Two of the EuroLeague's most exciting players go head to head in Round 24, as Paris Basketball's TJ Shorts comes up against LDLC ASVEL's Theo Maledon in a battle between the MVP of the Month for October and the MVP of the Month for December.

TJ Shorts, Theo Maledon collide in must-watch all-French derby

There is always loads of excitement when two domestic teams face off in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and that certainly is the case when [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) welcomes [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) on Thursday night in the French capital. And that’s despite their rivalry going back only three years.

It's not just because both Paris (13-9) and ASVEL (11-12) have been among the most exciting teams to watch this season, and are both in the midst of the race for the EuroLeague Playoffs, but this game will also feature a showdown between two of the EuroLeague’s best point guards this season, Paris’s [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and ASVEL’s [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">« C’est la France frère 🇫🇷 »<br>Demain, on affronte <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> à la maison pour une revanche qui s’annonce BOUILLANTE en <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> 🔥<br><br>Dernières 🎟️ en vente ici : <a href="https://t.co/aK0pJIO3ca">https://t.co/aK0pJIO3ca</a> <a href="https://t.co/sUb7A1cSCX">pic.twitter.com/sUb7A1cSCX</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1884628354898239829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Let’s start with Shorts. The EuroLeague’s October MVP ranks fourth in scoring with 18.4 points per game, second in assists with 7.4 per game and fourth in index rating with 22.1 per contest.

On the other hand, there is Maledon. The MVP for December, who is third in average PIR at 22.3, enters this game sixth in scoring with 18.0 points per game and is just outside the top 10 with his averages of 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals.

Paris's TJ Shorts and ASVEL's Theo Maledon fight for possession on the floor during their teams' Round 15 matchup earlier this season.

The two have also been an example of consistency. Maledon has scored at least 15 points in 14 of his last 15 games, and has posted a double-digit PIR in 15 straight games. Shorts has scored in double figures in 14 straight and 20 of his 21 EuroLeague appearances. He has had a PIR of 10 or more in 14 straight games.

What’s even better, when these two teams met earlier this season in Round 15, both players shined.

[ASVEL pulled out a 98-93 to end Paris's 10-game winning streak](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-ends-paris-unbeaten-run-in-all-french-rivalry-series-thriller-98-93/), with Maledon collecting 22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals, good for a PIR of 30. On the other side, Shorts set his personal bests with 29 points and 11 two-pointers made, which came on 14 attempts. He also dished 8 assists and had a personal-high PIR of 41.

In the EuroLeague, every game matters, but a win in this one would mean a lot to each club.

After a terrific start to the season, Paris pulled out of its recent slump and has won its last two home games, while it has scored at least 86 points in each of the last three rounds.

ASVEL, however, has won in three of the last four rounds and has been victorious in three of its last four road games after opening the season 0-7 on the road.

A rivalry between Paris and ASVEL might be fresh, having started in November 2021 with their first-ever French League clash, but it has quickly grown into a EuroLeague derby we cannot wait to tip off.

Game News

Thursday night brings another all-French derby and a clash of two MVP candidates

Paris Basketball v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-01-30T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv is set to play without its most productive player as Jaylen Hoard is set to be sidelined with a torn hamstring. Hoard suffered the injury in a domestic league game over the weekend, and an MRI scan reveled the extent of the injury which is expected to force Hoard to miss two to four weeks.

Maccabi loses Jaylen Hoard to hamstring injury

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will be without its most productive player as [Jaylen Hoard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaylen-hoard/006835/) has suffered a torn hamstring, the club announced Wednesday. Hoard suffered the injury in a domestic league game over the weekend, and an MRI scan revealed the extent of the injury, which is expected to force Hoard to miss 2-4 four weeks.

Hoard has started 21 games in this, his first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, and is Maccabi’s top scorer (15.0 ppg.) and rebounder (5.1 rpg.)- He also leads the team in steals (1.3 spg.). Hoard ranks fourth in the league in steals this season and his average PIR of 18.1 is good for 11th place after 23 rounds.

