Name: Diallo races clear for a big dunk! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Nigel Hayes-Davis and Tarik Biberovic stepped up in the second half as Fenerbahce Beko flipped the script to beat Zalgiris Kaunas 98-86 in Round 22.

Hayes-Davis, Biberovic lead Fenerbahce turnaround against Zalgiris, 98-86

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to beat Zalgiris Kaunas 98-86 at Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Round 22 on Friday. Fenerbahce improved to 14-7 in the standings while Zalgiris dropped to 11-11. 

Nigel Hayes-Davis led the winners with 21 points. Marko Guduric added 20, Tarik Biberovic had 15 while Arturs Zagars got 11 for Fenerbahce. Alen Smailagic led Zalgiris with 24 points, a new career high. Sylvain Francisco added 16 while Ignas Brazdeikis got 12 for the guests.

Game Videos

Brazdeikis got Zalgiris going with a backdoor layup and struck twice from downtown for a 2-8 lead. Khem Birch banked in a close shot, then Dovydas Giedraitis and Bonzie Colson traded jumpers before Francisco hit a fadeaway shot for a 6-12 Zalgiris lead. Guduric downed a step-back jumper, Brazdeikis scored again and Errick McCollum soon brought Fenerbahce within 10-14. Francisco and Matt Mitchell struck from beyond the arc to make it a double-digit game, 10-20. Devon Hall joined the three-point shootout and downed a mid-range shot. McCollum sank a stop-and-pop jumper to bring the hosts within 17-20 after 10 minutes.

 

Smailagic buried a jumper early in the second quarter. Hayes-Davis stepped up with a put-back layup and bettered Smailagic's jumper with a bomb from downtown. Lonnie Walker dunked and a red-hot Smailagic restored a 22-28 Zalgiris margin. Zagars found his first points and Nicolo Melli scored in the paint, but Smailagic did better with three consecutive three-pointers, boosting the guests' lead to 26-37. Smailagic kept pacing Zalgiris before Guduric and Hayes-Davis got Fenerbahce within 30-39. Francisco and Brazdeikis buried a jumper apiece for a 32-43 score. Sertac Sanli took over with a put-back layup, Smailagic matched that with a driving basket and Francisco scored off a steal for a 34-47 Zalgiris lead at halftime.

Game News

Biberovic buried a three-pointer right after the break. Arnas Butkevicius answered from downtown and Smailagic added a put-back layup to keep Zalgiris way ahead, 39-52. Hayes-Davis stepped up for Fenerbahce and Guduric added a three-pointer to give the hosts hope at 45-53. Biberovic swished his second triple and Giedraitis scored in penetration before Edgaras Ulanovas restored a 48-57 Zalgiris margin. Biberovic hit a floater which Zagars followed with a driving layup in a 6-0 run in which Guduric got Fenerbahce as close as 54-57. Francisco and Mitchell buried a triple apiece to give Zalgiris fresh air at 56-63. Biberovic and Zagars each stringed three-pointers but so did Francisco, banking in one from way downtown at the third-quarter buzzer for a 62-68 Zalgiris lead.

Guduric sank back-to-back shots from beyond the arc to tie the game, 68-68, early in the fourth quarter. Smailagic rescued Zalgiris with a wild three-point play, Zagars scored again and Hayes-Davis's three-pointer completed the hosts' comeback, 73-71. Biberovic scored around the basket and fed Hall for a three-pointer, good for a 78-72 Fenerbahce lead. Colson buried a huge step-back triple that Walker matched at the other end. Zagars banked in a close shot and found Hayes-Davis for a backdoor layup for a double-digit Fenerbahce lead, 85-75, with under 3 minutes left. Hayes-Davis kept delivering, and Colson's wild put-back slam allowed Fenerbahce to seal an important win in style.

After being limited to 34 first-half points, the hosts erupted for 64 points after the break


Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-01-17T17:45:00.000Z)

Alpha Diallo caps the fast break with a fine two-hander!

Diallo races clear for a big dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v AS Monaco (2025-01-17T19:00:00.000Z)

Isaiah Canaan steals, races away and beats a defender with a reverse layup, what a solo effort!


Canaan does it all himself! Motorola Magic Moment

Isaiah Canaan steals, races away and beats a defender with a reverse layup, what a solo effort!

