Name: Gillespie stops Okobo! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Gillespie stops Okobo! Motorola Magic Moment

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v AS Monaco (2025-02-27T19:30:00.000Z)

Bolomboy on the alley-oop! Motorola Magic Moment

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-02-27T19:00:00.000Z)

Blossomgame dunks off a James dish! Motorola Magic Moment

Will Dusan Alimpijevic add another playoff road triumph to his record when Beşiktaş takes on Cedevita Olimpija in the last 16 of the EuroCup?

Dusan Alimpijevic out to haunt Cedevita Olimpija in the playoffs… again 

It’s funny how things work in sports. An endless number of storylines are created each week, but often the best ones are those that include a bit of history, an opportunity for revenge.

For [Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/), its last-16 meeting with [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/) in the 2025 BKT EuroCup Playoffs will see an old foe on the opposing sideline at Stozice Arena – [Dusan Alimpijevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/bes/alimpijevic-dusan/). For those who don’t know, the Serbian tactician has a bit of history against Cedevita.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">🗣️ DUSAN! DUSAN! <a href="https://t.co/oQclufCZPZ">pic.twitter.com/oQclufCZPZ</a></p>&mdash; Beşiktaş Fibabanka (@BJK_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJK_Basketbol/status/1889767710017593582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Back on April 27, 2022, one of the most memorable EuroCup games in recent times took place between Cedevita and Alimpijevic’s Frutti Extra Bursaspor. Everything looked good for Bursaspor at the half of their quarterfinal clash, leading 36-50, but Cedevita had reduced the gap to three points (64-67) after 30 minutes to set up a thrilling fourth quarter.

An impressive road win for Bursaspor beckoned with 1:17 minutes remaining, up 78-85, though five straight points by Cedevita’s Yogi Ferrell cut the visitors lead to two points (83-85) with 27 seconds left. And then, with the final shot of the game, Jacob Pullen made a contested three-pointer off the glass… but he hadn’t got his shot off on time. There was ecstasy in the stands at Stozice Arena, followed by complete despair.

Meanwhile, Alimpijevic and his Bursaspor players celebrated like crazy. They knew that they’d got lucky. Very lucky. Still, Bursaspor went on to down MoraBanc Andorra in the semifinals – the third straight road game it had won in the playoffs – to seal a place in the final against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. The team’s fairy-tale run came to an end there, but a period of postseason austerity started for Cedevita that fateful night against Alimpijevic and co.

Bursaspor stuns Cedevita! | Quarterfinals, Highlights | 2022 EuroCup Playoffs

That certainly cannot be said of Alimpijevic, who has become a master at navigating playoff series. Last season, his first in charge of Besiktas, he guided the team to road victories at reigning champ Dreamland Gran Canaria and a strong Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the last 16 and quarterfinals, respectively, meaning Alimpijevic has been responsible for five of the 12 road wins in 38 single-elimination playoff games over the last three seasons. Impressive stuff.

One player who has been right alongside Alimpijevic for the past four seasons is 34-year-old guard [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/). The veteran American is completely in tune with his passionate, hard-nosed coach, and the results have been clear to see, taking Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Final before Besiktas’s run to the EuroCup Semifinals last season.

The best plays of Derek Needham over the last four years in the BKT EuroCup, which have come with coach Dusan Alimpijevic at Frutti Extra Bursaspor and Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul.

Derek Needham's top plays under Coach Alimpijevic

Needham is one of six Americans on Besiktas’s roster, with five – including Needham – averaging 10.2 points or more. [Jonah Mathews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonah-mathews/011936/) (15.2 PPG) was integral to Besiktas’s semifinal finish last season and he has been just as good, if not better, this season. Slowing him down has to be the priority for Cedevita, but there are several other weapons to be wary of, notably [Kelan Martin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kelan-martin/013255/) (11.3 PPG), [Kyle Allman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-allman/011924/) (10.5 PPG), [Dustin Sleva](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dustin-sleva/011927/) (10.2 PPG) and Canadian big man [Conor Morgan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/conor-morgan/009680/) (9.2 PPG). The mid-season addition of [Uros Plavsic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/uros-plavsic/006240/) (7.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG) has made Besiktas stronger, too.

