Heavyweights collide at Palau Blaugrana as Barça Basket welcomes Olympiacos BC, boosted by the knowledge of already having beaten the Greek team twice this season: 86-78 at home and 68-77 in Piraeus.

Preview: Barça Basket vs. Olympiacos BC

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/311/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-po-g1-game-facts-bar-oly/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-po-g1-game-notes-bar-oly/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-po-g1-prequotes-bar-oly/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-37/)

The Reds made the stronger finish to the regular season, winning 10 of their last 11 games, and head coach Georgios Bartzokas has been further strengthened by the return of towering center [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) after nearly three months out injured. His physical presence will be important against the outstanding Barca big-man duo of [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/), who combined for an average of 24 points and 9.3 rebounds during the regular season.

Two stellar defensive guards will look to control the tempo as [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) faces [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), while long-range shooting prowess is provided by [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/) (12.8 ppg., 40.4% 3PT) and [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) (12.0 ppg., 44.7% 3PT).

[Barcelona Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/statistics/bar/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Olympiacos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/statistics/oly/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Jabari Parker vs. Alec Peters: There will be quite the battle between the two do-it-all power forwards when they face off in Game 1.

FC Barcelona ground out a well-deserved 68-77 win at Olympiacos Piraeus in the second round of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season. The visitors overwhelmed the home side in the last few minutes of an enthralling rollercoaster, having thrown away a 15-point second-quarter lead in a vibrant atmosphere.

Olympiacos Piraeus-FC Barcelona | Round 2 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Jan Vesely was seemingly unstoppable in Barcelona's big wins against Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Baskonia, netting 27 and 23 points, respectively. His battle with Moustapha Fall could be one to watch as fast-rising Olympiaocs strive to manage tempo via the leadership skills of Thomas Walkup.

FC Barcelona-Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 20 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Heavyweights collide at Palau Blaugrana as FC Barcelona welcomes Olympiacos Piraeus, boosted by the knowledge of already having beaten the Greek team twice this season: 86-78 at home and 68-77 in Greece.

Barcelona, Olympiacos eager to start off on the right foot in Game 1

FC Barcelona v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-04-24T19:00:00.000Z)

It’s playoff time! And that, in itself, brings new obstacles to EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge managers. On the one hand, fewer players to choose from. On the other, no easy games; no easy points. Moreso than ever before, in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, every game matters! The co-hosts of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, Javier Gancedo, are here to help you navigate through these playoff predicaments.

Fantasy Challenge Podcast: ‘What time is it, Javi?’

It’s playoff time! And that, in itself, brings new obstacles to [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) managers. On the one hand, fewer players to choose from. On the other, no easy games; no easy points. Moreso than ever before, in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, every game matters! The co-hosts of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, Javier Gancedo, are here to help you navigate through these playoff predicaments.

The two jump from series to series, discussing the big names and the underpriced sleepers, to make sure you have thought through all the angles before finalizing your fantasy teams. Get ready for the playoffs with episode No. 32 of your favorite fantasy basketball podcast. 

Here are Javier Gancedo's recommendations for this week's games in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Bring on the playoffs!

It's playoff time in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague! The best eight teams in the competition are set to battle in best-of-five series with only one goal in mind: making it to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin, Germany. With 10 teams already eliminated, there are fewer options in the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) but don't worry, there are plenty of chances to put together a good team. Here are my recommendations before Game 1 of the playoffs: 

[Mike James, AS Monaco (17.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/)

James is my superstar of choice at the start of the playoffs. Monaco plays at home, so that is always a plus. Moreover, James has played well against Fenerbahce so far this season, getting 24 points and 5 rebounds for a PIR of 25 in Istanbul and 23 points and 6 rebounds for a PIR of 29 in Monaco. Honestly, what's not to like about him? 