Maccabi will face ALBA Berlin on Thursday without Hoard and will be without him when it visits FC Barcelona and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz next week before the February international break.

Hoard had a double-digit PIR in 22 of his 23 appearances this season.

This week's EuroLeague & Friends episode focuses on the upcoming Belgrade derby between KK Partizan and KK Crvena zvezda, with the panel featuring Giulia Cicchine from Italy, Aleksandra Radivojevic from Serbia, Vasiliki Karamouza from Greece, and Lona Jackson from France. 

EuroLeague & Friends episode No. 14 previews the Belgrade derby and more

Episode 14 of EuroLeague & Friends has landed, with this week's lineup featuring [Giulia Cicchine](https://www.instagram.com/lacicchine/) from Italy, [Aleksandra Radivojevic](https://www.instagram.com/amazing__alex/) from Serbia, [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://www.instagram.com/vasiliki_karamouza/) from Greece, and [Lona Jackson](https://www.instagram.com/lonajackson_/?hl=en) from France. Taking center stage this week is Friday night's upcoming derby between [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/). Enjoy!

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-01-31T19:30:00.000Z)

The 18th episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, featuring Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24, is here to help fantasy managers get ready for Round 24 of the EuroLeague campaign. 

The Belgrade derby dominates in episode No. 18 of the Fantasy Challenge Podcast

The 18th episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, featuring [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, is here to help fantasy managers get ready for Round 24 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign. 

They discussed the much anticipated derby between [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) and [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) and who are the must-have players from that game, [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/)'s impressive form of late, whether [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) is worth picking, and [Nikos Rogkavopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikolaos-rogkavopoulos/011085/)'s emergence, among many other topics.

Check out the moves Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki have made ahead of Round 24, including who they have as captains. This week’s action tips off on Thursday at 19:00 CET as [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) hosts [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/), so make sure to finalize your rosters by then. Good luck, fantasy fans!

Olympiacos Piraeus v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-31T19:15:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Real Madrid (2025-01-31T18:00:00.000Z)

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

Zalgiris Kaunas v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-30T18:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v ALBA Berlin (2025-01-30T19:05:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v FC Barcelona (2025-01-30T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-01-30T19:30:00.000Z)

Euroleague Basketball, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the Etihad Arena have signed an agreement to host the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for the first time in history. The deal, brokered by the League’s strategic partner IMG, marks a historic expansion of Euroleague Basketball into new global markets.

Abu Dhabi to host 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four

- The semifinals will be played on Friday 23 May at 19:00 and 22:00 local time; the third-place and championship games will take place on Sunday 25 May at 21:00 local time
- Tickets to go on sale on February 26

Euroleague Basketball, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the Etihad Arena have signed an agreement to host the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for the first time in history. The deal, brokered by the League’s strategic partner IMG, marks a historic expansion of Euroleague Basketball into new global markets.

"I would like to thank the city of Abu Dhabi for showing their confidence in Euroleague Basketball," said Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball. "Bringing the Final Four to Abu Dhabi is an ambitious project and a remarkable opportunity to showcase the EuroLeague atmosphere to a new and diverse audience. At the same time, this partnership guarantees our loyal fans a fresh experience in one of the world's most modern and tourist-friendly cities. Together, we will deliver another top-level event that will elevate the EuroLeague to new heights."

The decision to bring the Final Four to Abu Dhabi builds on Euroleague Basketball's strategic ambition to expand into new markets, building on its 25-year legacy of success. By staging the Final Four in a new region, Euroleague Basketball aims to bring its passionate fan experience and Every Game Matters mantra to a broader global audience.

HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has rapidly become the home for basketball in the Middle East, and we’re excited to welcome Euroleague Basketball to the emirate – and the region – for the very first time. A hub for sporting excellence, Abu Dhabi will offer fans a world-class experience at the Final Four events in Etihad Arena, providing a warm welcome and a diverse range of attractions and experiences in addition to the games themselves. We look forward to Euroleague finding new audiences here in Abu Dhabi and once again demonstrating the destination’s capability to host large-scale international sporting events.”