Darius Thompson connects with Vincent Poirier for a big alley-oop slam!

Thompson finds Poirier! Motorola Magic Moment

FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-17T19:45:00.000Z)

Vincent Poirier tries to dunk but Jabari Parker stops him with a chase-down block!


Parker's chase-down block! Motorola Magic Moment

Vincent Poirier tries to dunk but Jabari Parker stops him with a chase-down block!

Devin Booker peels off the pick and roll and slams with force.


Booker slams off pick and roll! Motorola Magic Moment

Devin Booker peels off the pick and roll and slams with force.

FC Bayern Munich v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Bonzie Colson sets the crowd on fire with a huge put-back dunk - wow!


Colson's wild put-back slam! Motorola Magic Moment

Bonzie Colson sets the crowd on fire with a huge put-back dunk - wow!

Bonzie Colson beats the shot clock with a tough three-point shot... and the crowd LOVES IT!


Colson ignites the crowd! Motorola Magic Moment

Bonzie Colson beats the shot clock with a tough three-point shot... and the crowd LOVES IT!

U18 FC Bayern Munich collected its first victory of the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Munich tournament with a clear 54-74 win over U18 Aris Midea Thessaloniki. The host side pulled away in the third quarter to improve to 1-1 in Group A. Nikolas Sermpezis led the way with 18 points, the 14-year-old Marko Volf, the younger brother of recent EuroLeague debutant Ivan Volf, scored 12 points and Andrija Susic collected 6 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Aris fell to 0-2 in the group despite Vasileios Kazamias scoring 13 points. 

 

Bayern opened the game with the first six points. Aris came back to even the game at 10-10 and temporarily took the lead 14-13. The game was tied 16-16 after 10 minutes. Aris tried to keep Bayern from pulling away in the second quarter and it was 25-30. Bayern did manage to push the advantage out to 25-35 and went into the halftime ahead 30-35. 

 

The German side tallied the first nine points of the second half and the cushion grew to 30-44. Bayern even increased the margin to 15 points at 32-47 and was leading 43-54 after three quarters. Bayern picked up the first seven points of the fourth quarter and held Aris scoreless for nearly 4 minutes in leading 43-61. The 20-point marker was hit at 48-68 and Bayern did not let Aris get back into the game.

Hosts get 12 points from 14-year-old prospect Marko Volf

Bayern grabs first victory by beating Aris

U18 Aris Midea Thessaloniki v U18 FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-17T17:00:00.000Z)

Time running out? No problem! Sylvain Francisco banks in a big three-pointer at the buzzer!


Francisco beats the buzzer! Motorola Magic Moment

Time running out? No problem! Sylvain Francisco banks in a big three-pointer at the buzzer!

Bahcesehir College Istanbul star Jaleen Smith spoke with David Hein about his EuroLeague and EuroCup journey to this point, and what lies ahead.

Jaleen Smith: ‘Being at ALBA was like learning basketball all over again’

[Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) is clearly one of the leaders of [Bahcesehir College Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/bahcesehir-college-istanbul/bah/) and a big reason why the Turkish club hopes it can win the BKT EuroCup, which would give it a direct spot in next year’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. A major portion of that leadership stems from his move to [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/ber/) back in 2021 – a massive change during which he admits to struggling to find his game.

Smith has averaged 13.3 points per game as one of four Bahcesehir players in double figures for the team that leads Group A with a very impressive 13-2 record.

“We're pretty good right now. We're achieving what we set out to do, what I thought we could do at the beginning of the season,” Smith told David Hein. “So now we just got to keep it rolling and, keep this momentum going into these last couple of games and also into the playoffs as well.”

The 30-year-old arrived in Istanbul this past offseason and is in his first year in the EuroCup after spending the last three years in the EuroLeague. And he has been impressed with the level.

“It's very fast-paced – maybe a little bit faster than the EuroLeague. It’s a little less physicality than the EuroLeague, but it's still good basketball. And the teams are also ambitious to get to the EuroLeague. They're trying to put their money in to try to get to the EuroLeague for the following season,” said Smith, who suited up for ALBA for two years in the EuroLeague and then for [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) and [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/) in the 2023-24 campaign.