[Matt Costello, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (10.2 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/)

Costello has been sensational lately, helping Baskonia punch its playoff ticket. Against Virtus last week, Costello had 6 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and a PIR of 18 in over 25 minutes. He followed that up with a PIR of 26 in his team's Spanish League game over the weekend. If Chima Moneke remains unavailable, Costello will play even more. 

Mike James, Lorenzo Brown, Matt Costello, Dzanan Musa and Nico Laprovittola are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Playoffs Games 1-2

[Nico Laprovittola, FC Barcelona (11.1 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/)

Barca managed to beat Olympiacos twice this season mainly because of its three-point shooting, which was excellent in Pireaus and pretty good at Palau Blaugrana, too. In his only game against Olympiacos this season, Laprovittola had 17 points and 7 assists for a PIR of 22, missing just a couple of shots. He is expected to play a leading role in this series.

[Dzanan Musa, Real Madrid (14.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/)

It's hard to pick just one Real player ahead of the playoffs. Musa has played well against Baskonia in both games this season and that leads me to recommend him. He had 13 points and 7 rebounds in Real's season opener in Vitoria-Gasteiz and had 16 points and 4 rebounds for a PIR of 17 when they met in the Spanish capital. Expect him to stay strong from now on. 

[Lorenzo Brown, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (11.9 credits)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/)

The man of the moment! Brown took Maccabi to the playoffs with a stellar performance against Baskonia: 29 points on 7 of 8 three-pointers and 5 assists for a PIR of 35. Brown struggled a bit at times this season, but not against Panathinaikos, averaging 13.0 points, 9.5 assists and 3.0 steals for a PIR of 17.5 against the Greens. 

Expect maximum drama as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs tip off with Game 1 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here's your guide to the action.

Game 1: Playoffs drama arrives!

[Panathinaikos Aktor Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/313/)

After finishing the regular season with nine consecutive home wins, Panathinaikos will look to stay strong in Athens with a visit on Tuesday from dangerous Maccabi, which cruised through its play-in test by crushing Baskonia 113-85.

Maccabi is one of only three visiting teams to win in Athens this season, triumphing 81-86 after overtime in October behind 21 points from [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/), who faces a great matchup with [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/).

In the paint, two of the league's best big men will battle for supremacy. [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) averages 13.6 points and 6.0 rebounds for the Greens, while [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) leads the league with 7.3 rebounds per game and has posted double-digit PIRs in 13 consecutive games.

The backcourt action will sizzle, too, as Greens' defensive ace [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/) attempts to subdue [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), who combined for 55 points in the play-in win. The hosts, meanwhile, will look for [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) to continue his hot streak after scoring at least 15 points in six straight games. The experienced leadership of [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) will also be crucial for Panathinaikos, while Maccabi offers serious long-range scoring threats from [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) and [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/).

The Greens are in great form with eight wins out of the last nine and appear well on course to conclude the regular season in the top-six. They journey to a stuttering Maccabi outfit seeking defensive improvement after losing three of their previous four, having shipped 88 points in each of those defeats.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 23 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[Real Madrid vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/310/)

Reigning champ and regular season standings leader Real will aim to strike first at home on Tuesday against Baskonia, which qualified for the playoffs by surging past Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Friday's play-in decider.

The visiting team will take confidence from a thrilling 91-95 victory at the WiZink Center in the penultimate round of the regular season. [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) was the chief architect of that victory with 35 points, and he will clearly be a focus for the home team's defense after also netting 28 in the win over Virtus.

Real will look to dominate physically through its fearsome big man duo of [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), who rank first and second, respectively, in blocks with 1.5 and 1.4 per game. Baskonia will desperately hope that [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) will recover from injury soon to play at 100%, while [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/) has fond memories of Madrid after scoring 19 crucial points in the Round 33 victory.

The defending champ boasts unmatched depth, including the rebounding and scoring of [Gaby Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriel-deck/009005/) and [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/), the veteran leadership of [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/) and [Sergio Rodriguez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-rodriguez/cvm/), and the consistent scoring of [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/). So Baskonia will need the likes of rebounding ace [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) and long-range shooting threat [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) to find their best level in the hope of grabbing a priceless road win.

