Virtus Bologna forward Achille Polonara was able to take part in the team's full training session on Tuesday, November 28, for the first time since undergoing surgery for a testicular tumor.

Great news: Achille Polonara returns to Virtus Bologna training

Virtus Segafredo Bologna brought a smile to the faces of all Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans on Tuesday by announcing that [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) has returned to full training.

Polonara has been away from the court and feeling the support of the EuroLeague community after [doctors discovered a testicular tumor and subsequently operated on it](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/chemotherapy-will-leave-virtuss-polonara-out-at-least-four-weeks/) in early October, with Virtus making this news public on October 21. Yet, just over five weeks later, the 32-year-old took part in a training session with his Virtus teammates this Tuesday, November 28.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PolonAIR is back ❤️⏳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/oFoxas3voe">pic.twitter.com/oFoxas3voe</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1729461682055843916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At the time of the first announcement, Virtus declared that Polonara would spend at least four weeks on the sidelines as he underwent chemotherapy to address the testicular tumor, before practicing on his own.

### Polonara showed his inner strength

We have all become familiar with Polonara’s energetic play on the court, but the Italian forward has also shown the inner strength that he has in the last couple of months.

His Virtus teammates and the coaching staff have been behind him all the way, holding up his jersey after a big win against AS Monaco and also having him present at games, with Polonara joining in with high-fiving the fans after wins at Virtus Segafredo Arena.

Polonara returned to his native Italy over the summer by returning to Virtus, yet the discovery of this testicular tumor means that he has only played one game so far this season, which came against Zalgiris Kaunas in Round 1.

The team led by head coach Luca Banchi has used Polonara as an inspiration throughout his recovery, with Virtus going 7-2 since the forward’s only appearance in this campaign, so his return is likely to result in another big boost of morale.

It seems as though Virtus’s upcoming road game against FC Bayern Munich in Round 11 could come too soon for Polonara’s return, but the club’s Round 12 clash at home to FC Barcelona could see him step onto the parquet once again in the EuroLeague. No doubt, there will be a celebratory feel the moment that this happens.

More Virtus News

Achille Polonara celebrates with the Virtus Segafredo Bologna fans after a recent win, despite being away from the team as he deals with his chemotherapy treatment.

The 32-year-old took part in a full training session for the first time since his diagnosis.

Great news: Achille Polonara returns to Virtus training

The mid-season signings of Filip Petrusev and Naz Mitrou-Long at Olympiacos B.C., following the addition of Ignas Brazdeikis late in training camp, have bolstered the Reds' roster as they hope to win their first EuroLeague since 2013. 

Filip Petrusev signing shows Olympiacos B.C. has EuroLeague glory in mind

It’s fair to say that [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/carousels/olympiacos-piraeus/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22oly%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Olympiacos%20Piraeus) has experienced a few turbulent months. In fact, from the moment Real Madrid’s [Sergio Llull broke the hearts of Reds’ fans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/championship-game-blog-olympiacos-piraeus-vs-real-madrid/) by hitting a game-winning jumpshot in last season’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game, it felt like everything that could go wrong at Peace and Friendship Stadium did go wrong.

First up was the shock announcement that [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/kostas-sloukas-switches-olympiacos-for-archrival-panathinaikos/), whose missed jumper at the buzzer saw Olympiacos fall to Real, was moving to the club’s archrival, Panathinaikos Athens. Then, although less surprising, was the confirmation that Sasha Vezenkov, the 2022-23 EuroLeague MVP, had decided to head to the NBA and join up with the Sacramento Kings.

### Good news, with a caveat

Admittedly, there was good news sprinkled in over the summer, such as the returns of Nikola Milutinov and Nigel Williams-Goss to Olympiacos, in addition to the arrival of Luke Sikma. There was also [the signing of Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-acquires-brazdeikis-from-zalgiris/) towards the end of training camp, which added another body to Georgios Bartzokas’s rotation.

However, the injury bug hit the Reds big time in the early part of the EuroLeague season. In fact, in the first 10 rounds this season, the following players all missed at least one game due to injury: Brazdeikis (two games), Sikma (five), Williams-Goss (four), Moustapha Fall (one), Shaquielle McKissic (nine) and Milutinov (two).

### The picture is changing

As we head into Round 11, though, things look rather different. Although Williams-Goss is still sidelined with a leg injury, the majority of Coach Bartzokas’s players have now recovered, with Milutinov and McKissic playing in Round 10, and there are two shiny signings for Olympiacos fans to get excited about: [Naz Mitrou-Long](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-signs-guard-mitrou-long/) and [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-brings-filip-petrusev-back-to-the-euroleague/).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">✍️🏾 Η ΚΑΕ Ολυμπιακός ανακοινώνει την απόκτηση του Φιλίπ Πετρούσεφ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a><a href="https://t.co/qEt3FdQ6Gu">https://t.co/qEt3FdQ6Gu</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1729262721739149771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indeed, no club has been more active than Olympiacos in the market in recent months, with the club wrapping up three signings in the past three months, including two in the last seven days. Following back-to-back Final Four appearances, losing in the semifinals in 2021-22 and the championship game in 2022-23, there’s no way that the Reds want to miss out on a trip to Berlin, Germany, next May.

On November 21, Olympiacos once again returned to Zalgiris and paid the buyout clause for one of its players, having lured Brazdeikis to Piraeus just a few months before doing the same with Mitrou-Long, but the guard will not be able to play in the EuroLeague until January.

For Petrusev, it is a different story. The 23-year-old center proved himself to be one of Europe’s most promising players during the 2022-23 EuroLeague season, averaging 10.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and a 12.6 PIR in the jersey of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, and he is ready to play right away.