This arrangement strategically combines the new market of Abu Dhabi and the Middle East with the EuroLeague’s traditional pan-European venues. The Final Four will mark Euroleague Basketball’s second experience in the Middle East, following the successful Adidas NextGen Qualifier hosted in Dubai last season.

The state-of-the-art Etihad Arena, located on Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub of Yas Island, will host the four best teams of the season, who will play in the semifinals on Friday 23 May at 19:00 and 22:00 local time. The third-place and championship games will be on Sunday 25 May at 18:00 and 21:00 local time. General public tickets, which provide seating for all four games, two on Friday and two on Sunday – will be available in several different price categories, starting on February 26.  Further details about ticket sales will be released in the coming days.

from left to right: H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak (Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Chairman), Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani (Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Undersecretary), Dejan Bodiroga (Euroleague Basketball President).

"This agreement represents a milestone for the EuroLeague and a significant step in our global growth strategy," said Paulius Motiejunas, CEO of Euroleague Basketball. "By partnering with Abu Dhabi, we are bringing our most iconic event to a dynamic new environment that offers world-class facilities and a passion for hosting major international sports events."

Matt Dwyer, SVP, Sports Management, IMG, added: “This game-changing deal is the largest in Euroleague Basketball’s history, expands the League’s global footprint, and creates exciting opportunities for continued growth. Abu Dhabi will provide a world-class Final Four experience for players, stakeholders, and EuroLeague fans, while introducing a whole new audience to the magic of European basketball.”

Abu Dhabi has quickly become one of the Middle East’s leading sports hubs. The city has hosted prominent international events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2010), the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the Abu Dhabi World Triathlon Championship Series, and major UFC events, and is the home of the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Basketball has also gained momentum in the city, with Abu Dhabi hosting several NBA pre-season games and the USA Basketball Showcase, a friendly tournament featuring national teams from the USA, Serbia, and Australia.

Marcus Osborne, General Manager of Etihad Arena – Abu Dhabi, said “As the premier multi-purpose venue in the region, Etihad Arena is uniquely equipped to deliver an unforgettable Final Four experience. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to seamlessly adapt to world-class basketball events, creating an environment where the game comes alive for every fan. Having hosted numerous high-profile basketball games, we’ve seen firsthand how passionate our audience is, and we’re excited to see the venue welcome the best of European basketball to Abu Dhabi. We look forward to welcoming the teams, officials, and fans to Etihad Arena and showcase our commitment to offering an exceptional entertainment experience.”

Etihad Arena, with a basketball capacity of 12,000 spectators, is situated on the stunning Yas Bay waterfront, one of Abu Dhabi's premier tourist destinations. Since opening in 2021, Etihad Arena has rapidly established itself as a top-tier venue, hosting a wide array of sports events, including UFC bouts and NBA games, as well as concerts by internationally renowned artists.

from left to right: Paulius Motiejunas, Euroleague Basketball CEO, Ramunas Siskauskas (F4 Ambassador), H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani (Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Undersecretary), Rudy Fernández (F4 Ambassador), Vlade Divac (F4 Ambassador), H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak (Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Chairman), Dejan Bodiroga (Euroleague Basketball President), Toni Kukoc (F4 Ambassador), Dino Radja (F4 Ambassador), Theo Papaloukas (F4 Ambassador)

Yas Island’s state-of-the-art Etihad Arena will host the 2025 edition of the Final Four

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 24 in the EuroLeague.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips, Round 24: Riding the wave!

Round 24 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is around the corner, which means there is another opportunity to win in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). 

It is a very ordinary week, with just one game per EuroLeague team and four trades per fantasy squad. A lot of players stood out lately and should keep riding their personal momentum. These are my recommendations for this week's games.