Los Blancos has already set a record for the most regular season victories and they aim for a fifth after Dzanan Musa inspired a triumph versus Zvezda, whereas Baskonia have stumbled via three straight losses and bid to avenge an opening night loss to Real after Markus Howard missed on the buzzer.

Real Madrid-Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz | Round 33 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[AS Monaco vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/312/)

The third- and sixth-place teams from the regular season will lock horns as Monaco hosts Fenerbahce in the principality on Wednesday. Fenerbahce has the worst road record out of all playoff teams, with just 5 wins in 17 regular-season attempts, while Monaco has won nine of its last ten at home.

Monaco, as always, will run its offense through the competition's all-time leading scorer [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who averaged 18.7 points and 5.1 assists during the regular season and reached double-digit scoring in every single game. He has plenty of support from the likes of all-action forward [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/) and smooth shooting big man [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/).

Fenerbahce will run its offense through the experience of [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) (4.9 assists per game) and the three-point shooting of [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) (3.0 triples per night), while the Turkish team's all-around threat, [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), faces a great matchup against defensive ace [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-brown/010588/).

A key aspect of the game will be control: Monaco has committed the fewest number of turnovers in the league (10.0 per game), contributing to a team-oriented defense that has allowed just 79.4 points per game – fourth-best in the competition. But Fenerbahce's efficiency offense ranks first in three-point shooting percentage (39.1%) and third in two-pointers (56.4%), so Monaco will aim to disrupt that level of execution as this series tips off.

Monaco search for a fourth consecutive win and are equipped with the clockwork consistency of Mike James, Round 24's MVP after powering his team over Partizan. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce enhanced its fragile road form with an impressive evening at ASVEL and have center Johnathan Motley thriving.

AS Monaco-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 25 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[FC Barcelona vs. Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/311/)

Heavyweights collide at Palau Blaugrana as Barca welcomes Olympiacos, boosted by the knowledge of already having beaten the Greek team twice this season: 86-78 at home and 68-77 in Piraeus.

The Reds made the stronger finish to the regular season, winning 10 of their last 11 games, and head coach Georgios Bartzokas has been further strengthened by the return of towering center [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) after nearly three months out injured. His physical presence will be important against the outstanding Barca big-man duo of [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/), who combined for an average of 24 points and 9.3 rebounds during the regular season.

Two stellar defensive guards will look to control the tempo as [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) faces [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), while long-range shooting prowess is provided by [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/) (12.8 ppg., 40.4% 3PT) and [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) (12.0 ppg., 44.7% 3PT).

On the wings, two dangerous scorers go head to head as [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) matches up with [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/), and there will be maximum intensity between two battle-hardened leaders, [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) and [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/), setting the tone for a perfectly poised series.

Game 1: Playoff drama arrives!

Real Madrid v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-04-25T19:00:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-04-25T18:15:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-04-24T17:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-04-26T19:00:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-04-23T17:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-04-26T17:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-04-23T19:00:00.000Z)

The Panathinaikos-Maccabi series, which begins on Tuesday, had two overtures during the EuroLeague Regular Season. Here's what happened.

This season's precedents: Panathinaikos vs. Maccabi

A dozen years have passed since Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv have crossed paths in the playoffs, but the memory of their epic five-game showdown in 2012 merely whets the appetite for this long-awaited rematch. Maccabi is 18-15 against the Greens overall this century, but Panathinaikos won the last two major showdowns between them: Game 5 in that 2012 series and the previous season's 2011 championship game.

 

Panathinaikos (23-11, second seed) hasn't seen a Final Four since winning that bygone series while Maccabi (20-14, seventh seed) hasn't been to one since taking the title in 2014. One of these multiple EuroLeague champions will break the spell at the end of this series and take its place once again in the big dance.