That is not to say that it will be easy. Besiktas has the Alimpijevic factor and a very talented roster, but Cedevita can feel good about its chances. After all, it has a head coach in [Zvezdan Mitrovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana/lju/mitrovic-zvezdan/) who lifted the EuroCup trophy with AS Monaco in 2021. On the floor, Cedevita can call upon the high-flying [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) (14.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG), scoring guard [Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) (14.7 PPG), ball handlers [DeVante' Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) (10.0 PPG, 3.9 APG) and [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) (9.8 PPG, 3.6 APG), as well as young prospect [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) (4.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG). In short, there’s a lot of talent there, plus Cedevita will be playing on its home floor.

Playoff games involving Alimpijevic are always worth tuning in for, and this contest is no different. Next Wednesday night (19:30 CET), we will find out if Alimpijevic can work his magic again or if Mitrovic’s experience will make the difference, with a quarterfinal matchup with Bahcesehir College Istanbul the prize for the winner.

Game News

The Serbian coach’s Besiktas squad are hoping for another deep postseason run

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2025-03-05T18:30:00.000Z)

The February break is over and EuroLeague action finally resumes this Thursday, so here are five questions heading into the final eight rounds of the 2024-25 regular season.

Five questions ahead of the final lap of the regular season

The February break is over and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague action finally resumes this Thursday. With just eight rounds remaining in the regular season, the #EveryGameMatters motto will be truer than ever.

Everyone agrees that this is the tightest regular-season race they can remember, as every outcome for almost all scenarios in the standings is wide open.

Here are five questions for which we’ll be seeking – and getting – answers for in this last lap of the 2024-25 regular season.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1790735/five-questions-ahead-of-the-final-lap-of-the-regular-season/).

With the BKT EuroCup Playoffs almost on our doorstep, it's time to show that you are smarter than the rest by taking part in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge via the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge website/app.

EuroCup Bracket Challenge: Predict the playoff series winners and win prizes!

With the BKT EuroCup Playoffs almost on our doorstep, it's time to show that you are smarter than the rest by taking part in the [EuroCup Bracket Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/11/bracket) via the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge website/app.

The task is simple: create your bracket by picking the winner from each game until the EuroCup Finals, including the MVP. Once you submit your bracket, you will be eligible to win one of three incredible prizes, so long as your bracket ends up coming true.

### What are the EuroCup Bracket Challenge prizes?

- **Grand Prize:** Four EuroCup tickets for the 2025-26 regular season, for any game(s) selected by the winner.
- **Silver Prize:** One EuroLeague TV Annual Pass for the 2025-26 season.
- **Bronze Prize:** One EuroCup Spalding Basketball.

So, what are you waiting for? Predict the playoff series winners in the EuroCup Bracket Challenge and share your predictions on social media!

The postseason gets underway next week with the eighthfinals

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Umana Reyer Venice (2025-03-05T20:00:00.000Z)

Turk Telekom Ankara v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2025-03-05T16:30:00.000Z)

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025-03-04T17:00:00.000Z)

The 38th Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the history of the EuroLeague will be unlike any of those before.

'El Clasico' like never before

The 38th *Clásico* in the history of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be unlike any of those before. When [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) and archrival [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) meet, the sporting world takes notice. It is always a game of immense prestige. And often – as has been the case five times at the Final Four and twice more in the playoffs – the opponent is standing in the way of achieving glory.

This time, neither team can yet think of glory. Both have their minds set on survival.

Never before have these teams met this late in the season under the modern format, with neither in the top eight in the standings. Real is 11th with a 13-13 record. We can split hairs and point out that Barcelona, which is ninth with a 14-12 record – the same as eighth-placed [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) – could theoretically be eighth since it won its only game against coach Zeljko Obradovic's men this season and apply that as a tiebreaker, but c'mon. Is that really the point?