“Bahcesehir wanted a project to be one of the best Turkish League teams up there with Fenerbahce \[Beko Istanbul\] and \[Anadolu\] Efes \[Istanbul\] and the ambition to go to the EuroLeague. So I came in with a mindset of we're going to try to win the EuroCup, try to win the Turkish League and be a part of a project of getting the team to the EuroLeague.”

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Smith remembers well his first season in the EuroLeague back in 2021-22 – the first of his two years with ALBA. He had just won the German League MVP award in his second season with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. But things did not go so smoothly for Smith in the German capital at first.

Smith was a star for Ludwigsburg as he averaged 15.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals in taking home the top individual honor. But he was playing for a head coach in John Patrick whose whole philosophy is based on defense.

In his first season in Ludwigsburg, which was his first year in the German first division after two years with Heidelberg in the ProA, Smith had a very strong core of teammates including Nick Weiler-Babb, Khadeen Carrington, Marcos Knight and Tanner Leissner.

“John Patrick had a lot of rules. Even guys who didn't really play defense, he even made those guys play defense,” he said. “It was a crazy experience, but it helped me in the future. Now guys that come out of that system, everybody sees them as defensive players because that's how John Patrick is. And that's what he demands out of his players. I think that kind of helped me throughout these last couple of years, just realizing that I'm a defensive guy.”

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In his first season there, he was a glue guy who averaged 10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals. Then after many of the team’s top players left, Smith became the star of the team.

“I ended up showing what I could do without those guys being there, while also being the defensive guy that I am now. So that kind of helped me,” he said.

That offseason he went from Ludwigsburg to ALBA Berlin – the first season in which Israel Gonzalez had taken over for Aito Garcia Reneses.

“It was a complete contrast. ALBA’s offense: run and gun, different defensive rules. It was like night and day,” he remembered. “I think in ALBA, that's where I learned about team ball. Ludwigsburg is more one-on-one and defense, but in ALBA, it's fast-paced, quick shots – if you're open, shoot it. Spanish defense. It was so different, and it was basically like learning basketball all over again.”

Smith averaged 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals for a PIR of 3.2 over the first 20 games in the EuroLeague in 2021-22, but he eventually turned things around and collected 11.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals for a PIR of 10.6 in the final 14 games.

“They brought me in as a ‘1’, but then I started to show my versatility and I moved to the ‘2’. And that's where I really found my shooting stroke.”

The 2021-22 season also ended with Smith helping ALBA secure the German League and German Cup double – his first championships since high school.

“Man, that was awesome. I think that cements you in history that you're a part of a championship team,” he said “It’s an amazing accomplishment. And it's crazy to still think that we won it that year.”

<center>
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Smith followed that with averages of 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the EuroLeague in 2022-23. And then, after six years in Germany, last season saw him move to Virtus. Three months into the season, Smith then upped sticks and joined Partizan.

Despite the move, Smith was one of four EuroLeague players last year to shoot 50% on two-pointers, 40% on three-pointers and 90% on free throws.

“It's great to have that, even through all the adversity and everything that happened: the midseason switch and me going from playing to not playing. It was tough,” he recalls. “I think it just goes to the confidence that I had in myself and the work that I put in just to get to that. I put a lot of time in just to get like numbers like that.”

Now, Smith is not worried at all about his numbers but only winning the EuroCup and using the lessons he learned in his first season in the EuroLeague to get his team to the best league in Europe.

More Bahcesehir News

The Bahcesehir star explains how going to the German EuroLeague team helped turn him into the leader he is today

U18 Next Gen Team Munich showed no signs of difficulties getting used to one another as it coasted to a 101-43 victory over U18 Virtus Segafredo Bologna in its first game in Group B of the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Munich tournament. NGM scored 12 straight points in the opening minutes and was not tested the rest of the game. Dorian Rinaldo Komlan scored 19 points, Ricards Aizpurs had 17 points and Mathias Vazquez chipped in 10 points for the winners. Matteo Lenci was the only Virtus player in double figures with 14 points. 

 

Virtus stayed close for the opening moments but NGM raced away with a 12-0 run to lead 15-3. And the cushion was 23-6 and the selection side was ahead by as many as 19 points before ending the opening frame up 27-10. NGM did not let up in the second quarter with an 11-0 surge for a 38-11 margin. And Dogus Balbay’s team was up 50-18 at halftime. 

