Two of the best centers in the competition are ready for another big battle in the paint. On Thursday, Joffrey Lauvergne of Zalgiris Kaunas and Walter Tavares of Real Madrid meet again.
Major matchup: Lauvergne, Zalgiris vs. Tavares, Real
Lauvergne returned to action after missing most of the season due to a shoulder injury. He already proved to be in good shape in Round 26 against AS Monaco, finishing the game with 13 points and a PIR of 17. Lauvergne has averaged 6.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in six EuroLeague games this season and should get closer to last season's numbers (10.7 ppg., 5.6 rpg.) very soon. As always against Tavares, Lauvergne should rely on his mid-range jumpers to get him out of the paint and spread the floor for others.
After all, Tavares is arguably the best rim protector in the EuroLeague. A two-time EuroLeague Best Defender, Tavares is having yet another great season, leading the competition in blocked shots (1.9 bpg.) and two-point shooting percentage (75.7%) while ranking second in rebounds (7.4 rpg.). Despite his team's home loss against FC Barcelona in Round 26, Tavares had 25 points on 10-of-10 two-pointers and a PIR of 35. Last season, Tavares had 22 points, 12 rebounds and a PIR of 34 in Kaunas.