 

Here's what happened when they faced earlier this season.

[**Maccabi rose up in overtime**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/35/)

In [Round 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-panathinaikos-bc-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/), Panathinaikos and Maccabi delivered an instant classic  Maccabi led by as many as 14 at halftime, 24-39. Panathinaikos rallied and took a 72-70 lead into the final minute of the fourth quarter but [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) sent the game to overtime on a put-back layup off a free throw missed by [Roman Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/). Once in the extra period, [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) and [Antonius Cleveland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/antonius-cleveland/012744/) sealed the outcome from the free throw line. [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) led the winners with 21 points and 8 rebounds. [John DiBartolomeo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-dibartolomeo/007990/) added 15 while Brown, Nebo and Blatt added 12. [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/) led Panathinaikos with 15 points and [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) added 13 for the Greens.

Panathinaikos welcomes Maccabi as two ambitious clubs attempt to recover from Round 3 disappointment. Ergin Ataman's Greens long for greater attacking rhythm since averaging only 12.7 assists, whereas in contrast, Maccabi lead the league in that department having reached 24.5 per game.

Panathinaikos Athens vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Round 4 | Highlights

[**Baldwin nailed down Maccabi’s sweep**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/35/)

In their [Round 23](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc-vs-panathinaikos-bc/) rematch Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia, it was a close game for 32 minutes, when a three-pointer by Grigonis got Panathinaikos within 64-62. Maccabi found its go-to guy in [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), who had not faced Panathinaikos in the first game due to injury. Baldwin scored 7 quick points, getting help from Nebo and [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/james-webb-iii/011971/) to seal the outcome, 77-69, with over 2 minutes remaining. The eventual 90-75 outcome, behind 22 points from Baldwin, gave Maccabi a season sweep of the Greens. Colson, Nebo and [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) each added 14 for Maccabi. Despite grabbing a season-high 20 offensive rebounds, Panathinaikos could not prevail. [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/) led the Greens with 17 points.

Game Videos

Game News

The Real-Baskonia series, which begins on Tuesday, had two overtures during the EuroLeague Regular Season. Here's what happened.

This season's precedents: Real vs. Baskonia 

Although they have done so often in Spain, this marks the first time ever that Real Madrid (27-7, first seed) and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (18-16, eighth seed) will square off in a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs series of any length, with their regional rivalry adding an spicy element to this five-game series.

 

Given its top-ranked run in the regular season, Real would host a potential Game 5 on its home floor should the series require it. On the other hand, Baskonia has outdone Real 10-8 in EuroLeague games between them, including a 3-1 record over the last two seasons, going 3-1.

 

Of course, they have measured each other twice already in EuroLeague action this season. Here's what went down in those games.

[**Madrid rallied for revenge at Buesa**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-real-madrid/E2023/8/)

Back in [Round 1](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-three-pointers-absences-baskonia/), when Baskonia still had Joan Penarroya as its head coach, visiting Real came away from Buesa Arena with a narrow 77-79 victory. Baskonia led after each of the first three quarters, with [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/), [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) and [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) impressing, but a 10-17 fourth-quarter run resulted in Real stealing the win. That night, Los Blancos were led by [Guerschon Yabusele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/guerschon-yabusele/010357/), [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/), [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), who combined for 56 points. After being swept by Baskonia in 2022-23, despite going on to win the championship, Real was able to exact some revenge against its bogey team during [Chus Mateo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/mateo-chus/)'s reign.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz-Real Madrid | Round 1 | Highlights

[**Howard led Baskonia’s ambush**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/297/)

In their [Round 33](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-real-madrid-baloncesto-vs-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/) rematch, Real Madrid came out the blocks at home to Baskonia and held a 27-17 lead after the first 10 minutes. However, Baskonia then outscored the hosts in each of the last three quarters, reducing the gap to 48-42 at halftime before taking a slender 64-65 lead into the fourth quarter. Howard erupted for 15 points in the final period to match his career high of 35 points, with Baskonia coming away with a memorable 91-95 win. That triumph meant that Baskonia has won on its last two EuroLeague trips to WiZink Center, following [Costello's game-winning buzzer-buzzer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/videos/7days-magic-moment-costello-wins-it/) in the final seconds of last year's contest.

