Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens has extended the contract of four-time EuroLeague champion Kostas Sloukas, the club announced Thursday afternoon. Sloukas, a team captain and one of EuroLeague all-time greats, is now signed with the Greens until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Panathinaikos extends four-time champ Kostas Sloukas

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) has extended the contract of four-time EuroLeague champion [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), the club announced Thursday afternoon. Sloukas, a team captain and one of EuroLeague all-time greats, is now signed with the Greens until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Sloukas joined Panathinaikos in the summer of 2024 from archrival Olympiacos Piraeus, and in his first season wearing green led Panathinaikos to the 2024 EuroLeague championship as the 2024 Final Four MVP. That was the Green's seventh EuroLeague title, and the fourth for Sloukas who also won a pair of EuroLeague crowns with Olympiacos in 2012 and 2013 as well one with Fenerbahce Istanbul in 2017.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR βρίσκεται στην ευχάριστη θέση να ανακοινώσει την επέκταση της συνεργασίας της με τον αρχηγό μας, Κώστα Σλούκα, μέχρι το καλοκαίρι του 2027!<br><br>___________________________________________________<br><br>Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is pleased to announce the extension… <a href="https://t.co/XXuuvBI1SX">pic.twitter.com/XXuuvBI1SX</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1986438912441499846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sloukas, who is averaging 9.0 points, 4.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds this season, is one of the most accomplished players in EuroLeague history. Honored as a member of All-25 EuroLeague Team earlier this year, Sloukas was named to the 2018-19 All-EuroLeague First Team and earned All-EuroLeague Second Team honors in 2021-22 and 2023-24.

He has taken part in eight EuroLeague Championship Games and made it to the Final Four 11 times: five with Olympiacos, four with Fenerbahce and twice with Panathinaikos.

Sloukas ranks second all-time in games played (435), second in assists (1,929), seventh in scoring (4,134 points), fourth in total PIR (5,161) and tied for 10th in three-pointers made (518).

Born in Thessaloniki, Sloukas started his career with local clubs Megas Alexandros and Mandoulides before joining Olympiacos in 2008. He was sent out on a loan to play for hometown Aris Thessaloniki in the 2010-11 season, and upon returning, Sloukas helped Olympiacos win back-to-back EuroLeague titles. He also won the Intercontinental Cup in 2013, two Greek League championships (2012, 2015) and a Greek Cup (2010) before joining Fenerbahce in 2015.

The Greek guard added to his EuroLeague success by bringing a first-ever championship to Fenerbahce in 2017, and the team reached the EuroLeague Championship Game in both 2016 and 2018, too. Sloukas won three consecutive Turkish League titles from 2016 to 2018, as well as three straight Turkish Cups from 2018 to 2020.

In the summer of 2020, Sloukas returned to Olympiacos. Over the three seasons with the Reds, Sloukas won back-to-back Greek League and Cup doubles in 2022 and 2023. The team also had back-to-back appearances in the EuroLeague Final Four, with the Reds falling in the semifinals to eventual champion Anadolu Efes Istanbul, and then in the final to Real Madrid in 2023. Sloukas has been a member of the Greek national team, and won a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2025 in September. 

More Panathinaikos News

The veteran point guard will stay with the Greens for at least another season

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade rolled on imperiously as it celebrated a seventh successive win in the EuroLeague, beating Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 86-68 at home as the Serbian team improved to 7-2 while the Greens dropped to 5-4.

Vintage Crvena Zvezda breaks Panathinaikos jinx and ties longest winning streak

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) rolled on imperiously as it celebrated a seventh successive win in the EuroLeague, beating [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) 86-68 at home as the Serbian team improved to 7-2 while the Greens dropped to 5-4.

Having tied its longest winning streak in Europe’s premier club competition dating back to the 2016-2017 season, Zvezda also ended a seven-game losing streak against the Greek side, offering its fans a sense of déjà vu with a vintage performance.

It brought back instant memories of an 81-48 drubbing of Panathinaikos on November 4, 2021. Almost four years ago to the day, Zvezda romped to its last previous win over the competition’s 2024 champs and for long spells on Wednesday night, it looked like the hosts might emulate the accomplishment.