No. The point is that for teams usually mapping out their road to home-court advantage in the playoffs, both Real and Barca are now worried about making sure they at least reach the Play-In Showdown. And the type of animalistic attitude needed to survive in the middle of the pack is much different than the regal perspective of a team seeking its place at the peak.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔜🏀 El Clásico | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/COdqSx1AqV">pic.twitter.com/COdqSx1AqV</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1894739466700349513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is more troubling news for both teams on the eve of this *Clásico*. Barcelona is dealing with injuries. Leading scorer [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcas-punter-sidelined-by-shoulder-injury/) will miss the game due to a shoulder injury, [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/juan-nunez-suffering-with-knee-injury-could-miss-rest-of-season/) is out with a knee injury and [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/), one of the team’s shining lights over the past month-plus, is questionable with an Achilles tendon problem. Meanwhile, the guard Real added mid-season to bolster the backcourt, [Dennis Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dennis-smith-jr/013666/), has left the team.

That sets the stage for *El Clásico* like never before.

So what can we expect to see? First of all, a hard-fought game where character matters more than ever before. Sure, both teams have talented stars who have fought through adversity to get where they are. But with the pressure heightened like we can expect at Movistar Arena this week, mental and physical toughness take on a new meaning.

For the visitors, figuring out who will step into Punter's shoes is critical. Will [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) enshrine himself in the history books with a majestic *Clásico*? Is [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/) lying in wait for a big game? Can [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) carry the extra load with his backcourt mates down?

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A0ssic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClàssic</a> <a href="https://t.co/gDAmEBO4Ky">pic.twitter.com/gDAmEBO4Ky</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1894819721461277019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Real Madrid has lost its last three games in the EuroLeague and faltered in the Spanish Cup final. The issue there is not talent; Real is one of only two teams this season to have not lost a game by more than 15 points (the other is top-ranked [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/)). That is just one of many underlying stats showing how good the team is.

So what is the problem? Is it a lack of focus? Just bad luck? And will the last week and a half – in which [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), [Hugo Gonzalez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/hugo-gonzalez/011649/) and [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/) were among those who played well for their national teams – be enough to get *Los Blancos* on track to win this game and make a climb in the standings?

Who knows? What I can tell you is that because of – and despite – these teams' records and spots in the standings, this *El Clásico* will be like never before. And for true fans of the game, that makes it must-see basketball.

The historic rivalry between the top two teams in Spanish sports continues on Thursday in Madrid with a different feel 

El Clásico like never before

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (2025-02-27T19:45:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus addressed its banged-up backcourt by signing guard Saben Lee just before Wednesday's EuroLeague signing deadline

Olympiacos pens deal with Saben Lee 

Olympiacos Piraeus addressed its banged-up backcourt by signing guard [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) just before Wednesday's EuroLeague signing deadline. Lee (1.88 meters, 25 years old) joins a EuroLeague club for the second-time this season after averaging 12.0 points and 2.5 assists in eight games with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. Saben started the season in Turkiye with Manisa Basket and after his stint with Maccabi returned there until now.

He was second in the Turkish League in scoring with 18.7 points per game and tied for second in assists with 6.0 per game. Lee was worth 24.8 points, 5.0 assists and 1.9 steals in the Basketball Champions League with Manisa, including tying the competition's scoring record with a 43-point showing in his second-ever game.

Saben Lee's best plays with Maccabi Tel Aviv

Lee started his professional career with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA, where he played 85 games between 2020 and 2022. He also played two games for the Philadelphia 76ers and 47 for the Phoenix Suns. His NBA career averages stand at 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 134 appearances. In addition to his time in the NBA, Lee spent time in the G League with the Motor City Cruise, Delaware Blue Coats and Raptors 905. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt University.

The latest on Olympiacos

The guard played in the EuroLeague earlier this season with Maccabi

ALBA Berlin announced that it has finalized the signing of big man Robert Baker only hours before the deadline for registering players this season

ALBA Berlin registers Robert Baker before deadline

ALBA Berlin announced that it has finalized the signing of big man [Robert Baker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/robert-baker-ii-/013774/) only hours before the deadline for registering players this season. Baker (2.11 meters, 26 years old) arrives from the Osceola Magic of the G-League, where he averaged 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 17 games this season. He has spent a total of four seasons in the G-League, during which he also played for the Stickton Kings and College Park Skyhawks. Baker has previous experience outside the United States with stints in Slovakia, Puerto Rico and Japan. He played college basketball at Harvard University.

