its last road game, 65-82 at ALBA, and needs a similarly strong defensive performance to take a vital victory on Thursday.

[Partizan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/statistics/par/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Bayern Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/statistics/mun/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Aleksa Avramovic vs. Carsen Edwards: Two key guards for their teams face off in Round 26.

It's a meeting of coaching masters as Pablo Laso welcomes Zeljko Obradovic with Bayern, eager to end a four-game losing slide, takes on a Partizan team boosted by a thrilling win over Fenerbahce. Is this to be determined by the tacticians or will the skills on show prove to be the ultimate difference?

Last game: FC Bayern Munich-Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade | Round 8 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

After a pair of road defeats last week, Partizan (13-12) will hope for home comforts with a visit from Bayern (10-15). 

Partizan eager to respond as Bayern comes to Stark Arena

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

It's eighth versus seventh in a crucial clash as Valencia Basket (13-12) welcomes Olympiacos B.C. (14-11). 

Preview: Valencia Basket vs. Olympiacos B.C. 

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/228/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-val-oly/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-val-oly/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-val-oly/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

The Spanish team has won three of its last four, showing its defensive excellence by holding opponents to 66, 62 and 72 points in that trio of wins. Valencia produced a similar display to win 56-63 in Piraeus two months ago, so the Reds will hope [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) will again lead the offense with the same effectiveness that saw him pair 16 points with 8 assists in last week's victory at Bayern. He also has the task of slowing down Valencia playmaker [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/), who had 14 points plus 8 helpers to send his team to victory at ALBA last time out.

[Valencia Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/statistics/pam/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Olympiacos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/statistics/oly/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Brandon Davies vs. Alec Peters: An exciting battle awaits between two big men who can stretch the floor.

Thomas Walkup has stepped up as the Reds' talisman, scoring at least 14 points in four games and also dishing 7 assists versus Bayern. He and his team move on to Valencia, who've enjoyed a return to winning-ways with Semi Ojeleye, who scored 17 and 16 respectively aganst Zvezda and ASVEL.

Last game: Olympiacos Piraeus-Valencia Basket | Round 14 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

It's eighth versus seventh in a crucial clash as Valencia (13-12) welcomes Olympiacos (14-11). 

Playoff-chasing Valencia, Olympiacos meet at La Fonteta

Valencia Basket v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Reigning champion Real Madrid Baloncesto (22-3) will look to seal playoff qualification by overcoming an Olimpia Milano team (10-15) desperate to push closer to the top 10.

Preview: Olimpia Milano vs. Real Madrid Baloncesto

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-real-madrid/E2023/226/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-facts-mil-mad/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-game-notes-mil-mad/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs26-prequotes-mil-mad/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-26/)

Fit-again [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) will try to punish his former club in what promises to be a bruising head-to-head battle with [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/). Real had no trouble in claiming a comfortable win, 88-71, when the teams met in Round 4, led by 19 points on 5 three-pointers from [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/). The Italian team has slipped down the standings by winning just one of its last five games and has lost four straight on the road, while Real is the only team in the competition with a perfect home record.

[Milan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/statistics/mil/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Madrid Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/statistics/mad/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Nikola Mirotic vs. Guerschon Yabusele: Two domianant players at the "four" go head-to-head in Milan.

A spectacular second-half performance saw reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champ Real Madrid stay perfect at 4-0 with an 88-71 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, which dropped to 1-2.

Last game: Real Madrid-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Reigning champion Real (22-3) will look to seal playoff qualification by overcoming a Milan team (10-15) desperate to push closer to the top 10.

Milan seeks a response against an on-fire Real Madrid

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Real Madrid (2024-02-08T19:30:00.000Z)

Ricky Rubio has returned to Barça Basket and the EuroLeague after a 13-year spell in the NBA.

Ricky Rubio seals return to the EuroLeague with Barça Basket

FC Barcelona has confirmed the addition of [Ricky Rubio](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rubio-ricky/lfw/) for the remainder of the season with the point guard returning to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after a 13-year absence. Rubio (1.92 meters, 33 years old) became a EuroLeague champion during his first spell at Barca, playing alongside the team's current head coach Roger Grimau, before going on to shine in the NBA. The playmaker returned to his native Spain last year, and particularly the region of Catalonia, after experiencing mental health struggles.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Ricky Rubio, inscrit a l&#39;ACB i l&#39;Eurolliga ‼<br><br>𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒂, 𝑹𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒚 💙❤</p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1754925190130065690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Rubio is fondly remembered at Barcelona

After starting out at Joventut Badalona, where Rubio appeared in the Spanish League as a 14-year-old, he joined crosstown rival Barca at 18 and had a dream first campaign at Palau Blaugrana in 2009-10.

