Real Madrid vs Hapoel

The series shifts to Bulgaria, acting as home court for Hapoel, with Real Madrid up 2-0.

Game 1 was defined by Real Madrid operating out of the post. They used multiple players and entry points to punish the defense. Hapoel’s plan was clear: attack through the PnR, but the lack of movement made things easier for Real Madrid’s defense. Scariolo’s playbook created consistent scoring opportunities, with the only real issues coming against the matchup zone. That same zone helped Hapoel get out in transition and find easier looks without facing a set defense. Real’s late-game execution issues appeared again, going scoreless in the final 2:40, but they held on.

In Game 2, Hapoel adjusted, zoning up when the ball went inside to limit post play. Real Madrid responded by shifting toward guard creation, with Campazzo and Theo Maledon leading the way and breaking down the defense. Once again, Scariolo’s team controlled the in-game adjustments. The matchup zone caused some problems early but was not used in the second half. Real Madrid’s team defense stood out and drove a 102-75 win.

Hapoel needs Game 3 to stay alive. Defensive rebounding is a priority after allowing 16 and 13 offensive rebounds in the first two games. Cutting that down would close the gap. Leaning more on the matchup zone could also help, as it has been the most effective way to slow Real Madrid’s offense.

For Real Madrid, the key question is whether their road struggles carry over or if they take a step forward in this stage.

 

Olympiacos vs AS Monaco

Before the series, this looked like one of the most exciting 1-8 matchups. Olympiacos has flipped that script.

The regular-season champs won the first two games by a combined 54 points. Their offense has been dominant, with precise movement and clear intent in who to attack and how. Defensively, they have also been superior, daring Blossomgame and Begarin to shoot while loading up on Monaco’s guards.

Monaco showed some offensive improvement early in Game 2, getting their guards off screens before flowing into the PnR. That helped put Olympiacos’ point-of-attack defenders a step behind and exposed Milutinov more, limiting his impact after a strong Game 1. But the defensive end remained the issue. Olympiacos’ movement continued to create problems, and even adjustments that made sense before the game did not hold up. Thomas Walkup, a 33.6% three-point shooter for his career on low volume, went 3/6 from deep, consistently punishing the under.

Now the series shifts to Monaco, with Olympiacos looking to close it in Game 3. Monaco, already limited in depth, will be without Alpha Diallo and Daniel Theis, which further impacts their chances. They will need a strong shooting night from three, after going 4/28 and 6/30 in Games 1 and 2, but even that may not be enough against an Olympiacos team playing at a high level.

 

Fenerbahçe vs Zalgiris

In the Master vs Apprentice series, it is the Master, Sarunas Jasikevicius and his squad, holding a 2-0 lead heading to Kaunas.

Fenerbahçe’s defense has made life difficult for Zalgiris. Coach Saras moved away from switching with the 5, while also shading Zalgiris guards to the left and loading the driving lanes. That put the focus on Moses Wright to beat them. He did his part, but it was not enough to steal a road win.

Fenerbahçe’s offense has reached a level not seen during the regular season. Players are being put in the right spots and are ready for what the defense presents.

Zalgiris has had positive stretches offensively in both games, generating good looks, but the shots have not fallen. Spain PnR actions, in particular, have given them a way to attack.

With the series shifting to Kaunas, Zalgiris will look for shooting regression toward their season level, 39.8% from three compared to 22.7% and 21.7% in Games 1 and 2. That alone could make things more competitive. To extend the series, they will need more from their guards. That should be a focus for coach Masiulis. Getting Francisco, NWG, and Lo into actions off DHOs or pin-downs before flowing into PnR is one approach. Having them set a backscreen before receiving the ball is another way to get the defense trailing.

For Fenerbahçe, the question is whether this level on both ends carries over on the road or if they struggle away from home.

 

Valencia vs Panathinaikos

Another 2-0 series, this time with the road team, Panathinaikos, leading before heading home. It is as close as a 2-0 series can be, with Valencia at -3 over 85 minutes, but in the Playoffs, a loss is a loss.

Game 1 could not have gone better for Panathinaikos. They forced Valencia into their 2nd slowest-paced game of the season, and despite good looks from deep, Valencia made a season-low six threes. On offense, Panathinaikos was sharp. Coach Ataman prepared well to attack Valencia’s PnR coverage, using Double Drags, Ram Screens, and flipping screen angles to get the hedging big trailing the play. That carried into Game 2.