The latest on ALBA Berlin

The big man is set to make his EuroLeague with the German side

Zalgiris Kaunas added a weapon to its backcourt as it prepares to mount a charge on a postseason berth by signing combo-guard Isaiah Wong for the remainder of the season

Zalgiris adds scoring punch with Isaiah Wong

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) added a weapon to its backcourt as it prepares to mount a charge on a postseason berth by signing combo-guard [Isaiah Wong](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-wong/013775/) for the remainder of the season. Wong (1.91 meters, 24 years old) will step into the role vacated by [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/lonnie-walker-departs-zalgiris-kaunas/), who averaged 13.6 points in 19 games before leaving Lithuania to sign for the Philadelphia 76ers last week. Wong arrives from the NBA, where he appeared in 20 games for the Charlotte Hornets this season before he was waived after the trade deadline.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">American guard Isaiah Wong joins the Zalgiris team until the end of the 2024-2025 season. ✍️<br><br>Welcome to the green-and-whites, Isaiah! 💚 <a href="https://t.co/axKWfWLmWV">pic.twitter.com/axKWfWLmWV</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1894775061875196012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wong averaged 6.0 points on 39.4% three-point shooting, 1.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 13.3 minutes per game with Charlotte. He also played one game in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers the season before. Wong scored a career-high 17 points in 24 minutes in his second-to-last game with the Hornets. He also averaged 14.9 points, 3.9 boards and 3.3 assists over the last two seasons in the G-League with the Indiana Mad Ants and Greensboro Swarm.

The Athletic Coast Conference Player of the Year in 2023, Wong played four seasons of college basketball at the University of Miami. He helped the Hurricanes reach their first-ever NCAA Final Four during his senior year.

The latest from Zalgiris Kaunas

The guard steps into the role vacated by Lonnie Walker 

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four has once again demonstrated its status as one of the most highly anticipated basketball events, as all general public tickets for the 2025 edition have officially sold out.

2025 EuroLeague Final Four Abu Dhabi general public tickets sell out

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four has once again demonstrated its status as one of the most highly anticipated basketball events, as all general public tickets for the 2025 edition have officially sold out. The tickets, which went on sale on Wednesday, February 26, at 09:00 CET, were snapped up in less than 7 hours, following an overwhelming demand from fans worldwide.

This marks a historic moment as the EuroLeague Final Four makes its debut in Abu Dhabi, a global destination renowned for hosting world-class sporting events. The city’s passionate basketball fanbase, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and vibrant cultural attractions have made it an unmissable opportunity for fans to witness top-tier basketball action in one of the most sought-after destinations.

For those who missed out on securing general public tickets, there is still a chance to be part of this electrifying event. A limited number of ticket + hotel bundles are available at [www.f4tickets.com](http://www.f4tickets.com). Additionally, each qualified team will receive an allocation of approximately 600 tickets across various categories, which will be distributed through their own channels.

The 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena, located on the city’s entertainment hub of Yas Island, from May 23 to 25. The semifinals will tip off on Friday, May 23, at 19:00 and 22:00 local time. The action will continue on Sunday, May 25, with the EuroLeague Third-Place Game at 18:00 local time, followed by the EuroLeague Championship Game at 21:00 local time, where one team will be crowned the 2024-25 EuroLeague Champion.

General public tickets sold out in less than 7 hours

The one-and-done BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals are upon us and Wednesday’s three-game slate starts by pitting Turk Telekom Ankara against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica.

Turk Telekom, history-seeking Buducnost clash in the eighthfinals

The one-and-done BKT EuroCup Eighthfinals are upon us and Wednesday’s three-game slate starts by pitting [Turk Telekom Ankara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/turk-telekom-ankara/ttk/) against [Buducnost VOLI Podgorica](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/buducnost-voli-podgorica/bud/). These two teams have met in the recent past, but their head-to-head history might not be of much importance in this one.