Marko Guduric, Sylvain Francisco, Tamit Blatt, Chima Moneke and Wenyen Gabriel are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 24

### Wenyen Gabriel, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (10.5 credits)

It looked like an obvious choice for most fantasy managers, and [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) definitely delivered. Without injured centers Mathias Lessort and Omer Yurtseven, Gabriel saw extended playing time and made certainly took advantage by posting 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and a PIR of 28 in almost 34 minutes. He's arguably the biggest bargain in the game right now!

### Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris Kaunas (12.0 credits)

I picked two players going against their former team this week. [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) is one of them, but there is much more than sporting revenge. He has been playing really well lately, getting a PIR of 21 or higher in five of his last nine games. Francisco had 20 points and a PIR of 16 against Bayern in Munich when they played back in Round 8. He should lead Zalgiris in Round 24.

### Chima Moneke, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (17.3 credits)

Simply put, [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) is my superstar of choice in Round 24, the player that has the best chance to get the highest PIR. He had a PIR of -5 at halftime of a Spanish League this past weekend and finished it with a PIR of 26. In the last two EuroLeague games, Moneke has averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and a PIR of 28.5. It is Chima time in the game!

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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/DBMP7XVIyzj/?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 Chima Moneke (@chimdoggg)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Tamir Blatt, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (9.7 credits)

[Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) played for ALBA in the past and should be extra motivated against his former team. Even though all of Maccabi's guards are back in action, Blatt saw a lot of playing time last week, getting 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a PIR of 23 in a winning effort against Zvezda. This should be a really high-scoring game and Blatt could be a big steal.

### Marko Guduric, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (11.1 credits)

Fenerbahce is the only undefeated team in January and Marko Guduric is leading his team in PIR this month. His team keeps winning despite all of its backcourt injuries, and Guduric is a big reason why. In the last two games, Guduric has averaged 21.5 points on 6-of-6 two-pointers, 5-of-7 three-pointers and 14-of-15 free throws, as well as a PIR of 24.5. Wow! 

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 24

Round 24 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague offers a thrilling set of games, culminating with one of the world’s most passionate derbies on Friday night. This is what we can look forward to...

Round 24 at a glance: Into the final third of the season!

Round 24 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague offers a thrilling set of games, culminating with one of the world’s most passionate derbies on Friday night. This is what we can look forward to...

## Thursday, January 30, 2025

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. FC Bayern Munich (19:00 CET)

Inconsistent Zalgiris (11-12) will look to revive its playoff hopes by prevailing in a visit from a Bayern team (13-10) aiming to collect back-to-back road wins following its [Round 23 success at ALBA](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/edwards-obst-combine-for-55-in-bayerns-84-99-win-at-alba/). After failing to score a single field goal in the fourth quarter of last week’s capitulation to Panathinaikos, the home team will look to quickly regain confidence by making a strong start. Bayern’s attack will be spearheaded by [Round 23 MVP](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/round-23-mvp-carsen-edwards-fc-bayern-munich/) [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), who faces an intriguing backcourt tussle with his former Bayern teammate [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/). Edwards won the scoring duel between the pair 24-20 in Round 8, helping his team edge [a 77-74 decision](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-holds-off-zalgiris-77-74-to-climb-atop-the-table/), so Zalgiris will be targeting a winning margin of at least 4 points to claim the head-to-head advantage.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. ALBA Berlin (20:05 CET)

Maccabi (6-17) will look to win two consecutive games for the first time all season with a visit from rock-bottom but still competitive ALBA (3-20). The Israeli champion boosted its confidence with a solid [success over Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sharpshooting-maccabi-rolls-over-crvena-zvezda-85-73/) last week and will hope that veteran leader [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/) can deliver another big night after netting 15 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting in that game. Maccabi can certainly count on creativity from its backcourt, with league-leading assister [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) (7.4 assists per game) and [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) (12.2 points and 5.3 assists per night) both in good form. ALBA also possesses plenty of backcourt talent, with [Matteo Spagnolo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matteo-spagnolo/008173/) (10.4 ppg.), [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) (10.4) and [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) (10.7) all averaging in double digits scoring, so it should be a fast-moving and entertaining spectacle.