Valencia played faster in Game 2, though still not at their preferred pace, with Panathinaikos pushing them late into the shot clock. It turned into one of the best games of the Playoffs, with high scoring and both teams executing offensively. Panathinaikos matched Valencia’s three-point makes, which proved crucial. The game came down to details. Free-throw shooting stood out, with Panathinaikos going 15/15 and Valencia 13/23 in a two-point game. Nigel Hayes-Davis responded after a quiet Game 1, scoring 27, including the final eight points and the game-winning buzzer beater.

Valencia is not a team that folds. They head to OAKA ready to face a strong crowd, but with belief they can respond. Limiting Panathinaikos’ three-point volume will be key, along with pushing the tempo. In Game 1, they created good looks by setting flat screens near midcourt to speed things up. That could return in Game 3. Adjustments to their PnR coverage may also help.

Panathinaikos holds the edge, but Valencia will compete.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

Are these the best playoffs ever in EuroLeague?

The 7th and 8th seeds were in the Final Four just one season ago. Olympiacos carried its regular-season dominance and is still chasing a title that has eluded them for 13 years. One of the most exciting teams in the competition was playing in the EuroCup just last year, featuring the Coach of the Year and the Rising Star. A master vs apprentice clash.

These playoffs have it all, and we are here to break it down.

 

Olympiacos vs AS Monaco

The 1-8 matchup has traditionally been the most unbalanced, with the 8th seed never reaching the Final Four in the new format. This Monaco team is not a typical 8th seed. They reached the final last year and kept most of the same core. They lack depth, but Olympiacos will need to be at its best to return to the Final Four.

Olympiacos runs one of the most polished offensive systems in basketball. Monaco counters with a high-level defense, with strong and switchable defenders at every position. If Monaco can force Olympiacos into 1-on-1 play, that could shift things, but that is a big if.

Monaco leans heavily on the pick-and-roll. Their guards are effective in those situations and can break down coverages. Olympiacos’ point-of-attack defense will be key throughout the series. Thomas Walkup and Tyson Ward should have major roles, especially with Milutinov on the floor, given his limitations in space.

Rebounding is another area to watch. Monaco has struggled on the defensive glass all season, ranking 18th in DREB% at 66.3%. They now face the 2nd-best offensive rebounding team at 36.5% OREB. In a series that projects to be close, extra possessions could push Olympiacos toward the Final Four.

Late-game guard play is another question. Monaco has proven options, with Mike James delivering in clutch moments and Elie Okobo also stepping up. Can Olympiacos’ guards match that production? It is a key point to follow.

Olympiacos was the best team in the regular season and should be favored. Still, Monaco beat them twice and enters with momentum. The question is whether an 8th seed can reach the Final Four.

 

Valencia vs Panathinaikos

Valencia was the 2nd-best team in the regular season and was “rewarded” with a matchup against Panathinaikos, one of the deepest and most talented teams in the competition. While Valencia might feel unlucky, this is a great series for basketball fans.

Valencia won both regular-season meetings, but that carries limited weight here, especially with Panathinaikos having more experience at this stage.

Valencia is not expected to change much. They will play fast, go 12-deep, and take a high volume of threes. Defensively, they will continue to pressure the ball. The key question is how their pick-and-roll defense holds up. It was strong in the regular season, but in a series setting, showing the same coverages repeatedly can be tested. Panathinaikos has three ball-handlers in TJ Shorts, Kendrick Nunn, and Kostas Sloukas who are all effective in pick-and-roll. If they find rhythm, they will be difficult to contain.

Panathinaikos has been inconsistent throughout the season, including with rotations. Anything short of their best could be costly. They have also struggled on the defensive glass, ranking 13th in DREB%. That showed in the regular-season matchups, where Valencia had 13 and 14 offensive rebounds, while Panathinaikos finished with 26 and 19 defensive rebounds. Controlling the defensive glass should be a priority.

Three-point shooting is another factor. Valencia attempts more, 31.8 per game compared to 23.9, and shoots at a higher percentage, 36.7% to 35.2%.

Valencia will look to turn Roig Arena into a fortress, while Panathinaikos will rely on the OAKA crowd to push them. The question is which side comes out on top.

 

Real Madrid vs Hapoel

Real Madrid and Hapoel finished the regular season separated by one game. That small margin carries weight. Real Madrid went 18-1 at home and 6-13 away, so home-court advantage could be decisive.