### Petrusev is another weapon for Olympiacos

Now, arguably only Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul’s center trio of Johnathan Motley, Georgios Papagiannis and Sertac Sanli comes close to Olympiacos’s triad of Milutinov, Fall and Petrusev. What’s more, it appears as though there has been a move towards this way of building a roster, most likely with one team in mind: Real Madrid.

Much of *Los Blancos*’ success in recent years has been built around the dominant play of three-time [EuroLeague Best Defender Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/walter-tavares-is-the-2022-23-euroleague-best-defender/), while Vincent Poirier, the 31-year-old’s backup, would start for probably 80% of the teams in the EuroLeague.

The duo of Milutinov and Fall is a good pair of centers to throw at Tavares and Poirier, who will come up against Olympiacos at a packed-out Peace and Friendshup Stadium on December 5, but the addition of Petrusev into the mix brings the possibility of Coach Bartzokas having a ‘5’ who can shoot from deep. 

Last season, for example, Petrusev went a decent 20-of-57 from three-point range, good for a 35.1% mark. Compare that to Milutinov and Fall and the difference is stark, as Milutinov has made 2-of-5 threes in 208 games and Fall has never attempted a shot from behind the arc in 117 appearances.

Yes, Petrusev can also handle himself inside, but the Serbian big man could end up being a joker card up Bartzokas’s sleeve if Olympiacos and Real come head-to-head once again in the latter stages of the season.

Typically, Tavares and Poirier prefer to camp in the paint, so having Petrusev on the floor gives Olympiacos a respectable weapon from distance, meaning Real’s pair of centers must come out and try to defend him. That should spell good news for the Reds’ cutters, who could find themselves with easy looks at the rim.

The top plays of Filip Petrusev during his time at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Filip Petrusev's 2022-23 highlights

### Petrusev is versatile, too

Although he spent most of his minutes at the ‘5’ last season, Petrusev has the qualities needed to function well at the ‘4’, too. Olympiacos currently has second-year player Alec Peters performing at an MVP level at the power forward spot, with the American having done an excellent job of replacing Vezenkov, as well as a ‘4’ who has the playmaking ability of a guard in Sikma.

But, Petrusev allows for a twin towers-style lineup with either Milutinov or Fall at the ‘5’, which should give Peters and Sikma a chance to rest or even slip to the ‘3’ if needed. By being able to play inside and out, Petrusev’s versatility is likely to cause all sorts of problems on the opposition’s scouting report on a night in, night out basis.

So, the start to this season has been a bit up and down for Olympiacos, but the Reds have now won three games in a row and find themselves with a 6-4 record, good enough for fifth place in the standings.

With Petrusev now in the building, Mitrou-Long available from January and the club’s injury crisis starting to subside, the only way is up for Olympiacos as it chases its first EuroLeague title since 2013.

More Olympiacos News

New Olympiacos Piraeus signing Filip Petrusev poses in a Reds' tee after landing in Athens, Greece.

The Reds have made a couple of notable mid-season additions, as well as one just before the campaign got underway.

Petrusev signing shows Olympiacos has one thing in mind: glory

One of the most frequent on-floor matchups in recent seasons has been the one between star guards Wade Baldwin and Sergio Rodriguez, who have been on opposite sides 12 times over the last five years. They go at it again on Tuesday night in Belgrade, Serbia, in Round 6 game of the Turkish Airline EuroLeague Regular Season when Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv faces Olimpia Milano

Frequent rivals Baldwin, Rodriguez cross paths again

The classic rivalry between Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Real Madrid dates all the way back to 1968, as this will be their 70th clash. In recent years, the two teams' star guards, [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/), have also been stacking up head-to-head Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games.

For Baldwin and Rodriguez, this will be the 13th time they go against one another even though they had never met before November 2018. Precisely, [Tuesday night's clash between Maccabi and Real](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-real-madrid/E2023/48/) comes one day short of full five years since Baldwin and Rodriguez were on the opposite sides for the very first time.

It was a contest in which Baldwin, in his first season and only eighth EuroLeague appearance, had 8 points in just short of 11 minutes, helping Olympiacos Piraeus to a 91-70 win against EA7 Armani Exchange Milan. Rodriguez had 14 points and 3 assists in that loss.

That was the only game in which they faced off that season, but they would confront each other seven times in the following on. With Baldwin in the uniform of FC Bayern Munich, the two had a pair of regular-season games as well as a thrilling five-game playoff series in which Rodriguez and Milan pulled out a 3-2 win to reach he 2021 Final Four.

Rodriguez averaged 9.6 points on 41.7% three-point shooting, along with 3.0 assists in that series, and was even better in Milan's victories, posting 11.3 points and 3.8 assists across the three. Baldwin, on the other hand, scored in double figures and had at least 4 assists in each of those five playoff games, posting 15.3 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds for the series.

One of the most frequent on-floor matchups in recent seasons has been the one between star guards Wade Baldwin and Sergio Rodriguez, who have been on opposite sides 12 times over the last five years. Baldwin and Rodriguez had their first two head-to-head meetings as players of Maccabi and Real last season.

Head-to-head: Baldwin vs Rodriguez in 2022-23

After playing twice more in the 2021-22, when Baldwin was with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Rodriguez in his last season with Milan, Baldwin and Rodriguez had their first two head-to-head meetings as players of Maccabi and Real last season.

First, Rodriguez had 5 points and 6 assists in Real's 98-65 home drubbing of Maccabi. Baldwin had just 3 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds in 13 minutes of that game. He came back with 11 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in Maccabi's 100-96 overtime win in their regular-season finale as Rodriguez posted 8 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.

