Second-placed Virtus (12-5) will look to start the new year in style with a visit from dangerous Bayern (8-9).
Game Notes: Virtus vs. Bayern



The German team has won two of its last three games, while Virtus has taken five out of six and eight in a row at home. Virtus has signed Ante Zizic to replace the injured Devontae Cacok, and could also give a first appearance in the backcourt to fellow newcomer Rihards Lomasz. Pablo Laso’s men will need to guard against the long-range shooting prowess of Marco Belinelli, who has hit multiple triples in five straight games and 13 of the last 14. Bayern thrashed Virtus 90-76 when the teams met in November behind a colossal 24 points and 13 rebounds from Serge Ibaka, and will look for another dominant performance from the big man this week.
-In Round 11, Bayern beat Virtus 90-76 with Serge Ibaka earning MVP of the Round honors. He also set personal bests with 24 points, 9 two-pointers made, 13 rebounds – including 6 offensive rebounds – and a PIR of 34.
-Bayern guard Carsen Edwards set a career-high 4 steals in the Round 11 win over Virtus.
- Last season was the first two official games between these two teams.
- Virtus big man Jordan Mickey played under current Bayern head coach Pablo Laso at Real Madrid during the 2019-20 season.
- Mickey was a teammate of Bayern big man Devin Booker at Khimki Moscow Region during the 2020-21 season.
- Mickey posted his career high with 10 defensive rebounds playing for Khimki Moscow Region against Bayern in December 2020.
- Booker set his career high in offensive rebounds with 6 playing for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul against Virtus in December 2022.
- Bayern's Sylvain Francisco was a teammate of Virtus's Isaia Cordinier on the French national team at the 2023 Basketball World Cup.
- Virtus guard Daniel Hackett dished a career-high 10 assists for Montepaschi Siena against Bayern in November 2013.
- Virtus big man Bryant Dunston posted his career-high index rating of 33 playing for Olympiacos Piraeus against Bayern in October 2013.
- Virtus swingman Ognjen Dobric grabbed a career-high 6 rebounds playing for Crvena Zvezda Belgrade against Bayern in March 2021.