This projects as a half-court series. Both teams are comfortable playing in those settings, though neither will pass on transition chances.

Mario Hezonja was the X-factor in both regular-season meetings, which Real Madrid won. He averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds, creating mismatches in multiple ways. He used his size in the post, came off screens to shoot, and handled in pick-and-roll. Scariolo should continue to lean on that versatility. Hapoel and Coach Itoudis will need a plan to limit his impact.

Hapoel is strong in pick-and-roll and should feature it heavily, especially when Walter Tavares is on the floor. Forcing him to defend in space is a clear target. Their trio of bigs, Johnathan Motley, Tai Odiase, and Dan Oturu, offers different skill sets that can be used in those situations.

Real Madrid was a first-half team for much of the season and struggled late. Their offense drops in the fourth quarter, with a 111.7 ORTG compared to a 121.1 season average. Hapoel, on the other hand, has been effective in clutch situations and in fourth quarters. In a series expected to be close, late-game execution will matter.

This sets up as a compelling series, with the potential for a Final Four debut for Hapoel or another step for Real Madrid.

 

Fenerbahçe vs Zalgiris

The final Playoffs series puts Fenerbahçe, who spent much of the season in 1st place before a rough finish, against Zalgiris, one of the biggest surprises of the competition. Zalgiris also won both regular-season meetings between the two.

Fenerbahçe struggled offensively all season, finishing with the 15th-best ORTG in the competition, the worst among Playoff teams by a wide margin: FBB 113.6 ORTG; VAL 119.2. Their identity has been built on defense: PnR switches, identifying weak points, and physicality off the ball. That carried them to the best regular-season defense in EuroLeague, with a DRTG nearly three points better than the next best defense.

But one area that has challenged Fenerbahçe’s defense is elite guard creation against switches. That is exactly what Zalgiris brings. Their trio of guards, Maodo Lo, Nigel Williams-Goss, and Sylvain Francisco, can operate in pick-and-roll at a high level and are effective in isolation. At times during the season, we saw coach Saras move away from switching. That will be a key decision point again here.

The coaching matchup adds another layer. Masiulis was Jasikevicius’ assistant until the start of this season, making this a Master vs Apprentice clash. Both Lithuanian coaches are elite tacticians with strong sets. With two top defenses in the series, any easy basket created from the playbook could swing games.

Fenerbahçe enters as defending champions. Masiulis aims to guide Zalgiris to the Final Four like his mentor, but only one path continues.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

Play-in Round 1 Recap:

Panathinaikos vs AS Monaco

OAKA was roaring, ready to carry Panathinaikos into the PlayOffs, but Monaco started better.

With Alpha Diallo on Kendrick Nunn, Monaco set the tone defensively. They forced Panathinaikos deep into the shot clock, including two late-clock attempts and a turnover in the first three possessions. That led to a 4-0 start in under two minutes and forced Ataman to stop the game and adjust.

TJ Shorts was the first off the bench and changed the game. His speed created problems immediately, getting to the line and scoring the first points for the Greens. That sparked a 7-0 run, capped by a Osman forced turnover and a three on the other end, giving Panathinaikos a 7-6 lead.

Monaco’s offense stalled. Panathinaikos dared Blossomgame and Theis to shoot from deep, slowing the movement and leading to turnovers. That fueled transition opportunities and a 14-2 run to close the quarter.

TJ Shorts was the catalyst, scoring 11 in the first quarter while pushing the pace and attacking both in transition and in the half court. Panathinaikos led 23-14 after one.

In the second quarter, Panathinaikos emphasized offensive rebounding, crashing the glass and turning those chances into points. Mike James kept Monaco afloat, hitting tough shots, but the offense struggled. Monaco leaned into isolation, with only James producing at a high level, finishing the half with 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while no teammate had more than five points. As a team, they had four assists and eight turnovers in the half.

On the other end, Lessort controlled the paint, and the lead grew to 15 by halftime.

After the break, Monaco adjusted, using a Hi-Lo set with Theis as a passer, which became a consistent part of their offense with good results. Panathinaikos responded by using their bigs to seal inside and attack the paint, also with success.

Defense decided the third quarter. Monaco strung together stops and cut the deficit to nine entering the fourth.

Panathinaikos opened the fourth going small, with Juancho and Nigel Hayes-Davis in the frontcourt. Using Juancho as a screener, hitting or ghosting, they created driving lanes, and Kostas Sloukas capitalized. On the other end, they could not get stops, leading to a stretch of traded baskets.