Over the 12 head-to-head games, Baldwin had a better scoring average with 12.9 points per game, compared to 10.0 from Rodriguez. However, Real veteran point guard has done his scoring with far better shooting percentages.

Interestingly, in 12 games each player attempted 45 three-point shots, with Rodriguez making 24 of his, good for a remarkable 53.3% accuracy rate. Baldwin knocked down just 9 of his 45 tries (20.0%). Rodriguez also shot 51.4% on two-pointers, compared to Baldwin's 46.5%, but the Maccabi guard attempted nearly three times as many two-pointers (99) as Rodriguez (37).

Overall, Baldwin had a slight edge in PIR and assists, as well as 2.6 rebounds per game compared to Rodriguez's 1.8.

But Rodriguez holds an 8-4 record in 12 games against Baldwin, and will hope to add to that edge and help Real stay unbeaten in the current season.

One of the most frequent on-floor matchups in recent seasons has been the one between two elite guards set to face off on Tuesday for the 13th time in less than five years.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Real Madrid (2023-11-28T19:15:00.000Z)

Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season to get your Fantasy Challenge teams up to date.

Latest EuroLeague injury news

Follow here all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2023-24 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**

Sterling Brown did not play in Round 10 and is doubtful for Round 11 at Maccabi.

Justin Bean did not play in Round 9 or 10 and is doubtful for Round 11.

Matt Thomas missed Round 10. His status for Round 11 is unclear.

Luis Olinde missed Round 10. His status for Round 11 is unclear.

Elias Rapieque is back from a broken hand and available to make his season debut.

Marcus Eriksson is due out until early 2024 with plantar tendonitis.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

[Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-forward-willis-undergoes-finger-surgery/) is expected to be out until at least mid-January after undergoing surgery for a broken ring finger.

[Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/ante-zizic-anadolu-efes-sk-out-for-three-weeks-with-calf-injury/) will be out until mid-December with a calf injury suffered ahead of Round 11.

Tibor Pleiss missed Rounds 9 and 10 due to injury, but has returned to practice.

[Elijah Bryant](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fplayers%2Felijah-bryant%2F009846%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466251685%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=K16RfjoBGJy90NqW8J5ZS9rDGoWNdGtyf%2BOMUhFhHjY%3D&reserved=0) has been out since Round 6 with injury.

**AS Monaco**

Jordan Loyd missed Round 10. His status for Round 11 vs. Olympiacos is unclear.

**Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

Khalia Diop. played just 2 minutes in the last seven rounds. His status for Round 11 at Valencia is unclear.

Nikos Rogkavopoulos, who hasn't played since Round 4 due to a calf injury, is practicing wit hthe team.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

Adam Hanga has a knee injury and last played in Round 6.

Branko Lazic has been out since Round 4 with a broken rib.

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

Kevin Pangos has not played since Round 5. His status for Round 10 vs. Crvena Zvezda is uncertain.

[Billy Baron will be out until mid-December](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fbilly-baron-olimpia-milano-elbow-surgery%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466407914%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qrGL408wdnWVzQ%2FLoheXU5uhn28njafFe5OWuFRGP4E%3D&reserved=0) following elbow surgery.

**FC Barcelona**

Jan Vesely missed Round 10 with back problems. His status for Round 11 vs. ASVEL is unclear.

Rokas Jokubaitis missed Round 10 with hip problems. His status for Round 11 is uncelar.

Kasparas Jakucionis is eligible to make his EuroLeague debut.

Michael Caicedo is sidelined indefinitely with a broken right foot.

**FC Bayern Munich**

Elias Harris hasn't played since Round 7. His status for Round 11 vs. Virtus is unclear.

Nelson Wiedemann, out since Round 5 with an injury, returned to action in a weekend domestic game.

Vladimir Lucic has not played yet this season and will not be available in Round 8.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Tarik Biberovic missed Round 10 after suffering a concussion. His status for Round 11 vs. Real is uncertain.

Metecan Birsen remains inactive for Round 10 as he gets back into shape following an injury.

[Dyshawn Pierre](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Ffenerbahce-loses-pierre-to-calf-injury%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466407914%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Z3F5Dol6L0kbi83%2BYiRKFn6cqFHlT4pJHHyZeHu5Akk%3D&reserved=0) is sidelined indefinitely with a calf strain.

Hamza Mestoglu is not available for Round 10.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

Nando De Colo missed the double-round week a thigh injury. His status for Round 1 1 at Barcelona is unclear.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

Tamir Blatt (ankle) and John DiBartolomeo (groin) are questionable for Tuesday's game vs. Real Madrid.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

[Shaquielle McKissic](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Folympiacos-loses-sikma-mckissic-two-more-questionable%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466407914%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FO16hsE00O9SMvJyvoXh5PVo9wX3CGLfJ1PDNOB4YkQ%3D&reserved=0) last played in Round 1. His status for Round 11 at Monaco is unclear.

Nigel Williams-Goss missed Rounds 9 and 10 with a leg injury.

Panagiotis Tsamis is out until mid-November with an injury.

Veniamin Abosi is also unavailable.

**Panathinaikos Athens**

[Juancho Hernangomez](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpanathinaikoss-hernangomez-out-two-months%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466564162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UhYou%2FNfzLpPYsmrL2WHj4381VVWF%2FXOJqG0Fno4U%2Bs%3D&reserved=0) broke a finger on his left hand and is due out until January.