### Paris Basketball vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:30 CET)

The French derby will see two ambitious teams meet for a crucial showdown when Paris (13-9) welcomes ASVEL (11-12). The visiting team will draw plenty of confidence from last week’s [solid victory over Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/theo-maledon-leads-the-way-as-asvel-downs-barcelona-100-94/), which saw [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) (22.8 average PIR, third best in the league) again excel with 18 points and 9 assists. The hosts will counter him with its own MVP candidate, [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/), who has maintained his consistency despite his team’s recent troubles and ranks just behind Maledon with an average PIR of 22.4. ASVEL also has the incentive of trying to lock down the head-to-head advantage after triumphing [98-93 in the Round 15](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-ends-paris-unbeaten-run-in-all-french-rivalry-series-thriller-98-93/) meeting between the teams, partly thanks to [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/)’s dominance of the paint, netting 14 points without a miss from the field plus 7 rebounds.

Round 24 Head-to-Head: Hifi vs. Maledon

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CET)

Injury-hit Milan (12-11) will hope to welcome back reinforcements for a testing visit from reigning champ Panathinaikos (14-9), which needs a win to maintain its position in the top four. The Greens will hope for more inside dominance from [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) after his [breakout performance](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wenyen-gabriel-rose-to-atamans-challenge-with-devastating-second-half/) in last week’s sensational [comeback triumph over Zalgiris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-stuns-zalgiris-with-huge-comeback-win-89-76/), pairing 15 points with 8 blocks, and Milan needs center [Freddy Gillespie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/freddie-gillespie/011941/) to add more scoring after only managing 2 points along with 10 rebounds in last week’s [heavy loss at Efes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/coach-banchi-celebrates-first-win-as-efes-thrashes-milan-110-66/). Shooting star [Neno Dimitrijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/neno-dimitrijevic/006085/) also needs to emerge from a slump after only averaging 4.7 points over the last three games, especially with Greens’ guard [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) fully recovered from his own dip in form after [scoring 26](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kendrick-nunns-momentum-changer-sparked-historic-comeback-for-panathinaikos/) [against Zalgiris](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-stuns-zalgiris-with-huge-comeback-win-89-76/) last time out.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. FC Barcelona (20:30 CET)

Expect maximum intensity from an all-Spanish showdown as Baskonia (9-14) looks to boost its fading playoff ambitions against an equally hungry Barcelona (13-10). The visiting team – led by former Baskonia coach Joan Penarroya – needs to bounce back from [last week’s loss at ASVEL](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/theo-maledon-leads-the-way-as-asvel-downs-barcelona-100-94/), where the Blaugrana’s occasional tendency to lapse into leaky defense again resurfaced with 100 points conceded. A key battle will take place at power forward between [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) and [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/): the Baskonia star continued his great season with a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards in last week’s heartbreaking [last-second loss at Real](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hezonjas-three-leads-real-past-baskonia-90-89/), while Parker again demonstrated his shooting power with 18 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting in the loss at ASVEL. Barca also needs to contain [Nikos Rogkavopoulos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikolaos-rogkavopoulos/011085/), who has two double-doubles in his last four games.

Round 24 Head-to-Head: Moneke vs. Parker

## Friday, January 31, 2025

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (18:30 CET)

Fenerbahce (15-7) will hunt a sixth straight victory with a visit from a Virtus team (7-16) whose playoff chances are looking increasingly slender. The Italian team couldn’t withstand [a late push from Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-rallies-from-21-points-down-defeats-virtus-80-86/) at home last week, conceding 30 fourth-quarter points, and will need to compete for the full 40 minutes against a Fener team coming off [a strong road win at Olympiacos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-stands-strong-to-down-olympiacos-77-87/). Virtus will offer a long-range scoring threat through [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/), who has struck from long-range in 10 consecutive games. The hosts will hope that recent signing [Errick McCollom](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/errick-mccollum/005216/) will continue to settle well into the backcourt, after offering a solid 12 points in Piraeus, while the return to fitness of [Arturs Zagars](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/arturs-zagars/008104/) has also added depth to Saras Jasikevicius’s previous threadbare guard options.