The first run came around 3:20 remaining. Panathinaikos scored four straight, pushing the lead back to double digits and forcing a Monaco timeout.

Out of the timeout, Mike James kept attacking and making tough shots, but stops were still an issue. Ataman closed with three guards. It worked offensively but gave Monaco a target defensively, using Alpha Diallo on the block.

Kendrick Nunn had the final word. Despite a subpar game by his standards, he hit a three over the defender to push the lead to 12 and effectively end it. The final 1:25 only set the score at 87-79, sending Panathinaikos to the PlayOffs for a series against Valencia.

Offensive rebounding was a key difference. Panathinaikos had six more and turned them into 20 second-chance points compared to 11 for Monaco.

TJ Shorts led the way with 21 points, three rebounds, and two assists, shifting the game from the moment he entered. Rogkavoupolos added an efficient 11 off the bench, and Fareid finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

For Monaco, Mike James led with 25 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Alpha Diallo was the only other player in double figures.

 

FC Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda

A classic win-or-go-home clash in Catalunya between FC Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda.

The matchup between Kevin Punter and Jordan Nwora was a focus coming in, and it showed early. Codi Miller-McIntyre took the Punter assignment, while Punter matched up with Nwora. Crvena Zvezda went right at it, sending Nwora to the block to attack. Still, Barcelona started better, going on a 7-0 run after Nwora opened with free throws.

Crvena Zvezda struggled to score from open play, taking more than three minutes to hit their first field goal. Their 5-on-5 offense leaned too much on isolation. Barcelona, meanwhile, operated cleanly in the half court with strong ball and player movement. Will Clyburn took full advantage.

He went six of seven from three in the first quarter, leading Barcelona to a 29-21 edge.

The second quarter opened with both teams trading baskets before Willy Hernangomez made an impact. He scored six straight, pushing the lead to 11 and forcing a timeout. Adjustments from Crvena Zvezda made them more dangerous. Their guards attacked downhill and increased defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and cutting the deficit to seven before another timeout.

Barcelona responded with a 7-0 run to close the half, powered by five points in 42 seconds from Kevin Punter. They took a 14-point lead into halftime despite going 3 of 8 from the line.

After the break, Barcelona looked to establish Toku Shengelia on the block, opening the half on a 7-0 run. Jordan Nwora answered with a tough midrange shot after more than three minutes.

Barcelona’s offense continued to flow, punishing defensive breakdowns with ball movement and constant activity. Defensively, they forced turnovers and kept Crvena Zvezda in the half court, stretching the lead to 20.

Crvena Zvezda closed the third with the final eight points, cutting the deficit to 12 entering the fourth.

Barcelona opened the fourth with a clear plan, attacking from the block. Satoransky posted smaller guards, and empty-side pick-and-rolls with Clyburn created switches into post opportunities.

Crvena Zvezda responded with effort. Izundu crashed the offensive glass and converted for four points, cutting it to 10. They could not sustain momentum under double digits, as Jan Vesely answered each push.

Late in the game, Barcelona slowed the pace, extending possessions and putting the ball in Clyburn’s hands. He delivered, creating two assists, including one to Satoransky for three that pushed the lead to 12 and forced a timeout.

Crvena Zvezda went small out of the timeout and responded with a 5-0 run until Ojeley sent Kevin Punter to the line. A turnover from Codi Miller-McIntyre with 1:13 left ended their chances.

Barcelona closed it out 80-72 to keep their season alive, advancing to face Monaco in another do-or-die game.

Extra possessions made the difference. Barcelona had 15 offensive rebounds to 13 and committed 10 turnovers to Crvena Zvezda’s 14.

Kevin Punter and Will Clyburn led the way with a combined 44 points. For Crvena Zvezda, Codi Miller-McIntyre, Jordan Nwora, and Jared Butler reached double figures. Chima Moneke struggled, finishing with five points, all from the line, and a team-worst -16.

Play-in round 2 Preview:

AS Monaco vs FC Barcelona

The most decisive game of the season for both teams. A do-or-die game, with the winner advancing to the PlayOffs to face Olympiacos.

Monaco won both regular-season meetings between the teams.

Monaco’s guards are central here, and even more so against Barcelona given Barcelona’s bigs’ limitations defending the pick-and-roll. Mike James (17.5 PPG vs Barcelona) and Elie Okobo (14.0 PPG vs Barcelona) are expected to drive the offense, with pick-and-roll action as the main structure for most of the game. That could be a strong path for Monaco.