[Ioannis Papapetrou](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpanathinaikos-papapetrou-out-two-more-months%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466564162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FJBnwgjygukFWw4v3q3UXXRKWNHdjwZv3pPE3RZ5Kic%3D&reserved=0), out since Round 2 with a knee injury, is not expected to return until early January.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Uros Trifunovic will not play in Round 10 due to a muscle tear. His status is for Round 11 is unclear.

Aleksa Avramovic did not play in Round 10 due to a broken nose. His status is for Round 11 is unclear.

[Kevin Punter](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fpartizans-kevin-punter-out-at-least-two-weeks%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466564162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VP%2Ft3R45xI5Zd%2FBpK0OEcMvYU8RGXRBzqqveC4%2Bh8NM%3D&reserved=0), has been out since Round 5 with a knee injury.

**Real Madrid**

[Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/guerschon-yabusele-real-madrid-baloncesto-out-indefinitely-with-knee-injury/) will be out long-term with a knee injury, the team announced.

Carlos Alocen has yet to play this season.

**Valencia Basket**

Stefan Jovic did not play in Round 10 due to injury. His status for Round 11 vs. Baskonia is unclear.

[Martin Hermannsson underwent knee surgery](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fvalencias-martin-hermannsson-is-recovering-after-knee-surgery%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466564162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=phyVqi6gZD5bjO80UrGDxfyD8HxrUUTOAUeFSXn50bU%3D&reserved=0) and is due out until December.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

[Jordan Mickey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/virtuss-jordan-mickey-out-mid-term-with-ankle-injury/) has not played since Round 7 due to a sprained ankle. His status for Round 11 at Bayern is unclear.

[Achille Polonara](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.euroleaguebasketball.net%2Feuroleague%2Fnews%2Fvirtuss-polonara-to-undergo-surgery%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cfrank.lawlor%40euroleague.net%7C7d3b486289204d02a1bb08dbe44de72b%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638354795466564162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1F8pmAHbscB5d%2BjnZ5rq6SOg5bygiCdDJdDzu2qg%2BkY%3D&reserved=0), sidelined since Round 1 to treat a testicular tumor, had his first practice with the team on Tuesday.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

Tomas Dimsa suffered a shoulder injury in Round 10. His status for Round 11 at Milan is unclear.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague injury report for the 2023-24 season.

Check out all the injuries and absences expected in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague before the Fantasy Challenge deadline.

Valencia Basket v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-12-01T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2023-12-01T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Zalgiris Kaunas (2023-11-30T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-12-01T19:00:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2023-11-30T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2023-11-30T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v ALBA Berlin (2023-11-30T19:05:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-11-30T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Real Madrid (2023-11-30T17:45:00.000Z)

The original EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast hosts are back in the saddle together for Episode No. 11, which corresponds with Round 11 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs will share how their teams are doing and recommend players you should have on your teams.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Back in the saddle again

The original [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) Podcast hosts are back in the saddle together for Episode No. 11, which corresponds with Round 11 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs will share how their teams are doing and recommend players you should have on your teams.

In this week's episode, Javi and Frankie will also discuss the impact of Tuesday's game between Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Real Madrid, which will not count for the Fantasy Challenge; which players at Anadolu Efes Istanbul will benefit from Derek Willis's injury; and much, much more.

Whether you are looking for ways to improve your teams or just to see two friends competing against each other, this is the right place and the right podcast. Check out Episode 11 of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast now.

Anadolu Efes S.K. center Ante Zizic will be unavailable for the next three weeks after suffering a calf injury during his team's EuroLeague game against KK Partizan.

Anadolu Efes's Ante Zizic out for three weeks with calf injury

Anadolu Efes Istanbul has confirmed that [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/) is expected to miss the next three weeks after suffering a muscle injury in his right calf. The 26-year-old center sustained the injury during his team's Round 10 clash against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Partizan ile oynadığımız EuroLeague karşılaşmasında sağ bacak kalf bölgesinde kas yaralanması tespit edilen başarılı oyuncumuz Ante Zizic&#39;in tedavisine başlanmış; Kulüp Doktorumuz Uğur Diliçıkık, Zizic&#39;in yaklaşık 3 hafta sahalardan uzak kalacağını belirtmiştir. <a href="https://t.co/DaAptZ1e7r">pic.twitter.com/DaAptZ1e7r</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1729197032441868352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Ante Zizic, who suffered a muscle injury in the calf area of his right leg during the EuroLeague match against Partizan, has started his treatment and our club doctor, Ugur Dilicıkık, has stated that Zizic will be off the court for about three weeks," Efes confirmed in a statement.

So far this season, Zizic has averaged 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and an 11.4 PIR in all 10 of Efes's games, of which he has started seven. His standout performance to this point in the 2023-24 campaign came on the road at Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 6, albeit in a defeat, as he posted 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and finished with a PIR of 19.

The best highlights of Anadolu Efes Istanbul center Ante Zizic through the first 10 rounds of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The top plays of Ante Zizic this season

The Croatian big man is currently playing in his fifth EuroLeague season, having made his competition debut in the 2016-17 campaign with Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul, where he averaged 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and a 13.2 PIR as the team reached the EuroLeague Playoffs. Following a stint in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Zizic returned to the EuroLeague with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and remained with the Israeli side between the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, playing 65 times. He moved to Efes in the summer of 2022 and has since suited up 41 times for the Turkish club.

### What games will Zizic miss?

Going by Efes’s statement, which states Zizic will be out for around three weeks, he is certain to miss the team’s games against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (Round 11, 1 December), Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (Round 12, 5 December) and ALBA Berlin (Round 13, Decembre 7), while he is expected to be unavailable for the Round 14 clash at home to Maccabi, his former team, on December 14.