Turk Telekom has won all four of its previous games against Buducnost, dating back to December 2022, but the only thing that Turk Telekom team has in common with this season’s team is head coach Erdem Can. Buducnost brings back head coach Andrej Zakelj on the bench and three important players from last season ago – the backcourt trio of [Yogi Ferrell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yogi-ferrell/011281/), [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/) and [Fletcher Magee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/fletcher-magee/012630/) - while big man [Yoan Makoundou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yoan-makoundou/011935/) is now in Turk Telekom colors.

And while those four Turk Telekom wins could be irrelevant when the ball is tipped off for this contest on Wednesday, what might matter is the location where this game is played – the Ankara Spor Salonu – where Turk Telekom will certainly try to capitalize on its home-floor advantage.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Save the date 📆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hukmora%C4%8De?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hukmorače</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bkteurocup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bkteurocup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dy3yC8hopC">pic.twitter.com/Dy3yC8hopC</a></p>&mdash; KK Budućnost VOLI (@KKBuducnostVOLI) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKBuducnostVOLI/status/1887871810370179457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Only three teams had better home records during the regular season than the team from the Turkish capital, which has won seven of nine home games, including each of the last four. Meanwhile, Buducnost has won only three times away from home this season and averaged 79.7 points per game on the road, way below its fantastic home-court average of 94.6 ppg. Turk Telekom averages 84.3 points on home court, exactly 9 points more than it has averaged on the road.

To use the position Turk Telekom earned by placing third in Group B, the home fans will certainly hope to see big games from their favorite team’s biggest stars. First and foremost, [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/) who is Turk Telekom’s top scorer with 18.3 points per game on 46.7% three-point shooting, along with [Braian Angola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/braian-angola/010465/) who is posting 16.8 points. The two also combine for 7.3 boards per game, a department where high-flying big men [Kyle Alexander](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kyle-alexander/011973/) and the aforementioned Makoundou star.

Alexander has averaged 7.1 boards, including 2.6 on the offensive glass, along with 8.9 points per game, while Makoundou is worth 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">BKT EuroCup&#39;ta Play-Off Heyecanı Başlıyor!🏀<br><br>BKT EuroCup’ta Play-Off eşleşmeleri belli oldu. Grubu 3. sırada tamamlayarak adımızı Play-Off&#39;a yazdırdık! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnkaraBasketbolu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnkaraBasketbolu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kaizen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kaizen</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreHereForAReason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreHereForAReason</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToGreatness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToGreatness</a> <a href="https://t.co/VVRbymTb57">pic.twitter.com/VVRbymTb57</a></p>&mdash; Türk Telekom Basketbol (@TT_Basketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/TT_Basketbol/status/1887822609955332480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the other end, Buducnost's centers are far less athletic, but equally productive with [Kenan Kamenjas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kenan-kamenjas/008325/) averaging 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while veteran [Alen Omic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/alen-omic/004222/) grabs 4.3 boards per contest. Meanwhile, Buducnost’s backcourt features three double-digit scorers in [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) (13.6 ppg.), Ferrell (12.4 ppg.) and one of the EuroCup’s most dangerous sharpshooters in Magee (11.2 ppg., 45.6% 3FG).

All of them will have to show up if Buducnost wants to pull off an upset and win its first time against Turk Telekom. It would be a historic success, marking the first time Buducnost advances in a EuroCup elimination game, as it has failed the previous six times it reached the playoffs.

Turk Telekom and Coach Can, on the other hand, will try to use both the experience of reaching the EuroCup Finals in 2023, and a home-court advantage, to extend their EuroCup journey this season. It certainly sets the stage for a memorable night in Ankara.

These two teams have met four times in just over two years, but never with the stakes this high

After a two-week break, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns this week and with it comes episode No. 20 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast! The main cast made up of Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of Euroleague.net and Vasiliki Karamouza of Sport 24 are reunited to prepare you – and each other – for Round 27.