The Monaco-Fenerbahce series, which begins on Wednesday, had two overtures during the EuroLeague Regular Season. Here's what happened.

This season's precedents: AS Monaco vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Excitement is guaranteed in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, but that may be particularly true in the best-of-five series between AS Monaco (23-11, third seed) and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (20-14, sixth seed).  These two teams have tended to hold serve on their home courts in their relatively short all-time series. Fenerbahce has the only road win between them – a 93-96 shootout triumph at Salle Gaston Medecin on November 22, 2022 – and therefore holds a 4-2 record over Monaco.

 

Fenerbahce would have to repeat that feat at least once to survive this series, as Monaco holds home-court advantage, including in a potential Game 5 would take place on Monaco's home floor.

 

Here's how did they fare against each other earlier this season.

[**Fenerbahce aced Saras’s debut**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-as-monaco/E2023/123/)

Head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius's first game in the Fenerbahce hot seat came against Monaco in [Round 14](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fenerbahce-beko-vs-as-monaco-basket/). Despite an inspired performance by Monaco guard [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who finished with 24 points, Fenerbahce put the clamps on the visitors in the third quarter to take control of the contest en route to an 86-74 victory. The star for the Turkish side that night was [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/), who netted 23 points, including 8 in a 22-12 third quarter. That result improved Fenerbahce to a perfect 6-0 record at home, with the team having gone 5-0 at Ulker Sports and Events Hall under ex-boss Dimitris Itoudis through its first five home games.

Fenerbahce continue to rely on the leadership of Nigel Hayes-Davis, as he remains the only player to have started every game of the campaign. Next for them are Monaco, who has won three of their last four, including a hard-fought road triumph at Zalgiris where Mike James again asserted his importance.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul-AS Monaco | Round 14 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

[**James rallied Monaco late**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/222/)

When they met again a month and a half later in the principality for Round 25, Monaco exacted some revenge by coming away with an 76-69 win. Fenerbahce led at the end of the first three quarters, but a 21-8 fourth quarter – in which James netted 10 points – allowed Monaco to emerge as the victor. James once again starred for the Monegasques, posting 23 points, while [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) added 16, [John Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/john-brown/010588/) 15 and [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) 11. Fenerbahce had four double-digit scorers led by [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) with 12.

The Barca-Olympiacos series, which begins on Wednesday, had two overtures during the EuroLeague Regular Season. Here's what happened.

This season's precedents: Barcelona vs. Olympiacos

Nine years have passed since FC Barcelona (22-12, fourth seed) and Olympiacos Piraeus (22-12, fifth seed) last went against each other in a Turkish Airlines Euroleague Playoffs series. The other big-game precedents include the 2010 championship game, won by Barcelona, and the 2012 semifinals, won by Olympiacos. Barca leads their series this century by 22-13 overall.

 

This season, Barca finished ahead of the Reds due to a well-earned tie-break advantage and will enjoy home-court advantage. But Reds' fans will recall that their team lacked that advantage back in 2015, too, but was able to overcome and reach the Final Four.

 

Here's what went down when these two teams played each other earlier this season.

[**Abrines, Laprovittola led Barca from deep**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-fc-barcelona/E2023/16/)

Olympiacos hosted Barca for their first meeting this season at Peace and Friendship Stadium in [Round 2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-fc-barcelona/). Barca led most of the way until [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) had 7 points in a 9-0 run that gave Olympiacos a 66-59 lead with over 4 minutes left. Barca answered in style, as [Alex Abrines](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alex-abrines/003478/) struck twice from downtown and [Tomas Satoransky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tomas-satoransky/002939/) added another triple in a 0-14 run that sealed the outcome. Barca won 68-77 behind 17 points and 7 assists from [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/).  Barca buried 15 of 26 three-pointers (57.7%) – led by Abrines making 5 of 7 for 16 points – while Olympiacos hit just 7 of 25 (28%). Walkup led the Reds with 14 points.