 

Virtus scored the first points of the second half only to see NGM pour in the next 11 points to lead 61-20. And a 12-0 run increased the lead to 75-24 with Virtus down 79-27 after 30 minutes. NGM did not slow down in the final frame as it worked towards playing better together and took the quarter 22-16. 

Selection side dominates Italians from the beginning

Next Gen team doesn’t give Virtus a chance 

U18 Next Gen Team Munich v U18 Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-17T14:45:00.000Z)

U18 Real Madrid needed some time but cruised past U18 SC Derby Podgorica 89-49 in the opening game of Group B at the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Munich tournament. The two-time reigning champion put the game away with a 23-2 run in the third quarter. Gildas Gimenez was Real’s top scorer with 21 points, Fabian Kayser had 11 points and both Maximo Garcia-Plata and Sidi Gueye collected 10 points. Vladimir Komenovic had 9 points as Derby’s leading scorer. 

 

Real struggled early on scoring and Derby led 2-7. The Montenegro side was ahead 12-16 until Real came back for the final four points of the quarter to tie 16-16. Derby was still hanging tough in the second quarter and led 26-27. Real was finally able to wrestle away control with the next eight points and led 40-30 at halftime.   

 

Derby tallied the first three points of the second half but then Real took complete control with a 23-2 run to go ahead 63-35. The final seven points of the quarter went to Derby and it was 63-42 after three quarters. Derby failed to score for the first 7 minutes of the final frame and Real surged to an 81-42 lead. 

Defending champ shows class in second half

Real defense limits Derby in blowout

U18 Real Madrid v U18 SC Derby Podgorica (2025-01-17T12:30:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in Round 15 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 15

Look back at all the action from Round 15 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 22 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 22

## Friday, January 17

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (18:45 CET)

**Saras Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach**

"Zalgiris is the best defensive team in the EuroLeague. It is extremely difficult to score against them. They are a team that can change their defensive strategies game to game, quarter to quarter. They are extremely versatile defensively and offensively. A lot of shooters. They usually play with four shooters at a time. So it is really important to understand what kind of players are guarding and obviously try to limit \[Sylvain\] Francisco and \[Lonnie\] Walker as much as possible."

**Dyshawn Pierre, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward**

"It will be a hard game. They play with a lot of energy. Back to back wins are important to finish off the double week."

**Andrea Trinchieri, Zalgiris Kaunas head coach**

"We play against another big team. They are a strong candidate for the Final Four. They're big, they're long, they cover the court very well on defense, and this is, besides all the things you need to do in order to compete against them, playing against their length and their switching defense is one very important topic for this game. It's a double week, if we're talking about tactics and Xs and Os, remain hungry and build on the win from \[Wednesday\], trying to regenerate and refresh mental and physical energy will be the keys for this game."

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. AS Monaco (20:00 CET)

**Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade head coach**

"Monaco is quality... They have players with the talent to play one on one, they are good as a team. So, as I said, we have to be significantly better if we think we have a chance. On the other hand, we also have to be smart in attack, look at where we have an advantage and attack in the right way at the right time. I expect the reaction of the players and together with the fans to fight for a positive result." 

**Vassilis Spanoulis, AS Monaco head coach**

"Against Bayern, we lacked seriousness and concentration. You can't show two different faces in two halves, it's not possible to play like that. Even if I liked the way we fought afterwards, that's not the way to win a game."

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (20:30 CET)

**Gordon Herbert, FC Bayern Munich head coach**

"Bologna is a team with nothing left to lose, which makes them dangerous. They’ve been playing much better in recent weeks and are well-organized. Our win against Monaco only matters if we also win this game."

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach**

"Bayern is an excellent team, with very good shooters: they are the team that shoots the most from three-point range, with a very good percentage. They open the court very well, they play fast, so it will be a very difficult game. But we have to improve on how we played yesterday against Zalgiris, especially at the beginning of the game."

**Momo Diouf, Virtus Segafredo Bologna center**

"For tomorrow's game we will have to take the court focused and start from the beginning with energy. They can count on experienced players, quick and good shooters, we will have to be united for the whole 40' and help each other."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CET)

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach**

"I don't expect any reaction, it's a different game, a different arena, a different opponent, a coach with a lot of experience. They may not be in a good position in the standings, but in reality, at home, it's a different and better team. It will be a different game and our team will play its own basketball, so I hope we find a good atmosphere and we will try to get the win."