In addition to winning the Copa del Rey domestically, Rubio played a key role as Barca secured its second-ever EuroLeague crown. The Spaniard started in all 22 of the games he appeared in, averaging 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals.

His best performance of that campaign saw Rubio net 19 points in a closeout Game 4 of the playoffs against archrival Real Madrid, before scoring 10 in a 64-54 win over CSKA Moscow in the semifinals and 9 points in an 86-68 triumph over Olympiacos Piraeus in the championship game.

Thanks to his efforts during the campaign, Rubio was handed the EuroLeague Rising Star award. The following season, 2010-11, proved to be his last on the Old Continent, with Rubio posting 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals as Barca reached the EuroLeague Playoffs, where it fell to Panathinaikos Athens in a four-game series.

Thirteen years on, Rubio is back and will look to provide a big boost for Coach Grimau’s squad in the final stretch of this season. With Barcelona having fallen in the Final Four in three successive years, Grimau will hope that the addition of his ex-teammate is just what his team needed.

Top 5: Ricky Rubio, FC Barcelona

### His early EuroLeague years

Before arriving at Barcelona, Rubio had two years of experience in the EuroLeague with Joventut. He appeared in 16 games, all off the bench, in the 2006-07 campaign, posting 3.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and an incredible 3.2 steals per contest. The 2007-08 season saw him limited to just five games, in which he averaged 2.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals per night.

Rubio’s sole campaign in the BKT EuroCup was also a fruitful one, as he averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.4 steals in 16 appearances as Joventut went on to become the champion, downing Basquet Girona 54-79 in the final.

### 12 years in the NBA

After being selected with the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft, Rubio remained in Europe for two years – which is when he went to Barcelona – before heading stateside. Rubio was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first season in the league, 2011-12, following an impressive debut season in which he posted 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

More than half of Rubio’s 698 games in the NBA came in the jersey of the Timberwolves, with the Masnou-born guard spending the first six seasons of his career in Minnesota (2011-17). He later spent two years with the Utah Jazz (2017-19), one season with the Phoenix Suns (2019-20), a year back with Minnesota (2020-21) and the last two campaigns with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2021-23).

Ricky Rubio's Top 10 Assists in the NBA

In August, Rubio announced that he was putting a halt to his basketball career, at least temporarily, citing mental health struggles.

“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health,” Rubio said in a statement distributed by the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB). “I want to thank all the support I have received from the FEB to understand my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you.”

### A legend for Spain

It’s difficult to write about Rubio and not discuss his feats with the Spanish national team. At just 17, he was selected to go to the 2008 Olympic Games alongside a golden generation featuring Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro and Rudy Fernandez, among others, and he didn’t look out of place.

In the gold-medal game against the United States of America’s “Redeem Team”, Rubio played more minutes than anyone in a Spain jersey and held his own against the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He did, however, come out on the losing side.

One year later, Rubio and Spain won gold at EuroBasket 2009, beating Serbia 85-63. Rubio then secured his second EuroBasket gold medal in 2011 after Spain defeated France 98-85. Later, at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and with most of *La Roja*’s great players having retired, Rubio led his nation to gold with a 75-95 victory over Argentina as tournament MVP. Rubio also won the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics, EuroBasket 2013 and EuroBasket 2017.

The only thing left to say is... Welcome back, Ricky!

More Barcelona News

Ricky Rubio (center) celebrates alongside Juan Carlos Navarro (left) and Roger Grimau (right) after FC Barcelona became the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion in the 2009-10 season.

The 33-year-old was a member of the Blaugrana’s EuroLeague title-winning roster in 2009-10.

Ricky Rubio seals return to the EuroLeague with Barcelona

There's great parity this season in the EuroLeague where anything can happen. Still, winning at home remains a must for the top teams.

Trademarks: Home cooking is the difference for the top six

This year's race towards the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs and the Play-In Showdown has been more unpredictable than ever.

While there's finally some distance from the 12th spot toward the play-in line, even if mathematically nothing is decided, there's also a clear distinction between the teams that currently occupy the top six spots in the standings and the rest.

There's an old EuroLeague adage about winning at home and making it far and this has not changed.