Barcelona will look to use their positional size to attack Monaco. Alpha Diallo is expected to take the Clyburn assignment, which sets up size advantages for Kevin Punter (vs Mike James) and Tomas Satoransky (vs Matthew Strazel). Expect Barcelona to try to exploit those matchups and play off them.

Their off-ball movement is another factor. Xavi Pascual has strong sets that could create problems.

Two statistical trends stand out:

• 3-Point Shooting: Barcelona has the edge in both attempts and percentage over the season. In the Play-In games, there was a clear gap: FCB 13/28 3FG vs CZV, ASM 7/25 vs PAO. Another cold shooting night could be costly for Monaco.
• Rebounding on Monaco’s Table: Monaco is 18th in DREB% (66.2%). Barcelona is not elite but is above average on the offensive glass, ranking 9th in OREB%. That played a big role in the win vs CZV.

Two teams with different identities and styles, but the same goal. Only one will reach the PlayOffs.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

The GameS of week 28:

Dubai vs Valencia

Arena Husejin Smajlovic Zenica, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the stage for the deciding game for Dubai’s postseason aspirations.

The game opened the way Dubai would want, slow-paced with limited transition opportunities. That changed when Pedro Martinez went to his rotation. The bench shifted the dynamic, speeding things up and finding transition scores. Dubai stayed within reach, and if not for the turnover gap, three for Dubai versus zero for Valencia, they might not have been trailing after one.

The second quarter started with Dubai looking to involve Petrusev on the block, and he delivered. There was no early separation. At the media timeout with 4:40 left, Valencia led 11-10. Then something clicked for Dubai. They closed the quarter on an 18-10 run, capitalizing on Valencia’s defensive lapses while tightening up defensively, forcing longer possessions. That gave them a 47-45 lead at the half.

Dubai opened the third with a Bertans pick-and-pop three, but the next nine points came from Valencia. The Taronja attacked the offensive glass, pushed the pace, and played at an elite defensive level, forcing five turnovers and controlling the quarter. For Dubai, only Musa and Kabengele produced, combining to score or assist on 16 of the team’s 20 points. Valencia entered the fourth with a double-digit lead, 79-67.

The fourth quarter started slowly in terms of scoring, but not fouls. Valencia reached the bonus with 8:06 remaining. Their first points came from the line, and those were their only points for more than four minutes. Dubai struggled as well, managing two Bertans threes and a free throw. That trimmed the lead to single digits but never seriously threatened. Valencia does not need much time to score, and Darius Thompson put up five points in quick fashion to push the lead back to 12.

Dubai had one more push, scoring five straight to get back within single digits entering the final two minutes. Again, Darius Thompson responded, hitting a three to extend the lead to 11 with 1:54 left. From there, Valencia closed it out, winning 95-85.

Musa with 21 points and Bertans with 17 led the hosts, but the lack of support limited Dubai’s chances. Valencia had three players in double figures: Darius Thompson, Jaime Pradilla, and Brancou Badio, who led all Valencia scorers with 20 points.

 

Zalgiris vs Paris BC

This was a must-win for Zalgiris, and they delivered, locking a playoff spot and avoiding the play-ins.

The game opened with intensity, as expected. Both backcourts traded buckets. Robinson hit back-to-back threes, while Francisco scored early and Nigel Williams-Goss handled playmaking. That rhythm held for nearly six minutes, with offenses in control.

Paris had a short stretch where they created separation. They were more aggressive going over screens, and after rebounds they pushed the pace. That gave them a six-point lead with three minutes left in the first. Another key factor was their three-point shooting, sitting at 86 percent at that point.

In the second quarter, both teams matched intensity. Zalgiris’ bigs showed mobility, switching every screen on Nadir Hify. Sleva and Tubelis were especially important in those matchups, using their mobility and on-ball defense to take away options in 5-on-5 situations.

On offense, Maodo Lo added another dimension. He attacked the rim and broke down the Paris defense. Zalgiris built a 13-point lead in the quarter, but Justin Robinson answered with a three to close the half, cutting it to eight.

This quarter proved decisive. Zalgiris created separation here, winning it 27-17 and building the gap that carried through the game.

Lo was key, especially in the first half, scoring and keeping Zalgiris steady.