**Omer Yurtseven, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens center**

"I think we always just look forward and look ahead to the schedule ahead of us. One day at a time. Recover, work on it today, and we'll be out there competing tomorrow."

### FC Barcelona vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:45 CET)

**Joan Penarroya, FC Barcelona head coach**

"It's a different game against a different opponent. We need to have a good game, a game full of energy, and a game where we are in front of our fans. The energy of Palau Blaugrana is a plus for us. It's a difficult opponent with high-quality players who have won multiple EuroLeague titles. We can't think about the last game, we need to focus on a tough opponent in Efes."

**Chimezie Metu, FC Barcelona forward**

"The group is very happy as the win \[against Panathinaikos\] was a big win. We needed it, and on Friday too. Every team in the EuroLeague, and Efes as well. It's the second time that we're playing them and it's very important to get another victory."

**Luca Banchi, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"We expect a very tough game. FC Barcelona is actually in great shape. They collect three wins in a row, they will present their best roster with one of the best scoring guards in the entire EuroLeague \[Kevin Punter\]. That's why we have to prepare ourselves very well. Taking care of details in Paris was not so good for us. We must approach the game with a good consistency, physicality and use all our talent to take a win which can finally reignite our season in the EuroLeague."

**Elijah Bryant, Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard**

"FC Barcelona is a great team, and we have to approach the game with consistency and fight, especially on the road. Every game is an opportunity, and we can’t afford to take any of them for granted."

## Thursday, January 16

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. ALBA Berlin (20:00 CET)

**Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin head coach**

"ASVEL's roster consists of a very good mix of experienced players like \[Nando\] De Colo, \[Tarik\] Black, \[Joffrey\] Lauvergne and young players like \[Theo\] Maledon, \[Neal\] Sako and \[Melvin\] Ajinca. This combination also characterizes ASVEL's play and brings consistency to the team. They bring a lot of quality to the court, especially at home in Villeurbanne, which is why it will be a big challenge for us on Thursday – especially in the double-game week."

### Paris Basketball vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:30 CET)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach**

"There are some offensive things we did well yesterday, and we need to build on that going forward. Defensively, it's a completely different game. Paris plays at a very high and unique pace compared to other EuroLeague teams, and in the first round, they surprised the entire EuroLeague with their style of play. During a double-game week, it’s difficult to prepare tactically for the second game, but we’ll try to build on things we did in the first game and do them better, especially in an away game. They don’t do many offensive things, but they execute at a very high level, and we’ll need to try to slow them down, which we weren’t able to do yesterday."

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"We face a great opponent, a team that, after a difficult start, has raised its performance by obtaining many significant wins including with the last one in Villeurbanne. For us it is essential to continue to show on the court the defensive improvements produced in the last period, and to continue to move the ball against a very athletic defense like that of Partizan."

**Nikola Mirotic, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan forward**

"We are aware that the moment of the season is crucial, but we must take it one game at a time without looking too far ahead. Today, our thoughts are all about the game against Partizan. For some time now, we have had a better understanding of ourselves and how to play together. Injuries have affected us, but at the same time the guys staying on the court had the opportunity to develop confidence. For me personally, playing alongside Zach LeDay is fun and makes everything easier because there is chemistry and mutual trust, and we know we can count on our teammates, especially on defense."

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach**

"We had a good game in Lyon, but there’s no time to celebrate. We arrived in Milan this morning and managed to fit in a training session, which was more of a discussion about the good things, but also the weaker points from the game against Milan in Belgrade. We tried to correct those and will do our best to win tomorrow’s game, which is very important for us. Milan has an excellent team, with players like \[Nikola\] Mirotic, \[Zach\] LeDay, and \[Shavon\] Shields, but of course, the rest of the roster is also very strong. There are a lot of things we need to focus on, and it certainly won’t be an easy game."

**Iffe Lundberg, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard**

"We'll review the footage, as we always do, and try to prepare as best as possible for the next game. There's only a short amount of time between the two games, so we need to get ready quickly. We hope that our fans will support us tomorrow, just as they did in Lyon."

### Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:45 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We face a tough game against Olympiacos, a team that has two of the best scorers in the EuroLeague in \[Evan\] Fournier and \[Sasha\] Vezenkov, a team that knows how to play, that has very well established its defensive rules and its style of play. Olympiacos is coached by a gentleman of the sport in \[Georgios\] Bartzokas who, year after year, proves that his style of play is worthy of being champion. In addition, they have players of a very high level, one of them very dear to us, Nigel Williams-Goss. We have been doing a good defensive job, although Maccabi managed to take the game to many possessions and had extraordinary percentages. We were able to take the scoring to extraordinary levels as well and I am very happy for the victory, but now we have to keep thinking about winning. Olympiacos will not allow so many offensive possibilities and we have to do the same."

**Eli Ndiaye, Real Madrid center**

"Olympiacos is playing very well and we expect a tough game. We have to defend very well because they have very good players with many points in their hands. We have to come out from the first minute with a lot of concentration and energy, with a good balance between offense and defense to counter their strengths, which are many. Defense will be key tomorrow and I think that a good part of our chances of victory will depend on it. We have improved a lot since a month ago, winning very difficult games and tomorrow we have to continue on the same path."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"It was expected that after injured players would come back, they would find their rhythm. Real’s game is more consistent after \[Dzanan\] Musa returned. They have good players and a good coach, and I was sure that they would be back on track. They have 6 wins in a row, and that says a lot. In our between game, the most important key factor will be which team will be more fresh, since we both come from back-to-back games."

**Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos Piraeus forward**

"I am blessed to be a part of the Olympiacos family. This team has helped me to achieve a lot in my career, and I am grateful. Tomorrow we play against a great team. They are in very good shape; they have six wins in a row, and we expect a tough game. In my opinion, the key factor will be the defense. We have to play hard and follow the game plan."

Pregame quotes hub: 'Fenerbahce is a strong candidate for the Final Four'

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v ALBA Berlin (2025-01-16T19:00:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-01-16T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2025-01-16T19:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-01-16T19:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Here, you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report: Round 22

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### ALBA Berlin

Matteo Spagnolo and Justin Bean are ruled out for ALBA's game at ASVEL on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Matteo Spagnolo did not play in Round 21.
- Malte Delow did not play in Round 21.
- Louis Olinde last played in Round 18.
- [Justin Bean](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/justin-bean-out-three-months-with-broken-wrist/) is out until early February after breaking his wrist.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Darius Thompson and Rolands Smits are questionable for Efes's game at Barcelona on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [New signing PJ Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-adds-pj-dozier-to-its-backcourt-mix/) did not play in Round 21, but he is registered to play.

### AS Monaco

There are no absentees on Monaco's roster for its game at Crvena Zvezda on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-basket-loses-alpha-diallo-to-knee-injury/) returned to action in Round 21.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Panathinaikos on Friday.

- Markus Howard last played in Round 19.
- [Tadas Sedekerskis is out with an injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-tadas-sedekerskis-suffers-thigh-injury/) in his thigh muscle, but no timetable has been set for his return.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Crvena Zvezda has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Monaco on Friday.

- Nemanja Nedovic was unavailable in Round 21.
- Milos Teodosic returned to action in Round 21.
- Ognjen Dobric returned to action in Round 21.
- Branko Lazic (back) last played in Round 15.
- Mike Daum, who last played in Round 18, has undergone knee surgery, the club confirmed on January 9.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Diego Flaccadori, Josh Nebo, Fabien Causeur, Neno Dimitrijevic and Ousmane Diop are all ruled out for Milan's game against Partizan on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Ousmane Diop last played in Round 19.
- Neno Dimitrijevic last played in Round 19.
- Fabien Causeur last played in Round 18.
- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/josh-nebo-to-be-reevaluated-in-3-4-weeks/) suffered another injury in Round 17 and is expected to miss extended time, according to coach Ettore Messina.

### FC Barcelona

Nico Laprovittola is ruled out for Barcelona's game against Efes on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Jan Vesely returned to action in Round 21 after missing the previous two rounds.
- [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nico-laprovittola-to-undergo-knee-surgery/) was ruled out for the season due to an ACL and meniscus injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Kevin Yebo and Vladimir Lucic are ruled out for Bayern's game against Virtus on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Nick Weiler-Babb returned to action in Round 21 after missing Rounds 19 and 20.
- Oscar da Silva returned to action in Round 21 after missing Round 20.
- Bayern has been without Vladimir Lucic (muscle bruise) since Round 2.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Wade Baldwin and Scottie Wilbekin are ruled out for Fenerbahce's game against Zalgiris on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Arturs Zagars](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/arturs-zagars-fenerbahce-beko-foot-injury/), who had been out since Round 14, returned to action in Round 21.
- [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wade-baldwin-out-with-hamstring-injury/) has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in Round 16.
- [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Partizan on Thursday.