Zvezda dominated from start to finish and having carved out a massive 67-40 lead through the opening three quarters, the hosts took their foot off the gas in the fourth as Panathinaikos closed in to make it 78-67. The home team then hit top gear again in the dying minutes and put the icing on the cake with an 8-1 run to close out the contest and go top of the standings.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 9 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Once again, versatile point guard [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) stood out with an impressive tally of 14 points, 9 boards and 7 assists, while big man [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) posted 14 points and 8 rebounds. [Ognjen Dobric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ognjen-dobric/004007/) racked up 10 points and 5 boards to underline Zvezda’s smooth display.

[Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) paced Panathinaikos on 16 points and [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) added 14, but the team’s pack leader [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) had a forgettable night as he scored a mere 6 points, shooting 2-of-7 from the floor in the wake of Zvezda’s superb defense.

Coach Sasa Obradovic’s hailed his team’s aggressive pressure which forced Panathinaikos to shoot 0-of-10 from the floor in the first quarter, with Zvezda winning the battle of the boards 44-31 as it took full advantage of injuries to the Greek side’s big men.

“We lost a little bit of energy and focus in the fourth quarter as we had a big lead but we’re going to enjoy the moment,” Obradovic said in his post-game comments. “I am proud of the team for their die-hard attitude and as long as we play tough defense, we are always in with a chance of winning. 

“We did a great job on Nunn, we deserved the win and we move on. We have to acknowledge that the schedule has so far played into our hands, hence we now face a cluster of road games and there will be no resting on laurels.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7️⃣ IN A ROW ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/everygamematters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#everygamematters</a> <a href="https://t.co/rZZvQHlnyh">pic.twitter.com/rZZvQHlnyh</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1986176306338214386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With half a dozen key players sidelined by injuries, Zvezda made light of their absence thanks to immaculate teamwork which saw the home team dish out 21 assists while giving Panathinaikos preciously little room to operate. The frustrated Nunn looked a pale shadow of the star player who led the Greens to the 2024 EuroLeague title, as Miller-McIntyre stole the spotlights and ran the show at both ends of the floor. The point guard stayed humble as ever, though, stressing that he wasn’t entirely happy with the performance after Zvezda appeared to go through the motions in the fourth quarter. 

“Honestly, my first thought is that we didn’t do enough in the fourth quarter. It’s a long season and this is the second game in a row that we had a very big lead and then got relaxed in the home straight,” he said.

“I think we need to finish games better but at the end of the day I am happy that we win. We want to prove that we are a good team in every game and every practice but like I always say, celebrate tonight and tomorrow it’s back to work.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">7️⃣❤️🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/s6OGmFUBsy">pic.twitter.com/s6OGmFUBsy</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1986184354893341113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman looked strikingly indifferent as his team took a beating through the opening three quarters, showing very little emotion on the bench as Zvezda built its lead in a fervent atmosphere inside the Belgrade Arena. Ataman acknowledged that his team lacked zest and guile against a fired-up rival, having come to life when it was too late for the Greek outfit.

“Some players showed character in the last seven or eight minutes but it wasn’t enough,” he said.” We played terrible offense and made incredible mistakes in the first quarter, after which we lost control and there was no way back.”

With Zvezda firing on all cylinders under Obradovic as he keeps capturing the headlines in his second stint at the Serbian giant, one must wonder whether a degree of complacency has crept into Panathinaikos whose patchy form suggests that the team, if body language is anything to go by, is just not the sum of its parts at present. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/J_Hooper11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@J_Hooper11</a> loved every second of his EuroLeague home debut! ❤️🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/jnQEGqtdri">pic.twitter.com/jnQEGqtdri</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1986195022102876264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Game News

The Serbian team made it seven in a row and also snapped its seven-game losing streak against the Greens 

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-11-05T19:00:00.000Z)

How Zvezda and Zalgiris shocked the EuroLeague

After eight rounds of the EuroLeague, more than a fifth of the regular season is behind us, but few could have predicted the current standings.

It has become clear in recent years that in the EuroLeague, anyone can beat anyone, and few games feature a clear favorite. However, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Zalgiris Kaunas, along with Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, currently sit at the top of the standings, which only the most ardent fans of these two clubs could have hoped for at this stage.

However, this is the new reality, and since eight rounds is already a significant number, it’s possible to draw some conclusions about why the Serbian and Lithuanian giants are where they are.