[**Parker, Hernangomez assured crucial sweep**](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/179/)

Olympiacos arrived to their [Round 20](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-barca-basket-vs-olympiacos-bc/) rematch with a four-game winning streak while Barca had just won its last two at Palau Blaugrana. Barca led most of the way, but the Reds rallied to get within 81-78 in the next-to-last minute. [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/) beat the shot clock with a five-meter jumper and Satoransky sealed the outcome with a three-pointer. Barca won 86-78. The winners got 21 points from [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/), 16 from [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/), and 13 each from Satoransky and Kalinic. [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/) led all scorers with 22 points for Olympiacos. Barca outrebounded the Reds by 33-23 and once again did much better from beyond the three-point line, hitting 11 of 25 attempts (44.0%) to 8 of 22 (36.4%). Its series sweep proved the only tiebreak advantage Barca needed to assure itself home-court advantage in this series.

The eight teams entering the best-of-five Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoff series will look to lean on their strengths, some of which lie in the numbers.

The playoff teams’ strengths, by the numbers

### Real Madrid's stifling defense

In addition to all of its offensive numbers, defending champion Real Madrid leads the league in two major defensive statistical categories, two-point and three-point percentages allowed. Real has held opponents to a league-low 50.8% shooting on two-pointers and Los Blancos have also allowed a mere 33.5% on three-point shooters. In the current round-robin EuroLeague format, this has only been done once before, by Barcelona in the 2020-21 season.

What is really interesting is that Real has faced the second most two-point shot attempts and the third fewest triples. No team has seen its opponents attempt more two-pointers than Real, 43.2 per game, with Fenerbahce being second in that department quite below at 40.2. But opponents have made just over half of those attempts against Real, as a result of the intimidating factors in the paint named Walter Tavares and Vincent Poirier. They are the two best shot-blockers in the league, with Poirer ranking first (1.5 bpg.) and Tavares, who is the EuroLeague all-time leader in blocks, second this season (1.4 bpg.).

Real Madrid leads the league in blocked shots

### Sharing is caring

This season there are five teams averaging at least 19 assists per game and they all made the playoffs. Eight teams have averaged better than 18.0 assists this season and six will be competing in the playoffs. That's the first time ever. They are Real (20.5 apg.), Maccabi (19.7 apg.), Barcelona (19.4 apg.), Olympiacos (19.3 apg.), Baskonia (19.0 apg.) and Fenerbahce (18.1 apg.). There have never been more than four such playoff teams in the past. Real's 20.5 are on pace to finish as fifth best ever, with a chance to improve in the playoffs, and possibly beyond.

The most curios case among these six, however, might be Olympiacos which ranks fourth in assists even though it is only 13th in scoring (79.0 ppg.) and 15th in field goals made (28.3 per game), which are both the lowest marks of all playoff teams. Olympiacos is the only team averaging below 80 points per game among the playoff teams, as the Reds average nearly 3 points fewer than the next team, Monaco (81.9 ppg.).

 

### Taking, and not giving away

Monaco has committed the fewest turnovers and has forced the most turnovers this season. While that is interesting enough, it is even more interesting that Monaco has done so for the second consecutive season.

Monaco has recorded a league-low 9.97 turnovers per game and forced 13.5 per game, which is even with Panathinaikos as the league-best. Coach Sasa Obradovic’s men being the best in both categories for second year in a row cannot be a coincidence.

Only four Monaco players have averaged more than 1.0 turnover per game, with Mike James leading the pack with 2.1 TOpg., which is an acceptable number considering his involvement in the offense, which runs through him, and the amount of time he handles the ball.

