Baskonia (16-15) will look to recover from a pair of losses last week by defending its home court against an in-form Efes team (14-17) pushing hard for a top 10 finish.
Tomislav Mijatovic, Efes: 'We know that it requires full concentration'
A backcourt shootout is guaranteed between Markus Howard, who leads the league in three-pointers made with 3.6 per game, and the competition leader in PIR Shane Larkin (20.3 per night). Larkin's 23 points were not enough for victory when the teams last met, as Howard outscored him with 28 and Codi Miller-McIntyre delivered 14 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists to power an 80-88 road victory in Istanbul. Baskonia has won four straight at home, and another success this week would be enough to guarantee a top 10 finish for head coach Dusko Ivanovic's men.
Tomislav Mijatovic, Efes head coach
"Following our very successful double-round week in EuroLeague at home, we are getting ready and fully concentrated for the game against a high energy and high tempo playing opponent, the team of Baskonia on the road. We know that it requires full concentration, extra energy and 40 minutes of effort in order to reach our goal which is to do our best and try to win the game."
Derek Willis, Efes player
"The Baskonia game is going to be a tough challenge with their high offensive pace. Howard is shooting extremely well and the team as a whole can easily score over 100 points every night. We will have to be disciplined in rebounding and our transition defense."