And while, especially this season, anybody can win on the road and nothing is taken for granted, building a fortress on your home court pays off.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1624875/home-wins-difference-euroleague/)

Zalgiris Kaunas announced that shooting guard Karolis Lukosiunas is returning to the club after starting the season in the G-League. 

Zalgiris brings Karolis Lukosiunas home

Zalgiris Kaunas announced that shooting guard [Karolis Lukosiunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/karolis-lukosiunas/006158/) is returning to the club after starting the season in the G-League. Lukosiunas (1.95 meters, 26 years old) spent four seasons with Zalgiris before heading overseas last summer. He appeared in five games with the Salt Lake City Stars and averaged 3.8 points in limited minutes.

Last season he averaged 1.8 points in 22 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague appearances off the bench for Zalgiris with the vast majority of his shot attempts coming from behind the arc. In 64 career EuroLeague games, Lukosiunas has attempted 131 triples and just 12 two-pointers. He began his career in the Rytas Vilnius youth system and played for several other Lithuanian clubs before joining Zalgiris in 2019. He helped Zalgiris win three national championships and four Lithuanian Cups in his time there.

Big three-pointers by Karolis Lukosiunas

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Karolis Lukosiunas is back to the Zalgiris team for the rest of the season. 🤝<br><br>Welcome back, Karolis! 🎯 <a href="https://t.co/Ntz36av1EX">pic.twitter.com/Ntz36av1EX</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1754853579335008505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The shooting guard returns to his former club after time in the G-League.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-02-09T19:00:00.000Z)

The Panathinaikos BC guard came back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last summer after a stellar season in the BKT EuroCup. Now he is shining again with the Greens.

Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos BC: 'Everybody wants to be the man, but that's not how it works'

Last season was a big one for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/). He was named MVP of the BKT EuroCup as he took Turk Telekom Ankara to the final. It was no surprise to anyone when it was announced that he was returning to the EuroLeague through Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to join the new project led by new coach Ergin Ataman.

Grant had already made his EuroLeague debut in 2021-22 with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, but his impact was not felt to the same degree as a EuroLeague rookie.

"Everybody wants to be the man, but that's not how it works," Grant says. "You have to play your role and eventually, as your role gets bigger, you can blossom into being a star."

His impact on the biggest basketball stage in Europe has been immediate in his second stint. With the Greens, he is averaging 8.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals in almost 30 minutes on the court as a regular starter and Panathinaikos is currently fourth in the standings.

And that's no small feat because, as Grant himself acknowledges, switching competitions is like entering a completely new world.

"In the EuroCup, you have three or four players on a team that can really do some special things," Grant explains. "Here in the EuroLeague, every player - even players that come off the bench and only play 5 minutes - can really help the team and do special things."

Now Grant is an integral part of a team that is looking to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2012. For Grant, the key could be that this Panathinaikos team has managed to find chemistry among its members, on and off the court.

"We have guys that really like each other, that really get along," Grant concludes. "We're still learning each other and that shows on the court as we get better and better."

Last season was a big one for Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard Jerian Grant. He was named MVP of the BKT EuroCup as he took Turk Telekom Ankara to the final. It was no surprise to anyone when it was announced that he was returning to the EuroLeague through Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to join the new project led by new coach Ergin Ataman.

Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos: 'Everybody wants to be the man, but that's not how it works'

The Panathinaikos guard came back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague last summer after a stellar season in the BKT EuroCup. Now he is shining again with the Greens.

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanction pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season.

Round 25 disciplinary sanction

- Mr. Wade Baldwin IV, player of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, has been sanctioned with a fine of €3,500 for a lack of respect towards a member of the officiating crew on the occasion of its road game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has been sanctioned with a fine of €4,500 for the throwing of objects on to the playing court on the occasion of its home game against FC Barcelona under Article 29.2.h) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Mr. Zoran Savic, Sports Director of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000 for the lack of respect towards a member of the officiating crew on the occasion of its road game against Virtus Segafredo Bologna under Article 27.2.b) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Mr. Mike James, Player of AS Monaco has been sanctioned with a fine of €2,500, for repeated public statements, Round 15 and Round 21,  related to the performance of the referees, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code
- Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens has been sanctioned with a fine of €5,000, for its public statement related to the performance of the referees following EuroLeague Regular Season Round 11, under Article 24.2.c) of the Euroleague Basketball Disciplinary Code

Euroleague Basketball has announced the following disciplinary sanctions pertaining to incidents that occurred in Round 25 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season.