Given that [forward Derek Willis is also set to miss between six and eight weeks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-forward-willis-undergoes-finger-surgery/) after undergoing finger surgery, the injury to Zizic is another blow for Efes head coach Erdem Can.

More Efes News

Ante Zizic of Anadolu Efes Istanbul warms up before a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game this season.

The Efes center is expected to be unavailable for his team's next four games.

Ante Zizic out for three weeks with calf injury

Filip Petrusev has returned to the EuroLeague by signing for Olympiacos B.C. on a three-year deal.

Olympiacos B.C. brings Filip Petrusev back to the EuroLeague

Olympiacos Piraeus has announced the signing of [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) on a three-year deal. Petrusev (2.11 meters, 23 years old) returns to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after averaging 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 34 games for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in the 2022-23 season. He last played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.

### Back with a point to prove

Petrusev impressed at Zvezda last season after a turbulent rookie EuroLeague campaign with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the 2021-22 campaign. Despite becoming a EuroLeague champion with Efes, the Serbian big man saw his role decrease as the season went on and didn’t play any part during the playoffs or the Final Four.

He therefore used last season as a way to remind everyone of his talent, having previously been named the ABA League MVP when he was just 21 years old. Petrusev took a little while to get going but once he felt comfortable under head coach Dusko Ivanovic, he kept improving and improving, even earning himself MVP of the Round honors in Round 17.

Now, having come back to the EuroLeague after a tricky spell in the NBA, Petrusev will once again look to prove that he is one of the best big men on the continent.

### Where does Petrusev fit in at Olympiacos?

Olympiacos is able to boast one of the best frontcourts in the entire EuroLeague at present, with Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall at the center position and Alec Peters and Luke Sikma at power forward. So, Petrusev — a center by trade — will have to try and force his way into the rotation, but what he does offer is a high-quality alternative.

Also able to play at the ‘4’ position, Petrusev’s flexibility could serve him well as he adjusts to the instructions of Reds head coach Georgios Bartzokas. What's more, his ability to stretch the floor – he shot 35.1% on threes last year, making 20-of-57 – is another weapon in the 23-year-old’s armory, as Olympiacos now has arguably the best trio of centers in the EuroLeague.

New Olympiacos Piraeus signing Filip Petrusev in action for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The Serbian big man returns to Europe’s premier club basketball competition after a brief spell in the NBA.

Olympiacos brings Filip Petrusev back to the EuroLeague

The week's action begins early on Tuesday, with a game initially scheduled for Round 4, as Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. (5-4) hosts Real Madrid Baloncesto (9-0) in Belgrade. 

 Game Preview: Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. vs. Real Madrid Baloncesto

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-real-madrid/E2023/48/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-tel-mad) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-tel-mad) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-prequotes-tel-mad/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-tips-round-11-hot-hands-and-great-opportunities)

The reigning champ is still unbeaten this season and sitting pretty with a two-game lead at the top of the standings, while Maccabi is coming off a narrow home loss to Barcelona and is fighting to return to the all-important top six. The initial priority for Maccabi is containing Real's big men [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) (13.3 PIR) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (13.0), whose confrontation with [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) (13.6) and [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) (15.9) will be a highlight to savor. Also get ready for backcourt fireworks as the league's top two assisters go head to head, with [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) (7.2 apg.) looking to outplay [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (8.3).

[Maccabi Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/statistics/tel/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Madrid Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/statistics/mad/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Derek Willis vs. Zach LeDay: A EuroLeague rookie takes on a seasoned veteran in a matchup that could make the difference on Friday.

Last Game: 2022-23, Round 34, Maccabi vs. Madrid

Gabriel Deck of Real Madrid backs down Wade Baldwin of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv during last season's regular-season meeting between the two teams in Tel Aviv in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The week's action begins early on Tuesday, with a game initially scheduled for Round 4, as Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (5-4) hosts Real Madrid (9-0) in Belgrade. 

Game Preview: Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Real Madrid

As the first unbeaten team through nine games in the round-robin era, Real Madrid has made it clear already that it will not give up the EuroLeague trophy easily.

What does Real Madrid's dominance mean for the 2024 title race?

A year ago, Real Madrid was a team working hard under a new head coach to balance an aging core of superstars with an influx of recently arrived talents around a pair of twin towers in their primes. They started the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season 2-3, including a pair of home defeats, before steadying themselves, but would later drop as low as sixth place coming into the new year. Always a contender for the EuroLeague title, Real last season was just one among many.

A year later, the many are looking uphill at Real, no doubt wondering what heroics will be needed to topple the Spanish giants off their EuroLeague throne. 

After surging to its unprecedented 11th continental title last spring, Real is now the first 9-0 team in seven seasons since the current round-robin format ensured a competitively level field.

Such perfection can become its own pressure – remember that no EuroLeague Regular Season winner under the new format has claimed the title – but this team's combination of experience and swagger has made it look unflappable. 

Consider:

•	On offense, Real leads the EuroLeague in per-game [points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=Score&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) (88.2), [assists](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=Assistances&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) (23.0), assist-to-turnover ratio (1.9-to-1) and [PIR](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=Valuation&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) (109.6). Its assists are on pace to become the all-time EuroLeague record, while its PIR would be second all-time.

•	On the other side of the court, Real ranks first in [defensive rebounds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=DefensiveRebounds&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) (27.3), [blocks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=BlocksFavour&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame) (3.9), and in holding opponents to 48.4% two-point shooting, 30.1% three-point shooting, 15.0 assists and 70.8 PIR. Its defensive rebounding average is also on an all-time EuroLeague record pace.