### AS Monaco vs. Real Madrid (19:00 CET)

After ending a three-game losing run by making an [impressive comeback against Virtus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-rallies-from-21-points-down-defeats-virtus-80-86/) last week, Monaco (14-9) will look to protect its position in the top four with a visit from direct rival Real (13-10). An undoubted highlight will be a personal battle between two of the league’s most talented guards, with [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) and [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) both heading into the showdown in strong form. James netted 24 points – his highest total of the season – to inspire the turnaround at Virtus, while Campazzo combined 22 points with 6 assists to lead his team to a [victory over Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hezonjas-three-leads-real-past-baskonia-90-89/) that was secured by [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/)’s dramatic [buzzer-beating game-winner](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mario-hezonja-decided-an-instant-classic/). Real coach Chus Mateo could bolster his roster by giving debuts to new signings [Bruno Fernando](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bruno-fernando-signs-for-real-madrid-baloncesto/) and [Dennis Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-signs-ex-nba-guard-dennis-smith-jr/).

Round 24 Head-to-Head: Blossomgame vs. Hezonja

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:15 CET)

After having a seven-game winning run snapped by [last week’s home loss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-stands-strong-to-down-olympiacos-77-87/) to Fenerbahce, league leader Olympiacos (16-7) will look to start another streak with a visit from Efes (11-12). The Turkish team arrives with confidence renewed after ending its own losing run by [thrashing Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/coach-banchi-celebrates-first-win-as-efes-thrashes-milan-110-66/) and will hope that sharpshooter [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) can stay hot after pouring in 18 points, his best tally in 11 games. Another plus was a return to form by power forward [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) with his best PIR of the season (17), and this week he faces the biggest possible test with a matchup against [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/). Reds coach Georgios Bartzokas will want his team to recover its defensive toughness, after struggling to stop Fener’s rhythm last week in the absence of [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/).

Round 24 Head-to-Head: Williams-Goss vs. Larkin

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

With both Partizan (12-11) and Zvezda (13-10) determined to boost their push for the playoffs and currently separated by just one win, the latest edition of the Belgrade derby promises to be more exciting and tense than ever. Partizan arrives in better form with three straight victories, while Zvezda has slipped down the standings with two losses out of three. Zeljko Obradovic’s men took [a 77-89 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-outshines-zvezda-77-89-in-belgrade-derby/) when the teams met in Round 11 behind 21 points from [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/). He faces an exciting backcourt matchup with fit-again Zvezda veteran [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), who announced his full recovery from injury with 15 points and 5 assists in [last week’s loss to Maccabi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/sharpshooting-maccabi-rolls-over-crvena-zvezda-85-73/). Partizan will look to limit Zvezda’s shooters like [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) (10.4 points per game) through its excellent perimeter defense, having allowed opponents to convert just 32.7% of three-pointers so far – second-best in the league.

Round 24 Head-to-Head: Jones vs. Bolomboy

The race for the postseason is heating up with each passing week

Real Madrid currently has the largest differential in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague between the number of points it has scored at the rim and the number they have allowed — including free throws — defensively and is one of only a few teams building a meaningful advantage in that fashion.

Stats review: How owning the interior has led Real Madrid's recent rise

Don’t look now, but [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) has climbed into the top six for the first time this season as *Los Blancos* have made real headway in their efforts to extend their streak of consecutive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship game appearances to four.  After a sluggish 6-9 start, the perennial power has won seven of its last eight games to build some momentum heading into the final third of the season.