- Joffrey Lauvergne last played in Round 16.
- [Mbaye Ndiaye ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mbaye-ndiaye-ldlc-asvel-out-for-several-months-with-knee-injury/)has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is likely out for the season.
- [Charles Kahudi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/charles-kahudi-out-for-four-weeks-with-groin-injury/) is out until mid-to-late January with a groin injury.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Maccabi has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Paris on Thursday.

- Maccabi had no injuries heading into Round 21.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Thomas Walkup, Tyler Dorsey, Keenan Evans and Moses Wright are all ruled out for Olympiacos's game at Real Madrid on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Thomas Walkup (back) and Tyler Dorsey (illness) both missed Round 21.
- Evan Fournier and Kostas Papanikolaou returned to action in Round 21 after missing Round 20.
- [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/moses-wright-out-for-the-season-with-health-issue/) is out for the season with a health issue.
- [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-star-keenan-evans-out-long-term-after-knee-surgery/) remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery. He has not yet been registered for the competition.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Panathinaikos has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Baskonia on Friday.

- Lorenzo Brown returned to action in Round 21 after missing Round 20.
- Kostas Sloukas returned to action in Round 21 after missing Round 20.
- Kostas Antetokounmpo missed Round 21.
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) suffered a broken fibula in Round 17 and will miss several months.
- Marius Grigonis (lower back surgery) has not played since Round 4.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Maccabi on Thursday.

- Daulton Hommes has not yet played this season.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Frank Ntilikina, Duane Washington, Vanja Marinkovic and Mitar Bosnjakovic are all ruled out for Partizan's game at Milan on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Isaac Bonga and Aleksej Pokusevski both returned to action in Round 21.
- Frank Ntilikina missed Round 21.
- Duane Washington (illness) missed Round 21.
- Vanja Marinkovic has not played since Round 16 due to an Achilles injury.
- Mitar Bosnjakovic (ankle) last played in Round 16.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Olympiacos on Thursday.

- [New signing Dennis Smith Jr.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-signs-ex-nba-guard-dennis-smith-jr/) has not yet been registered.
- Serge Ibaka did not play in Round 21.
- [Gaby Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-loses-gabriel-deck-to-torn-hamstring/) is sidelined with a torn hamstring.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Will Clyburn is ruled out for Virtus's game at Bayern on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Toko Shengelia, who had not played since Round 15, returned to action in Round 21.
- Ante Zizic last played in Round 19, but he is available in Round 22.
- [Will Clyburn is out until mid-March](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/will-clyburn-virtus-bologna-out-at-least-10-weeks-with-foot-injury/) due to a foot injury.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Fenerbahce on Friday.

- Tomas Dimsa, who has not been registered, remains out with a shoulder injury.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 22: Thompson, Smits questionable for Efes

U18 Valencia Basket shrugged off a subpar first half to run away with an 84-57 victory over U18 Aris Midea Thessaloniki in its first game of the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Munich. Valencia had a 23-4 third quarter run to decide the Group A game. Javier Viguer was Valencia’s top scorer with 19 points while Tomas Talcis scored 16 points, Pau Torrens had 13 points and guard Didac Cebolla collected 3 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Vassilis Pourlidas picked up 19 points as Aris’ leading scorer.   

 

After Aris went up 3-6 early on, Valenica used a 7-0 spurt to take a 10-6 lead. The gap was 12-7 when Aris answered with seven straight points to lead 12-14 and Valencia grabbed a 16-14 advantage after 10 minutes. The game remained close though Valencia had a 25-18 cushion and was ahead 32-25. But Aris knocked down two three-pointers in the closing 31 seconds of the second quarter to make it 32-31 at the break. 