Read more [**HERE**](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1889567/how-zvezda-and-zalgiris-shocked-the-euroleague/).

Need a hand in building the perfect EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge team? Or just looking for a laugh while reviewing the European basketball landscape? Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs of EuroLeague.net, Sport 24's Vasiliki Karamouza have got you covered!

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: Hear from Dubai's finest fantasy players

Need a hand in building the perfect EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge team? Or just looking for a laugh while reviewing the European basketball landscape? [Javier Gancedo](https://x.com/ganchetto) and [Frankie Sachs](https://x.com/MrEuroleague) of [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net), Sport 24's [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://x.com/karamouza_vas) have got you covered!

This week's episode of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast dives into all the latest EuroLeague news and fantasy strategy. Concerned about injuries to ASVEL's Nando De Colo, Panathinaikos's Omer Yurtseven or Barcelona's Toko Shengelia? Looking to pick up the latest American star to land on the Old Continent, but unsure between Spencer Dinwiddie, Bayern, Jared Butler, and Boogie Ellis. Wondering whether this is the time to signed Sylvain Francisco or Carsen Edwards? Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki discuss it all!

They also field questions and react to questions sent in by Fantasy Podcast viewers in the “Get Featured, Get Rewarded” segment and, of course, share their own fantasy teams for Round 9. Enjoy this episode, and best of luck to our fantasy friends in this week's games.

Javi, Frankie and Vasiliki weigh in on all the relevant topics to help you find EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge success

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid (2025-11-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-11-07T19:15:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Valencia Basket (2025-11-07T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-11-07T17:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v FC Bayern Munich (2025-11-06T20:00:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Virtus Bologna (2025-11-06T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv v AS Monaco (2025-11-06T20:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-11-06T17:45:00.000Z)

Dubai Basketball v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-11-06T18:00:00.000Z)

Sylvain Francisco’s steady rise in the EuroLeague hit a new milestone in October. The Zalgiris Kaunas guard has been chosen as the EuroLeague Basketball MVP for the Month of October presented by Motorola in recognition of his consistent excellence as he guided the Lithuanian club to a share of first place in the standings. 

Sylvain Francisco named EuroLeague MVP for October

[Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)’s steady rise in the EuroLeague hit a new milestone in October. The [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) guard has been chosen as the EuroLeague Basketball MVP for the Month of October presented by Motorola in recognition of his consistent excellence as he guided the Lithuanian club to a share of first place in the standings. Already known for his dynamic play, Francisco elevated his impact with a blend of scoring, distribution, and leadership that helped Zalgiris emerge as one of the early contenders in the 2025–26 season.

Francisco was the engine behind Zalgiris’s 6–2 record in October, orchestrating the offense with precision and flair. He closed out the opening month of the season sharing the league lead in assists with 6.8 per game, while also leading his team in scoring at 14.9 points per game. His Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 18.9 was the second highest among all guards during the month, underscoring his all-around impact.

"Being MVP of the Month is amazing, I didn't expect it, and I am really happy. I'm dancing inside," Francisco told Olivia Harlan Dekker on the EuroLeague & Friends: MVP Talk podcast. "It means a lot because there are so many talented players. I didn't expect to be a EuroLeague MVP, all I wanted is to make sure that we are winning with the team that we have, and to be happy about the wins. I just want to go to the playoffs; that's the best part of it, that's what we want, our goal."

EuroLeague & Friends: MVP Talk with Sylvain Francisco

Francisco’s standout performance in October came in Round 7, when he posted 23 points and a career-high 10 assists in an 86–65 win over Virtus Bologna for his first EuroLeague double-double. That performance earned Francisco co-MVP honors for the round.

His numbers reflect not just volume, but efficiency. Francisco shot 54.1% on two-pointers and 40.4% from three-point range, consistently stretching defenses and creating space for teammates. He has hit at least one three-pointer in every game, scored in double figures six times, and recorded at least 7 assists in five games.

Zalgiris’s October wins came against top-tier opponents including AS Monaco, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, FC Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, Virtus, and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, with Francisco playing a central role in each.