While [a narrow home win over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hezonjas-three-leads-real-past-baskonia-90-89/) was not exactly a prime example, Real has set its baseline this season in the same place it has throughout its recent multi-season run of success: at the rim.

As the table above suggests, Real currently has the largest differential in the EuroLeague between the number of points they have scored at the rim and the number they have allowed — including free throws — defensively and is one of only a few teams building a meaningful advantage in that fashion. Not only that, but even after a lackluster start in the standings, that represents the largest mark the team has posted in a season in its recent run of championship game appearances.

With a total point differential of 64 for the season but 146 at the rim — including 125 with [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) on the floor — Real’s edge inside has been its cornerstone this year, often compensating for its shortcomings elsewhere. Even in a game where Tavares dealt with some foul trouble and the team conceded 21 offensive rebounds, Real still outscored Baskonia by 5 points at the basket. There’s no discounting the way Real’s interior play raises its floor in a season where only two wins separate third and 11th place in the standings.

While the Spanish club sits in a tier by itself, [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) has been very imposing inside in its own right and [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/) has built a meaningful advantage in close as well.  Partizan has shot a third-ranked 68% around the rim offensively.  Though its big men have been very effective inside, it has been the consistency of its guards that has bolstered the team's shooting and productivity around the rim.  Defensively, it has been the rotations to prevent shots at the rim entirely that have helped Partizan limit opponents’ points in the interior more than how it contests the shots that it does face in close.

The opposite is true of Efes, which leads the EuroLeague in blocks by a considerable margin. [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) spearheads those efforts to put a lid on the rim, but a variety of players contribute, including several perimeter players.  Efes's big men have been driving the team's success inside, with Poirier and [Dan Oturu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dan-oturu/012788/) combining to shoot 76% at the rim.

With nine teams checking in this season with a differential inside of plus-or-minus 2 points per game around the rim, it remains very difficult for teams to find a way to build a significant competitive advantage in the EuroLeague. That puts what Real has done in perspective and adds a degree of intrigue to what it accomplishes from here on out as the team continues to distance itself from early losses.

No team has been more effective – offensively or defensively – at the rim this season than Los Blancos

Dreamland Gran Canaria announced on Sunday that it has acquired playmaker Ziga Samar from ALBA Berlin for the remainder of the season

Gran Canaria loans Ziga Samar from ALBA Berlin

Dreamland Gran Canaria announced on Sunday that it has acquired playmaker [Ziga Samar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ziga-samar/profile/007550/) for the remainder of the season. Samar (1.97 meters, 24 years old) arrives on loan from ALBA Berlin for which he averaged 4.1 points and 2.9 assists over 14 appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this season. He is 10th in the EuroLeague this season in per-minute assists with a prorated average of 8.4 over 40 minutes. Gran Canaria made the move following the news that [Carlos Alocen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/gran-canaria-alocen-out-for-the-season/) was lost for the season with a torn ACL.

Samar returns to Spain, where he has spent most of his professional career. The tall point guard began his career with the Olimpija Ljubljana youth system in his native Slovenia and was just 16 years when he signed with Real Madrid. Samar also played professionally for Baloncesto Zambrano and Fuenlabrada, He joined ALBA in 2022 on a long-term deal and was loaned to Veolia Towers Hamburg in that first season, during which he also played in the EuroCup. Samar is also a member of the Slovenian national team.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🖊 Žiga Samar refuerza al Dreamland Gran Canaria hasta final de temporada.<br><br>▪ El base esloveno, formado en el Real Madrid, llega en calidad de cedido por el Alba Berlín hasta el término del presente curso.<br><br>➡  <a href="https://t.co/K2TKJrCmEA">https://t.co/K2TKJrCmEA</a> <a href="https://t.co/bBsIhYkj3T">pic.twitter.com/bBsIhYkj3T</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1883583491797102968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The playmaker will reinforce the Granca backcourt for the remainder of the season