•	Five different Real players – [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/), [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) – have registered PIRs of 28 or higher this season. No other team claims more than two such performers.

•	Those five players plus [Gabriel Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) have a combined PIR average of 94.5, which is better than 15 other entire EuroLeague teams. 

### Challenges ahead

It's still early, of course, and Real recently encountered its first major bump. After Yabusele suffered a long-term knee injury, Real lost its first Spanish League game without him, squandering a 21-point lead at home. 

Its unbeaten EuroLeague record will be severely tested starting Tuesday as Real visits powerhouses Maccabi, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in a span of 10 days, coming home and flying out again on the weekend in between. Should its unbeaten record survive those four historic opponents despite 10,000 kilometers of travel, Real will become a prohibitive favorite to repeat as EuroLeague champion for the first time since the club's 1960s glory days.

Losing a game or more in that road swing is more likely, but even then, what Real has shown so far is exceptional beyond the numbers. 

### A singular addition

The EuroLeague champions made just one roster move last summer, but it was a game-changer in more ways than one. Point guard Facundo Campazzo not only knew the club like no one else from having won titles with Real Madrid in 2015 and 2018, but he filled exactly its only missing link: a speedy floor leader who scores whenever needed, makes his teammates better as a passing virtuoso, and lead the team's on-the-ball defense. 

Campazzo is the league leader in assists (8.2 per game) and on a per-minute basis ranks second in PIR, with 32.3 per 40 minutes. He is also one reason why Real's opponents average a league-low 15.0 assists.

Facundo Campazzo of Real Madrid is averaging 8.3 assists per game so far this season.

Campazzo: Euroleague's assists leader

### A celestial center tandem

This season, Real has truly perfected the twin tower concept. If Tavares, the last Final Four MVP, was dominant before, his slow start due to injury reminded everyone how dominant Poirier is, too. Together, they can be unstoppable. 

Just ask AS Monaco, a fellow 2023 Final Four team that Real led by 20 points after 15 minutes and by 30 after 30 in an eventual 91-73 home win two weeks ago. The final difference in PIR between them was 133-66. In that game, Poirier and Tavares combined for 24 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 8 blocks, missing just 2 shots between them for a PIR of 46, more than two-thirds of Monaco's total.

Walter Tavares and Vincent Poirier have led Real Madrid to a perfect 9-0 start in this Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Tavares, Poirier dominate in the paint

### A work-of-art roster

Real's mixture of highly decorated veterans, precocious rising stars and prime-time anchors is something to marvel at. 

The 36-and-over veterans – former EuroLeague MVPs [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) and [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/), [Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rudy-fernandez/bmt/) and [Fabien Causeur](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/fabien-causeur/001392/) – are relevant beyond their experience. Remember, they scored 16 of Real's 20 fourth-quarter points in the comeback title-game win over Olympiacos last spring. Head coach Chus Mateo has preserved their impact by dosing minutes within games to keep them fresh enough to resolve crunch-time situations whenever needed – as they did in that championship game.

The middle generation, led by the 31-year-old Tavares – a three-time all-EuroLeague and Best Defender honoree – and including Campazzo and Poirier, are the heavy lifters, relied on as Real's first point of attack and the last line of defense. Just entering their prime times, with a foot each in the middle and younger generations, are a trio of 28-year-olds – Yabusele, Deck and Hezonja – whose collective versatility would be the envy of any team.

On the younger side is swingman Musa, who has already been voted All-EuroLeague status last season and plays like a savvy veteran. That's not to forget a youth system second-to-none at generating new talents: 18-year-old big man [Eli Ndiaye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/eli-ndiaye/009213/) was the youngest starter in EuroLeague Championship Game history last spring while 16-year-old center [Ismaila Diagne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ismaila-diagne/010868/) started this season's EuroLeague opener.

### Who can stop the champs?

Together, they are a collection of  scorers, passers, shot-blockers, rebounders, floor-runners, on-the-ball defenders and sharpshooters whose combined speed, size, physicality and depth is perhaps only exceeded by their collective basketball IQ and competitive spirit.

Coach Mateo has them working like a well-oiled machine. The only question about Real Madrid at this point is how long, in the most competitive league on the planet, can its dominance continue?

Round 11 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is upon us. 

Fantasy tips, Round 11: Hot hands and great opportunities

Looking for some help with your EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge team for this week? You have come to the right place! Like every week, fantasy guru Javier Gancedo has recommendations on who to buy. This week the list includes two superstars in great shape, a backup center who surprised almost everyone in Round 10, and two well-rounded veterans playing solid roles in their teams. Here they are:

[Isaiah Canaan, Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) (8.7 credits) – Canaan has been playing really well lately, scoring in double digits in each of his last 7 EuroLeague appearances. Over his last five games, Canaan has averaged 17.6 points and a PIR of 17.4, making 18 of 30 three-pointers (60.0%). All for much less than 10 credits! 

[Mathias Lessort, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) (16.2 credits) – Lessort plays against his former team and his emotional bond with Partizan and its fans should make him even better. He has been unstoppable lately, too, averaging 13.3 points on 77.8% two-point shooting, 6.7 rebounds and a PIR of 19.7 over his last three games. 

Isaiah Canaan, Shane Larkin, Mathias Lessort, James Nnaji and Devin Booker are featured in this week's article.

Fantasy tips: Regular Season Round 11

[Shane Larkin, Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (16.0 credits) – Larkin is showing his best version lately and now that Derek Willis is injured, he should take even more responsibilities on offense. In the last three games, Larkin has averaged 21.7 points, 6.3 assists and a PIR of 24.7. A superstar in the prime of his career.