 

Aris temporarily took the lead to start the second half but Valencia started to dominate play. The Spanish side put together a 23-4 run in the third quarter to open a 20-point lead 59-39. And the advantage was 64-44 after three quarters. Aris scored the first basket of the final frame but did not get closer than 18 points the rest of the way. 

Valencia dominated the third quarter 32-13 in grabbing the win 

Valencia uses strong second half to blow out Aris

U18 Valencia Basket v U18 Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2025-01-17T10:15:00.000Z)

Few people could have predicted that Olympiacos BC would enjoy such a comfortable victory, rolling to an 86-96 scoreline with a dominant performance at both ends of the floor against Real Madrid in Round 22 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Serious Olympiacos breaking away from pack in top four race

Something had to give when [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) hosted [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) in a true heavyweight matchup on Thursday night, repeating both [last season’s semifinal](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dug-itself-too-big-a-hole-to-get-out-of-against-real-madrid/) and the [previous year’s championship game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/championship-game-blog-olympiacos-piraeus-vs-real-madrid/).

Both teams were in red-hot form heading into the showdown, with Real having won all six games since sinking to a worrying [home defeat against Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-overpowers-real-in-madrid-83-92/) in mid-December, neatly turning crisis into opportunity.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, had established a two-game lead at the top of the standings with its own six-game streak, again getting its competitive juices flowing with an [overtime win at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-wins-overtime-thriller-at-baskonia-101-102/) just two days earlier.

Irresistible force versus immovable object? With these two talent-loaded rosters it’s difficult to decide which team fits which of those descriptions, so the outcome of Thursday’s Rivalry Series showdown was really anyone’s guess.

And few people could have predicted that Olympiacos would enjoy such a comfortable victory, rolling to [an 86-96 scoreline](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dominates-real-in-statement-making-win-86-96/) with a dominant performance at both ends of the floor which delivered a 22-point lead early in the fourth quarter.

Although Real did show some spirit to launch a late 10-0 run and nearly set up a big finale, the host couldn’t get closer than 8 points and Olympiacos will reflect on a very well-deserved victory after leading for the last 34 minutes.

Evan Fournier runs wild in Madrid against Real in Round 22 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Evan Fournier runs wild in Madrid

There were key individual contributions, notably from shooting star [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) who netted 5 triples in his career-high total of 28 points. [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) also won his battle in the paint with [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) by blasting a couple of ferocious dunks in his 13 points and adding 8 rebounds, while [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/) – on the night he reached 1,500 points in the competition and dished a game-high 5 assists – did a great defensive job to limit Real dynamo [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) to just 7 points.

More than those solo stats, however, this was a highly serious and focused performance from Olympiacos, leading Fournier to conclude: “We came in with the mentality of the underdog. Madrid is playing really well and they have a really good defense, so it’s tough to play against them. When we have that spirit, that mindset and that fight, that’s when we play our best.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👏🏽 The presidential congratulations from Mr. Georgios Angelopoulos to Evan Fournier and Nikola Milutinov.<br><br>🗣️ And of course, coach Barzoka&#39;s speech after the big W!!! <br><br>🙌🏽 Coach B: “Guys, congratulations. We accomplished to win two games in Spain. Big credit for that”!<br><br>😂… <a href="https://t.co/9DMhAB8E98">pic.twitter.com/9DMhAB8E98</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1880024298913690114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It was the second win this season for Olympiacos over its Spanish rival, having triumphed [79-69 in October](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-beats-real-madrid-79-69-in-rivalry-series-clash/) behind 23 points from [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), so Coach [Georgios Bartzokas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/bartzokas-georgios/?season=E2024)’s team now boasts the potential head-to-head tiebreak advantage over Real as well as a four-game lead.

With 12 games still remaining in the regular season, that is far from decisive, but it puts Olympiacos in a great position to overcome one of its chief rivals for a top-four finish – which historically provides a 75% chance of advancing to the Final Four.

Coach Bartzokas certainly isn’t thinking that far ahead, but allied with Fournier in praising the mental fortitude of his players as he concluded: “I really appreciate the effort of the players. We have players with personality – players that play to do their job, not just to play naïve basketball. We need to play to win games, and we have these players.”

Winning games is something that Olympiacos is doing with impressive consistency right now. And if the same serious attitude is maintained until the end of May, the Reds could well end up winning it all.

Evan Fournier played a key role Thursday with a season-high 28 points in Madrid