This marks Francisco’s first MVP of the Month award, and he becomes just the fifth Zalgiris player to earn the honor, joining [Marcus Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marcus-brown/aht/) (December 2007), [Paulius Jankunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jankunas-paulius/bwi/) (December 2017), [Brandon Davies](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/brandon-davies/007870/) (April 2018), and [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) (October 2020). He also becomes the fifth French player to win the award, alongside [Thomas Heurtel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-heurtel/klt/) (February 2017), [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) (January 2015, February 2016, January 2018), [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/) (January 2022, and [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) (December 2024).

Francisco joined Zalgiris in the summer of 2024 and has quickly become one of the most impactful guards in the league. His leadership and consistency have helped Zalgiris emerge as a serious playoff contender, and with the season still young, expectations are only growing.

Zalgiris will look to build on its early momentum as the EuroLeague season continues, with Francisco expected to remain a driving force in the team’s pursuit of postseason success.

More Sylvain Francisco News

The Zalgiris Kaunas guard led his team to the top of the standings with elite playmaking and scoring

There are plenty of smart opportunities in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge market this week. Javier Gancedo breaks them down.

Fantasy tips, Round 9: Mid-tier magic and value finds

The EuroLeague marathon rolls on with Round 9 – a single-round week, meaning players and coaches have a little extra time to prepare. Last week provided a wealth of new information, as several players stepped up to take on bigger roles. But first, [let’s review what Igor Petrinovic recommended last time](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fantasy-tips-rounds-7-8-no-risk-high-reward-gems/).

Igor’s “budget edition” focused on players priced under 6.0 credits, so there’s little room for criticism. True, Arijan Lakic of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade managed a PIR of -1 across the double-round week, but the rest of Igor’s picks hit nicely. Stefan Miljenovic of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade tallied a combined PIR of 15.3 over two games – an excellent return for 4.1 credits. Sebastian Herrera of Paris Basketball was sensational and is now one of the must-have players in the game. Giampaolo Ricci of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan gained 0.3 credits, taking advantage of extra minutes, while Kosta Kondic of Dubai Basketball averaged a PIR of 7.0. Solid work, Igor!

This week, I’m going for slightly pricier players – not the superstars, but those with strong upside and reasonable cost. Here are my recommendations for Round 9:

Isiaha Mike, Joel Parra, Moses Wright, Quinn Ellis and Rodions Kurucs are featured in this week's article. 

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 5

### Isiaha Mike, FC Bayern Munich (9.5 credits)

[Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isiaha-mike/011836/) is coming off a superb double-round week, averaging 23.0 points on 10-of-12 two-pointers, 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 fouls drawn, and a PIR of 27.0. His career-high 29 points against Real Madrid could mark a turning point in his season. Talented and full of confidence, expect more strong performances ahead.

### Joel Parra, FC Barcelona (6.5 credits)

With Toko Shengelia sidelined due to an ankle injury, coach Joan Penarroya will need to improvise at power forward. [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joel-parra/007464/)’s versatility and instant impact make him a great budget pick – he’s ready to deliver when his team needs it most.

### Moses Wright, Zalgiris Kaunas (12.4 credits)

[Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/) has quietly become a force in limited minutes. He posted 14 points, 8 rebounds, and a PIR of 23 in Round 7, then followed up with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and a PIR of 22 in just 18 minutes the next game. He reportedly injured his wrist in the Lithuanian League this past weekend, but if he's good to go in Round 9, at 12.4 credits he remains an undervalued gem.

### Quinn Ellis, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (7.1 credits)

[Quinn Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/quinn-ellis/012593/) continues to impress as Milan’s all-around guard. Even with Nico Mannion back, Ellis has kept a solid role – producing 7 points and a PIR of 13 in Round 8, followed by a PIR of 20 in domestic action. His value is steadily climbing.

### Rodions Kurucs, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (6.2 credits)

A bit of a gamble, but one with serious upside. [Rodions Kurucs](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodions-kurucs/005713/) has shown flashes lately, using his size and strength effectively on both ends. He posted a PIR of 16 against Efes and followed with a PIR of 12 in a dramatic comeback win in the Spanish League. At just 6.2 credits, he’s worth the risk.

More EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge News

There are plenty of smart opportunities in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge market this week. Javier Gancedo breaks them down

Round 9 of the EuroLeague regular season concludes with the drama of El Clásico, with nine more mouthwatering games delivering our weekly dose of elite basketball. Here’s your guide to this week’s games.