The Fantasy Challenge Podcast guides you through unlimited trades

After a two-week break, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague returns this week and with it comes episode No. 20 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast! The main cast made up of [Javier Gancedo](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fganchetto&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C11f1688411b149f3d69008dd54da09f0%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638760017621697576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DXYP0V6GV0cnX0a6ctcbHsc9obX9AdZjvpfqMsIW8Cs%3D&reserved=0) and [Frankie Sachs](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FMrEuroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C11f1688411b149f3d69008dd54da09f0%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638760017621717055%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=r3tR8S4MiCisyQdGk7%2Bs89YEsW7GCuVyGNBc3ucS8r8%3D&reserved=0) of [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) and [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fkaramouza_vas&data=05%7C02%7Cgeoff.gillingham%40euroleague.net%7C11f1688411b149f3d69008dd54da09f0%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638760017621742220%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e6ofg13yx1u0i4tOROcbsfxgVO58l%2BWRN1lSWgK5Csc%3D&reserved=0) of Sport 24 are reunited to prepare you – and each other – for Round 27.

Unlimited trades are permitted before this round, so the gang discussed the best cheap, mid-range and expensive (#VezforPrez) options for your teams. Who did they agree on? [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/) of [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/), [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/) of [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) and [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) of [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/). Who did they disagree on? Watch now to find out!

Check out the moves Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki have made ahead of Round 27. See who applied the [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) rule for their head coach and their different approaches for the captaincy – at least for Turn 1. This exciting week of games tips off on Thursday at 20:00 CET when Crvena Zvezda hosts [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/), so be sure to finalize your rosters by then. Good luck, fantasy fans!

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-02-28T20:00:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-02-28T19:30:00.000Z)

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

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v ALBA Berlin (2025-02-28T17:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v FC Bayern Munich (2025-02-27T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-02-27T20:00:00.000Z)

Injuries have caused issues for FC Barcelona all season long, and Juan Nunez is the latest player set for an extended spell on the sidelines. Speaking ahead of Barcelona's Round 27 clash against Real Madrid in El Clásico, head coach Joan Penarroya commented on Nunez's injury and also the condition of Kevin Punter.

Juan Nunez suffering with knee injury, out for El Clásico

Injuries have caused issues for [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) all season long, and [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) is the latest player set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Barcelona confirmed that Nunez is dealing with a swollen meniscus in his right knee and will miss *El Clásico*, but he'll be reevaluated in two weeks' time.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">[COMUNICAT MÈDIC]<br><br>El jugador Juan Núñez té una <br>inflamació del menisc extern del genoll dret i serà baixa en el proper partit d&#39;Eurolliga, corresponent a la jornada 27. <br><br>Es reavaluarà la disponibilitat del jugador en dues setmanes. <a href="https://t.co/LMjXsVPTrC">pic.twitter.com/LMjXsVPTrC</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1894722848398205110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's Round 27 clash against Real Madrid in *El Clásico*, head coach Joan Penarroya commented on Nunez's injury and also [the condition of Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcas-punter-sidelined-by-shoulder-injury/).

"We have said for days that we are in a situation in which things could be hard if we had more \[injury\] problems," Penarroya began. "Juan already had problems in the Copa del Rey and KP had shoulder problems, too. 

"Unfortunately, KP is still suffering from his injury in the third quarter in the Copa del Rey. He had to stop for some weeks but is developing well. 

"Juan is the most worrying because he has been battling knee problems which, for weeks, have prevented him from practicing and playing at the physical level that we would have wanted – him and us. 

"Right now, he can't play and together with our medical team, we have decided to give it a last try. Juan is making a big sacrifice for the team, receiving painkilling injections in order to play and doing everything he can, but it is unlikely that Juan will play for us again this season." 

Nunez has made 25 appearances for Barcelona in his debut season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, averaging 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Punter, meanwhile, is in his first campaign with Barcelona and sixth EuroLeague season overall. The MVP of the Month has played in all 26 EuroLeague games for Barcelona this season, posting 16.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals.

More Barcelona News

Barcelona coach Joan Penarroya discussed the condition of his young point guard

Panathinaikos BC announced that it has signed veteran center Tibor Pleiss for the remainder of the season.