[James Nnaji, FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nnaji/010641/) (5.9 credits) – Nnaji was Barca's X-factor against Maccabi last week, posting career-highs of 11 points and a PIR of 16, without missing any shots. Nnaji is set to see extended playing time as long as Jan Vesely remains sidelined. Until then, he is a very good backup option at center.

[Devin Booker, FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) (10.5 credits) – Booker has been Bayern's main plater lately, playing alongside Ibaka at power forward or without him at center. In his last three games, Booker has averaged 12.3 points on 65.0% two-point shooting, 9.3 rebounds and a PIR of 18.7. Expect him to keep posting solid numbers.

FC Bayern Munich won a marathon and is keeping in touch with the playoff places in EuroLeague standings thanks to some special rebounding numbers.

Stats review: Chairmen of the boards

Round 10 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague saw three games go down the wire, but perhaps no game this season has felt so much like a marathon as [the 101-100 double-overtime affair](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/82/) between FC Bayern Munich and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne that christened LDLC Arena. With 73 three-pointers attempted, nine players scoring in double figures, multiple double-digit swings on the scoreboard, and drama down to the final seconds, this game had a little of everything. 

Ultimately, Bayern emerged victorious after an offensive foul call and a made free throw in the waning moments that prevented the game from becoming the first in EuroLeague history to go to triple overtime. As has been the case much of this season, Bayern's rebounding was key to its success. The visitors outrebounded ASVEL on both ends of the court en route to a +12 margin overall. They needed every one of those boards to secure their second win in the last three rounds.

As the table above suggests, this was nothing new for Bayern. The percentage of available rebounds the German team pulls down on both ends and the differential it holds over opponents are tremendous. Bayern's board men have not just been competitive on the glass so far this season – they have been consistently, glaringly dominant. Their 7.1 rebound differential is nearly twice what the league-high has been during the last several seasons, with Real Madrid's 6.2 margin during the 2021-22 campaign – a distinct outlier in its own right – representing the modern record.  While it is still early, it is hard not to be impressed with the pace this team has set to this point in rebounding the ball.

One fact that stands out is the number of Bayern players contributing to its success on the boards. [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) is this unit's lone individual in the EuroLeague's top 10 rebounds per game, where he ranks sixth. [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) and [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) are within striking distance of rising to that level as well. [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) ranks prominently in multiple rebounding metrics among guards. Then there's [Freddie Gillespie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/freddie-gillespie/011941/), who plays only 10.1 minutes per game but grabs the 10th highest percentage of available rebounds when he is on the floor among all EuroLeague players. Their historic trajectory is truly the result of a team effort. 

As much grabbing them, the rebounds this group prevents stand out as well. With the EuroLeauge's highest defensive rebound percentage, Bayern concedes as few second-chance opportunities to opponents as any team in recent history. While not quite historically good on the offensive glass, Bayern currently ranks third in offensive rebound percentage without paying for it, also ranking better than average in limiting scoring chances for opponents in the open floor. Bayern's dominance on the boards contains no gimmicks: it is a testament to the team's collective ability to win individual battles when shots are missed.

That avalanche of small victories has helped Bayern make up for shortcomings in other areas at several key stretches this season. That was very much the case against an ASVEL team that turned the ball over a mere 7 times in 50 minutes, had a +9 differential at the foul line, and had several players get hot and go for 20-plus points. Rebounding was the reason that Bayern was able to overcome all that and join either other teams with either 4 or 5 wins who are knocking at the door of the playoff places.

This week's action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague starts with an enticing bonus game on Tuesday, and features a rematch from last season's semifinal. Here's your overview of the upcoming entertainment. 

This week: Twin road challenges for the leaders

### Tuesday, November 28

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Real Madrid ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-real-madrid/E2023/48/)

The week's action begins early on Tuesday, with a game initially scheduled for Round 4, as Maccabi (5-4) hosts Real (9-0) in Belgrade. The reigning champ is still unbeaten this season and sitting pretty with a two-game lead at the top of the standings, while Maccabi is coming off a narrow home loss to Barcelona and is fighting to return to the all-important top six. The initial priority for Maccabi is containing Real's big men [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) (13.3 PIR) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (13.0), whose confrontation with [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) (13.6) and [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) (15.9) will be a highlight to savor. Also get ready for backcourt fireworks as the league's top two assisters go head to head, with [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) (7.2 apg.) looking to outplay [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (8.3). 

Two teams heading for the playoffs meet in a potential dress rehearsal for the postseason as Maccabi, who've won five in a row at the Menora Mivtachim Arena, face a title-chasing Real Madrid roster still harbouring hopes of reaching the summit.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs Real Madrid - Round 34 - Highlights

### Thursday, November 30

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Real Madrid ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-real-madrid/E2023/93/)

After being tested by Maccabi on Tuesday, Real (9-0) continues its own double-round week by travelling to face a Fenerbahce (5-5) team that has won all four games at home so far this season. Expect a highly physical battle in a game featuring the league's top three shot blockers, with Real's [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) (1.9 bpg.) followed by teammate [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) (1.4 bpg.) and Fener star [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) (1.4 bpg.). Real firecracker [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) is enjoying a very accurate season, making 61.1% of his two-point attempts and 46.7% from deep. On Thursday, he will face another player with explosive scoring potential, [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/), who will look to regain his best form after returning from injury in last week's loss at Virtus. 