At a glance: El Clásico highlights Round 9's action

Round 9 of the EuroLeague regular season concludes with the drama of *El Clásico*, with nine more mouthwatering games delivering our weekly dose of elite basketball. Here’s your guide to this week’s games.

## Wednesday, November 5

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:00 CET)

The action starts early with one Wednesday game as impressive Zvezda (6-2) seeks a seventh straight with against inconsistent Panathinaikos (5-3). The Greens are looking to bounce back from last week’s loss at Monaco and need others to step up in support of Kendrick Nunn, who averages 22.3 points in the last three games. Codi Miller-McIntyre continued his great season with 23 points and 12 assists in last week’s win over Maccabi, and he will lead Zvezda’s efforts to overcome Nunn in the backcourt. Another player in top form for the hosts is Chima Moneke, who has recorded at least 12 points and 7 rebounds in four consecutive games, and Panathinaikos needs to counter him with the best version of Juancho Hernangomez, especially following the loss of Omer Yurtseven through injury. 

### Thursday, November 6

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (18:45 CET)

In Thursday’s opening tipoff, two teams striving to find form meet in Istanbul as Fenerbahce (3-5) welcomes ASVEL (2-6). The reigning champ is struggling with offensive inconsistency and will want to start fast after only scoring 22 first-half points in last week's heavy loss to Real, while ASVEL fared even worse in a 37-point pummelling at Zalgiris despite 14 points from in-form guard Glynn Watson. These are the third-worst and worst offensive teams in the league (78.9 and 78.5 points per game, respectively), with ASVEL also suffering the lowest two-point conversion rate (49.5%). The visitors' task is complicated by the absence of former Fener star Nando De Colo through injury, which could give the home team’s main offensive weapon Wade Baldwin (14.5 and 5.8 assists per game) more opportunity to dominate.

### Dubai Basketball vs. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (19:00 CET)

A pair of EuroLeague newcomers meet for the very first time as Dubai (3-5) hosts co-leader Hapoel (6-2). The home team has slid down the standings with three straight losses, while Hapoel is targeting an immediate response after its four-game winning streak was ended last week in a low-scoring loss at Olympiacos. The physical presence of twin towers Filip Petrusev and Mfiondu Kabengele – who combine for an average of 12.9 rebounds per game – has contributed to Dubai boasting the league’s best interior defense, limiting opponents to just 51.5% of two-point attempts. But Hapoel is the league’s third most accurate team from three-point range (38.5), so shooters like Antonio Blakeney and Collin Malcolm (50% and 52.6% from deep respectively) will be happy to take their chances from beyond the arc.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Virtus Bologna (20:30 CET)

Baskonia (2-6) will attempt to build more momentum against a Virtus (4-4) needing a return to form. The Italian team suffered two heavy road defeats last week due to a malfunctioning offense, scoring only 65 and 71 points in Kaunas and Munich, and must take better care of the basketball after committing 20 turnovers at Bayern. Baskonia is heading in a different direction after picking up its first wins of the season, and will hope that guard Matteo Spagnolo can build on his best performance of the season – 19 points and 6 assists – in the Round 8 win over Efes. A key to the outcome will be the shooting contest between the league’s second and fifth highest scorers, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20.6 points per game) and Carsen Edwards (18.4 ppg).

### Paris Basketball vs. FC Bayern Munich (21:00 CET)

Fresh from two home wins, Bayern (4-4) is aiming for a road triumph as it travels to faltering Paris (4-4). The German team has been lifted by the return to fitness of experienced big man Johannes Voigtmann, and will hope that new signing Spencer Dinwiddie finds his rhythm after scoring just 6 points on 1-of-7 field-goal shooting in his debut against Virtus last time out. Paris is coming off consecutive losses and give more could support league-leading scorer Nadir Hifi (22.3 points per game) by giving a debut to newly signed swingman Jared Rhoden. Fast-paced Paris leads the league in offensive rebounding (16.6 per game), so Bayern will need Voigtmann and Wenyen Gabriel to be ready for a battle of the boards.

### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv vs. AS Monaco (21:00 CET)

Maccabi (2-6) will look to snap a losing run with a visit from in-form Monaco (5-3). Visiting playmaker Mike James will take center stage as he needs a PIR of 8 or more to become the competition's all-time leader in that category, and he arrives in great form with an average PIR of 22.7 in the last three games. The hosts are targeting defensive improvement after allowing 99 points in both the last two games, and also needs Jaylen Hoard to maintain his excellent form (12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game) as he faces a similarly all-action forward, Alpha Diallo (13.6 points and 3.9 boards per night). These are the league’s top two teams in assists (20.3 and 20.5 per game respectively), so expect a free-flowing and high-scoring contest.

## Friday, November 7

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (18:30 CET)

Two teams seeking the consistency required to start climbing the standings meet in Istanbul with Efes (3-5) hosting Milan (3-5). The Italian team boosted its confidence with a badly-needed Round 8 home win over Paris, partly thanks to Giampaolo Ricci crashing the boards to the tune of 5 offensive rebounds. So Efes big man Ercan Osmani will have to continue to help out Efes’s injury-hit frontcourt. The home team will look for defensive ace Nick Weiler-Babb – who has at least one steal in six straight games – to control the influence of Milan playmaker Quinn Ellis, the provider of 8 assists in last week’s win. And as always, the long-range shooting of Shane Larkin will be crucial as he attempts to extend a sequence of six straight games with multiple three-balls.

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Valencia Basket (19:00 CET)

Two of this season's surprise packages go head-to-head as Zalgiris (6-2) welcomes Valencia (5-3). Led by the all-round efforts of Sylvain Francisco, Zalgiris has won its last three games by at least 15 points, most recently thrashing ASVEL with eight different players recording double-digit PIRs. Valencia has been almost as impressive, coming off a perfect double-round week at home which ended with all-action forward Omari Moore continuing his great season with a decisive late burst against Dubai. Both teams are enjoying great accuracy from long range, with Zalgiris leading the league with 42.9% of triples made while Valencia ranks fourth (36.9%), so the shooting of Maodo Lo (51.9% from deep) and Kameron Taylor (48.3% behind the arc) could go a long way towards deciding the outcome.

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:15 CET)

Olympiacos (5-3) will look for another strong home performance with a visit from stuttering Partizan (3-5). The visiting team, which has lost three in a row, will be powered guard Duane Washington, who has averaged 16 points across the past five games. Partizan will hope that Nick Calathes can play more than the 7 minutes he managed in last week’s debut against Barcelona, but the veteran pass master faces a tough task against Thomas Walkup, whose presence led his team to last week’s low-scoring victory over Hapoel despite only scoring 3 points. That game featured a third double-double of the season for Nikola Milutinov (8.2 boards per night), who faces a big battle in the paint with Partizan powerhouse Tyrique Jones (10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game).

### FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (20:30 CET)

The week concludes with a bang as Barcelona (4-4) welcomes Real (4-4) for the season's first *Clásico*. Real got back to winning ways by overpowering Fenerbahce last week, with backcourt duo Theo Maledon and Facu Campazzo combining for 26 points and 10 assists. The visitors – who are seeking its first road win of the season – could be reinforced in the paint by new arrival Alex Len as he looks to complement the excellent form of starting center Walter Tavares, who has underlined his status as the competition’s all-time shot blocking leader with five swats in the last two games. Barca leaned on strong defense to grab low-scoring victories over Milan and Partizan last week, however it will be without Round 8 MVP Toko Shengelia after he suffered an injury in the Spanish League this past weekend.

This week's games are split over three days, starting with Crvena Zvezda facing Panathinaikos on Wednesday

Sportradar examines the widening gap between how teams are utilizing the post offensively, with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona among those who go into the post the most  

Stats review: The growing divide in the post

Only four road teams were able to notch victories during the double-round week. [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) secured one of those victories to join Zalgiris Kaunas and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv as the only three teams to win six games so far. Integrating a host of newcomers this season, the historic Serbian club has seemed to right the ship after dropping its first two games. One key for Sasa Obradovic’s team in its rise towards the top of the standings: its relentless attacking of the basket.

As the table above suggests, no team has taken more shot attempts at the rim than Zvezda; whether those be dunks in transition, driving and-one layups, or tip-ins crashing the offensive glass. Despite finishing the fewest dunks in the EuroLeague thus far, Zvezda ranks first in overall rim scoring as it has consistently been the aggressor and finished steadily nonetheless. 