Tibor Pleiss reunites with Coach Ataman at Panathinaikos

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) announced that it has signed veteran center [Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tibor-pleiss/lhk/) for the remainder of the season. 

This will mark the 14th EuroLeague season for Pleiss (2.18 meters, 35 years old), who has played under coach Ergin Ataman for six seasons – including five at [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/), where they shared in winning the 2021 and 2022 EuroLeague championships. 

He will help the club fill the void in the paint after losing both All-EuroLeague center [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) and [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-loses-center-yurtseven/) to injury.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">𝐓𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 💚☘️<br><br>Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει την απόκτηση του Τίμπορ Πλάις μέχρι το τέλος της σεζόν 2024-2025! <br><br>Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο CLUB 1908!📱<br><br>Πατήστε εδώ: <a href="https://t.co/0mCC8RsRxz">https://t.co/0mCC8RsRxz</a><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/bTrAJNdmTd">pic.twitter.com/bTrAJNdmTd</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1894689672342733183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Panathinaikos with be Pleiss’s seventh EuroLeague club. He debuted in the competition with [Brose Bamberg](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/brose-bamberg/bam/) in his native Germany in 2010, later spent two seasons with [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/) and one each at [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/), [Galatasaray Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/galatasaray-medical-park/gal/) and [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/) before settling in for six seasons with Efes.

Pleiss arrives from Trapani Shark in the Italian League, where he has averaged 6.0 points on 65.4% two-point shooting and 3.4 rebounds in 17 games. 

Best of Tibor Pleiss with Anadolu Efes

The center will now be able to add to his impressive career stats. Pleiss enters Round 27 ranked seventh in EuroLeague history with 228 blocks, 10th in offensive rebounds with 470, 11th in two-pointers made with 1,008 and tied for 13th with 1,396 rebounds. 

Aside from his two EuroLeague crowns, Pleiss has won four German Cups, three German League championships, three Turkish League championships and one Turkish Cup.

More Panathinaikos News

The two-time champion will bolster the Greens' thin frontcourt 

Excitement is already building for the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, so don't miss out and buy your ticket – or tickets – now via the Final Four ticketing website.

Tickets now on sale for 2025 EuroLeague Final Four

Excitement is already building for the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, so don't miss out and buy your ticket – or tickets – now via [the Final Four ticketing website](https://www.f4tickets.com/) or Abu Dhabi Event Tickets in Etihad Arena.

The semifinals will take place on Friday, May 23 before the title showdown, as well as the third-place game on Sunday, May 25. This is the first time that the Final Four will be held in Abu Dhabi, making this a landmark occasion for any basketball fan.

### Ticketing options

General public tickets provide access to all four games (two on Friday and two on Sunday) and are available in the following price categories, ranging from €74.75 per game (€299 total) to €187.25 per game (€749 total).

Also, VIP hospitality packages and ticket + hotel bundles will be available starting February 26, offering fans and businesses exclusive benefits to enhance their Final Four experience. Full details are available at [www.f4tickets.com](http://www.f4tickets.com). For further inquiries, please contact [f4tickets@euroleague.net](mailto:f4tickets@euroleague.net).

Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the biggest sporting events of the year in Abu Dhabi, the home of basketball in the Middle East!

For the first time ever, European basketball's showpiece event is heading to Abu Dhabi

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague is back after a two-week break and so is EuroLeague & Friends. Episode No. 16 featured a very special guest, none other than Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard Rokas Jokubaitis. This week's cast is completed by Shani Blatt, Asta Zukaite and Giulia Cicchine.

EuroLeague & Friends returns with Rokas Jokubaitis as guest

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague is back after a two-week break and so is EuroLeague & Friends. Episode No. 16 featured a very special guest, none other than [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/). This week's cast is completed by [Shani Blatt](https://www.instagram.com/shaniblatt/), [Asta Zukaite](https://www.instagram.com/asta_zukaite/) and [Giulia Cicchine](https://www.instagram.com/lacicchine/).

After introducing Jokubaitis, Shani highlighted how a great moment it is to follow the EuroLeague, with the most important games of the season coming up. They took a look at the standings, discussed how even NBA stars are talking about the competition, as well as the fact that [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) forward [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) was mic'd up and how he is the perfect candidate for that!