[AS Monaco vs. Olympiacos Piraeus ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/91/)

In a rematch of last season's semifinal, a big showdown awaits between the teams currently placed fifth and sixth as Monaco (6-4) welcomes Olympiacos (6-4). The Reds are on a three-game winning run and boast the league's third-best defense, allowing just 75.5 points per game. Monaco snapped a losing streak in dramatic fashion thanks to [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/)'s game-winning putback dunk in Baskonia, where [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) again excelled with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. November MVP candidate [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/) will test Monaco's perimeter defense after scoring at least two triples in each of his last four games, while the host also possesses plenty of long-range weapons including [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/), who has made 43.3% of three-point attempts this season including 2 of 3 at Baskonia last week. 

[Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. ALBA Berlin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-alba-berlin/E2023/94/)

Maccabi (5-4) will play its second home game of the week in Belgrade with a visit from rock-bottom ALBA (1-9), which is still waiting for its first road win of the season. Although ALBA will be aware of [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/)'s role as Maccabi's main playmaker, the German team will also need to focus on its former player [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), who ranks fifth in the league for assists with 5.4 per game. Although it has struggled in nearly every statistical category, ALBA does lead the league in steals, with [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/) ranked third overall with 1.8 per night. And those ball-hawking abilities will be very important to disrupt the rhythm of a fast-paced Maccabi offense, led by Brown and Blatt, which averages 20.4 assists per game, second-best in the competition. 

Both clubs may be considered outsiders in making the playoffs, yet Bayern's historic win over Efes and Virtus' impressive victory over Panathinaikos may be the respective catalysts for an upward trajectory. Who can grab the initiative and help instigate some momentum?

FC Bayern Munich vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna - Round 21 - Highlights

[FC Bayern Munich vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/92/)

After grabbing one of the most remarkable wins in EuroLeague history with last week's double overtime triumph at ASVEL, Bayern (4-6) will look to build further momentum against a Virtus team (7-3) still riding high in the playoffs places. Bayern boss Pablo Laso will center his gameplan around trying to stop [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), the top-ranked player in the competition with an average PIR of 22.6. Another threat from the Italian team is the shooting of [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), who averages 13.1 points per game on 44.6% three-point shooting. Bayern can counter that with [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/), whose late pair of triples were crucial to the victory at ASVEL and now has at least one three-pointer in nine of this season's 10 games. 

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Zalgiris Kaunas ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-zalgiris-kaunas/E2023/96/)

In a meeting between two of the four teams currently tied for 12th place, rapidly improving Milan (4-6) will look for another win with a visit from Zalgiris (4-6), which has lost five of the last six, including three straight on the road. After powering the Italian team's Round 9 victory over Zvezda with a career night of 32 points on 6-of-7 three-point shooting, [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/) will look to continue to provide leadership to a Milan backcourt that has underdelivered at times this season. He will be countered by [Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/), who has remained consistent during an up-and-down season for Zalgiris by averaging 15.0 points on 45.5% three-point shooting, including multiple triples in four of the last five games. 

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Panathinaikos Athens ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/95/)

Increasingly confident Panathinaikos (6-4) will look to extend its four-game winning run with a trip to Partizan (4-6), which has struggled for consistency in failing to win two consecutive games all season. Partizan big man [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-kaminsky/012743/) enjoyed a breakout game with 24 points in last week's narrow loss against Efes, and he will look to continue that form as he faces the tough task of bettering all-action former Partizan star [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who has averaged 12 points and 6.5 rebounds during the Greens' winning streak. It should be a high-scoring game between the second and fifth-highest scoring teams in the league, with prominent roles likely for in-form forwards [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nunnally/007400/) (13.3 ppg., 3.9 rpg.) and [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) (17.3 ppg., 6.1 rpg.).  

Newly-acquired Facundo Campazzo prepares to try and arrest Zvezda's startling freefall in his continental debut against reigning-champs Efes, who are armed with the strong defensive game of Elijah Bryant, who's earned many plaudits while compensating for the unavailable Vasilije Micić.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Round 27 - Highlights

### Friday, December 1

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/97/)

Zvezda (3-7) will look to recover quickly from last week's pummeling at the hands of Milan by overcoming an Efes team which is finding its groove with three wins out of four. Zvezda desperately needs to improve its perimeter defense after taking in 93 points against Milan, including 17 three-pointers with a 63% conversion rate. That's especially important against one of the best long-range shooters out there, [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), who has drained 10 triples in his last three games. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) is also recovering his best form with at least 16 points in the last four games, and Zvezda will hope that [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) can continue his upturn in productivity after reaching double-digits in the last four straight. 

[Valencia Basket vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/99/)

Valencia (5-5) will look to end a four–game losing slump with a Spanish derby against Baskonia (5-5), which is also eager to return to winning ways after last week's late loss to Monaco. Baskonia boasts the second-best road record in the league (3-1), while Valencia is just as strong at La Fonteta with four wins and just one defeat. This game has plenty of significance as it will break a tie between two teams on the fringes of the playoffs places. Baskonia will look to dominate physically through two of the competition's top five rebounders, [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) (9.3 rpg.) and [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) (6.6 rpg), while the host will rely on the scoring power of [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/) (11.4 ppg., 52.4% 3PT). 

[FC Barcelona vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/98/)

The week's action concludes at Palau Blaugrana, where second-placed Barcelona (8-2) will look to make it six home wins in a row with a visit from next-to-bottom ASVEL (2-8). [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) authored a stunning game-winner in last season's game between the teams, and ASVEL will hope he can return from injury to take on a Barcelona backcourt that will be waiting on the fitness of [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/). A key battle will be waged between the calming presence of [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/), whose dependable all-round game gives him averages of 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists, and dynamic ASVEL playmaker [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/), who co-leads the league in steals (2.0 spg.) and ranks fourth in assists (5.9). 

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