While the club that claimed last season’s final Play-In spot has been able to rely on [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) scoring prolifically in transition, [Ebuka Izundu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ebuka-izundu/014029/) and [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) finishing plays inside, and [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) to get downhill quickly out of pick and rolls, the rise of [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/) has been key to its early success and prolific interior scoring to this point.

After averaging only 7.6 points per game in his first EuroLeague campaign a year ago, he currently ranks fourth in scoring, averaging 19.7 per game – a jump rooted almost entirely in what he’s creating for himself driving to the rim and getting to the line. Leading all wings by a comfortable margin, averaging 8.8 points at the rim per game, he’s done a little bit of everything while shooting a stellar 77% inside but been especially effective using his frame against smaller wings on dribble drives. Slotted behind only Dan Oturu and Filip Petrusev in rim production, his assertiveness has added a key dimension to Zvezda’s attack.

That puts the fact that Zvezda scored a season-high 45 points at the rim without him against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv in perspective. Even without its most prolific slasher, this unit has the personnel and determination to put consistent pressure on the paint. Not only are they prolific making shots at the rim, but their aggression attacking the basket has translated to the foul counts as well as they also rank first in total free-throw attempts.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade has been similarly assertive, but with only one player in the top 20 in individual scoring in close, it has benefitted from perhaps the EuroLeague's most balanced effort to this point. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has been one of this season’s most efficient finishing teams due in large part to its athleticism on the wings, with AS Monaco in lockstep thanks to Daniel Theis’s 90% shooting at the rim so far this season. Only Olympiacos Piraeus and Hapoel have shot better than that pair, but on far fewer attempts.

While shot-making balance is key in the EuroLeague, teams that can leverage their perimeter shooting to put steady pressure on the rim in the half court present a unique challenge for opposing defenses. Zvezda has shown as much during its six-game win streak.

Sportradar breaks down which teams take the most shots at the rim

Stats review: How attacking the rim has keyed Zvezda’s win streak

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv bounced back from its EuroLeague setback against Olympiacos Piraeus with a hard-fought 89–72 road win over newly promoted Maccabi Ra’anana in the Israeli League on Sunday, but celebrations were muted due to a concerning injury to forward Tomer Ginat, who left the game in the third quarter with a suspected shoulder dislocation.

Hapoel wins in Israeli League, but loses Tomer Ginat to injury

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv bounced back from its EuroLeague setback against Olympiacos Piraeus with a hard-fought 89–72 road win over newly promoted Maccabi Ra’anana in the Israeli League on Sunday. The victory preserved Hapoel’s perfect domestic record, but celebrations were muted due to a concerning injury to forward Tomer Ginat, who left the game in the third quarter with a suspected shoulder dislocation.

Despite the final scoreline, the game was anything but straightforward. Ra’anana, led by Yotam Hanochi’s 22 points, stunned the visitors early, taking a 17-23 lead after the first quarter and extending the gap to 9 points in the second. Hapoel regrouped just before halftime, with a surge led by Tyler Ennis and Tai Odiase flipping the score to 37–36 in their favor at the break.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQlcTdSDN8N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQlcTdSDN8N/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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The third quarter saw Hapoel take control, building a 64–55 lead thanks to strong minutes from Ennis, who finished with 15 points, and Johnathan Motley, who added 12. However, the momentum was briefly halted when Ginat went down clutching his shoulder in visible pain. He was immediately escorted off the court and later taken to Ichilov Hospital for evaluation. Initial assessments from the club suggest Ginat suffered a shoulder dislocation.

Despite the injury, Hapoel closed out the game with composure. Ennis, Odiase, and Bar Timor (who dished out 9 assists) helped stretch the lead to double digits in the fourth quarter. Ra’anana struggled to respond, and Hapoel sealed the win with a dominant final stretch.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis praised his team’s resilience: “We found our rhythm and defended well. Ra’anana had a full week to prepare, while we came off a double EuroLeague week. You don’t win games just by wearing the Hapoel jersey. You earn it on the court.”

More Hapoel Tel Aviv news

The forward was taken to the hospital with a shoulder injury