The conversation continued with the latest transfers and how [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) head coach [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/spanoulis-vassilis/) persuaded [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) to join his team, and a discussion about how should earn MVP of the Month honors in February. Finally, everyone looked ahead at Round 27 and what's at stake, including the Rivalry Series Game of the Week, [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) vs. [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/).

Everyone had a great time and loved talking about basketball in general and the EuroLeague in particular. Don't miss this week's EuroLeague & Friends episode!

All eyes will be on Vilnius on Tuesday, March 4 when the BKT EuroCup postseason with BC Wolves hosting U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Wolves, Cluj to share the spotlight in eighthfinals opener

All eyes will be on Vilnius on Tuesday, March 4 when the BKT EuroCup postseason tips off. [Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/wolves-twinsbet-vilnius/wol/) will host [U-BT Cluj-Napoca](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/u-bt-cluj-napoca/clu/) in the first of four single-game eighthfinal matchups. The remaining three will be played on Wednesday, leaving Wolves and Cluj alone to bask in the glory of being the only high-level playoff game of note anywhere in the world that day.

Both Wolves and Cluj are teams with lofty goals who are more than capable of shining in the spotlight. Wolves was, quite literally, built for it. Founded in 2022 when it took over the license of Dzukija Alytus, from the start the plan was to create a top-tier European club in the capital of Lithuania. Former EuroLeague stars Darjus and Ksistof Lavrinovic joined as ambassadors and in the first season, former EuroLeague champ [Jeffery Taylor](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jeffery-taylor/006546/) joined the project.

Wolves, which played its debut season in Alytus, made waves in its debut season and joined the EuroCup last season, the club's second campaign. Only one win separated Wolves from a spot in the 2024 postseason. This season, Wolves not only qualified but earned the home-court advantage for its first game.

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The opponent will be the Romanian champion, Cluj, whose history dates back to 1947. Only in recent years has it started to stand out. The first of Cluj's nine league championships came in 1992, and it has now won four in a row. Before debuting in the EuroCup in 2022, Cluj had reached the Champions League quarterfinals in four of the previous six seasons, while starting to bring massive crowds to its games at Bt-Arena.

After finishing second-to-last in its regular-season group in its first EuroCup run, Cluj turned heads last season when it went 13-5 to finish second in its group and earn an automatic big for the quarterfinals, where it ran out of steam against the London Lions. On Tuesday, it will play a EuroCup postseason game on the road for the first time.

The make-up of the team's rosters has some similarities, too. They are led by their playmakers, who have been among the best in the league this season. Cluj's [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) was the regular-season leader in assists (7.5 apg.) and ranked third in both scoring (17.7 ppg.) and PIR (21.0). His counterpart, [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/), ranked third in assists (5.7 apg.), fifth in PIR (19.1) and sixth in scoring (15.9 ppg.).

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Alongside Cowan is [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who carried Frutti Extra Bursaspor to the 2022 EuroCup Finals. Simpson's passes can tee up [D.J. Seeley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dennis-seeley/004862/), who has been to the EuroCup Quarterfinals three times.

Both teams have wily veterans on the wings; Wolves' 35-year-old Taylor spent seven EuroLeague seasons with Real Madrid. Cluj's 34-year-old Lithuanian forward [Gediminas Orelik](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gediminas-orelik/002012/) is in his 10th EuroCup season and played for the last team from Vilnius to reach the postseason, Rytas Vilnius.

The numbers can be twisted to tell many stories about this game. Cluj plays at a faster pace, is the more accurate shooting team and has better offensive rebounding numbers. Wolves takes better care of the ball, locks down its defensive glass and led the EuroCup in free-throw accuracy (80.3%). It almost doesn't matter.

This game could very well end up being decided by things that stats cannot always measure or predict. Like who wants the 50/50 balls more. Or as cliché as it sounds, by who plays with more heart. Because after all, it's the start of the postseason and the dream for EuroCup glory starts here.

The teams have much different histories and similar builds, but only one will advance to the quarterfinals