There are 13 players who have averaged more turnovers than James this season and Monaco's second-worst in this category is Elie Okobo at 1.8 TOpg., ranking 35th in the league. With no other player in the top 75, Monaco has been doing an amazing job taking care of the basketball.

### Maccabi's double-edged sword defense

When it comes to stealing the ball and overall defense, Maccabi is one team that is different than all the others. Maccabi allows more points than any other team in the league, but actually has an opportunistic defense that picks up the most steals.

Maccabi turning defense into offense

Maccabi's league-best 7.3 steals might not be near an all-time single-season record, but it is the only team that during the regular season had eight players with at least 17 steals. Bonzie Colson leads the way with 47, fourth most in the league this season.

Such opportunistic defense acts as a double-edged sword. Maccabi has allowed a league-high 86.7 points per game, but that defensive leakage has been acceptable since all the steals often lead to transition baskets, hurting the opponents even more going the other way. That, in big part, has helped Maccabi enter the playoffs ranked first in scoring with 88.5 points per game. 

### Home-court comforts

Barcelona and Fenerbahce sport league-best 15-2 home records this season, but there are numbers that illustrate even better how much more comfortable both teams feel at home, especially offensively. Fenerbahce has averaged 92.7 points in home games, which ranks second in the league, but when we account for overtimes, Fenerbahce has the best per-40-minutes scoring offense. Meanwhile, that average drops by more than 15 points on the road, all the way down to 77.5 ppg., 13th best on the road. The second worst playoff team in that regard is Barcelona, which ranks fifth with 87.3 ppg. at home and 11th on the road (78.1 ppg.).

But that's not all. Fenerbahce has shot a league-best 44.1% at home from three-point range, and that accuracy staggeringly drops to 33.7% on the road, which was third from the bottom in the regular season. And again, Barcelona is on the similar path, ranking second in three-point shooting (39.2%) on home floor, while 15th (34.3%) on the road.

Fenerbahce's three-point shooting at home is second to none

Barca will have home-court advantage in the playoffs against Olympiacos, which is one of the three playoff teams, along with Panathinaikos and Baskonia, that has actually shot from downtown slightly better on the road. The Reds have made 37.0% of their threes in Piraeus and 37.7% away from home.

Unlike Barcelona, Fenerbahce will likely have to overcome those shooting woes and find a way to steal (at least) one game in Monaco if it wants to reach the Final Four.

While we are on the subject, one team that might be just fine playing away from home is Baskonia. Not only did Baskonia sport a fifth-best 8-9 regular season record on the road, but it led the league in scoring (87.0 ppg.) in those games, compared to ranking just 12th at home (81.4 ppg.). Baskonia also had the biggest difference in three-point shooting, making 38.3% away from home and 35.1 at its Buesa Arena during the regular season.

 

### **Panathinaikos players and big minutes** 

Panathinaikos has five players, all of its usual starters, ranked among the top 25 in average minutes-played. Mathias Lessort (28:50 mpg.) leads the list, followed by Jerian Grant (28:44 mpg.), Dinos Mitoglou (28.36 mpg.), Marius Grigonis (26.56 mpg.) and Kendrick Nunn (26:51 mpg.). Sixth man Kostas Sloukas (26:25 mpg.), who started in 12 of 27 appearances, ranks 28th. The next highest average belongs to Juancho Hernangomez (16:33 mpg.).

On the other end of the spectrum are Real and Barcelona. Facundo Campazzo and Tomas Satoransky are the leaders in minutes played for Real and Barcelona respectively, and each has averaged fewer minutes than Sloukas. Campazzo (25:21 mpg.) ranks 36th, and Satoransky (25:20 mpg.) is right behind him. They are the only players on these two teams averaging more than 25 minutes, and behind Campazzo and Satoransky, both Real and Barcelona have nine more players who have averaged more than 15 minutes per game.