The second half was more balanced. Paris, with no pressure, played freely and forced Zalgiris to second-guess their playoff push. A composed Maodo Lo helped stabilize things, and Francisco stepped up in crunch time. Paris ran out of options late, with Hifi well contained and only Robinson producing in key moments.

Moses Wright had a major impact throughout and was the MVP with a 43 PIR, finishing with 18 rebounds, three blocks, and 16 points. Lo also deserves mention as one of the most important players in the game.

 

Key Performances of the Past Week:

Moses Wright vs Paris BC

In the final round of the regular season, the biggest star came from Zalgiris, and it was their big man Moses Wright.

He looked like a man amongst boys on the way to an elite stat line. He finished with 16 points, missing only one field goal, and grabbed 18 rebounds. Seven of those came on the offensive glass, more than the entire Paris team combined. He added three steals and three blocks, and his impact showed in the plus-minus, a +16 in 27:23 on the floor.

It went beyond the box score. His defensive activity stood out, and his screening made a real difference. He consistently created driving lanes for guards and opened up rolling opportunities for himself by putting his body on the line. On top of that, he delivered highlight plays, showed a shooting touch, and worked effectively with his back to the basket.

In a game with high stakes for Zalgiris, Wright’s motor and versatility set the tone and guided them to the win.

 

Jaron Blossomgame vs Hapoel

Blossomgame delivered a performance that demands recognition. The Monaco forward put up 30 points, shooting 8/9 from two and 4/9 from three. He did not fill the box score in other areas, but a 30-point outing from a player known for defense stands out. He had strong support, with Mike James matching his PIR while adding 20 points and seven assists.

Standings Watch:

The regular season is over, and with it comes the stage of final decisions: the post-season.

Four teams are still battling for Playoff spots. Panathinaikos (7th) and Monaco (8th) have two chances to win one game and keep their season alive. FC Barcelona (9th) and Crvena Zvezda (10th) are in a different position, needing to win both games to reach the Playoffs, where any slip-up ends the season.

Six teams are already locked into the Playoffs, and two matchups are set as preparation begins. Real Madrid, finishing third, will have home-court advantage against Hapoel. In the 4th vs 5th matchup, Fenerbahçe holds home-court advantage but faces a Zalgiris team that won both regular-season meetings. Two series that stand out immediately.

At the top, Olympiacos (1st) and Valencia (2nd), the surprise team of the season, are waiting for Play-In results to learn their opponents. Valencia will face the winner of Panathinaikos vs Monaco. Olympiacos can draw any of the four Play-In teams.

The regular-season standings are now locked, and there were clear surprises. Efes, projected as a 6th-place team in preseason rankings, finished 19th after struggling with injuries and an inability to play at a higher tempo or defend consistently.

The biggest positive swing came from Zalgiris. They were projected 14th, with Playoff aspirations but outside the Play-In picture. Valencia, meanwhile, were projected 15th with only Play-In hopes.

 

Games to Watch Week 29:

Panathinaikos vs AS Monaco

OAKA and the Panathinaikos fans will host the first Play-In game. It is a spot Panathinaikos did not expect to be in, but the same applies to AS Monaco. Both teams were in the Final 4 last year.

The two sides are similar in build and playstyle. Crafty, talented guards run the offense on both ends. For Panathinaikos, it is Nunn, Shorts, and Sloukas. For Monaco, it is Okobo, Strazel, and Mike James.

Both backcourts are supported by versatile wings. Cedis Osman for the hosts, Alpha Diallo for the visitors.

The frontcourt may decide it. Nigel Hayes-Davis is an MVP-level player who brings secondary scoring and a different offensive dimension for Panathinaikos. Jared Blossomgame is a strong player and will make NHD’s job difficult defensively, but he does not offer the same offensive impact.

At center, Lessort’s physicality can be a problem for Monaco. But Daniel Theis and Kevarius Hayes are strong defenders who anchor a Monaco defense that has performed at a higher level than their opponent’s. That defense will need to show up again.

Home court adds another layer, especially in front of one of the loudest atmospheres in EuroLeague. Monaco’s lack of depth, only eight available players in the last game, could also tilt things slightly toward Panathinaikos.

Still, Monaco will not go down easily. That is why this is a can’t miss.

 

FC Barcelona vs Crvena Zvezda

The most important game of the season for both teams. A win keeps the season alive. A defeat ends it.

Barcelona had the upper hand in the regular season, winning both meetings. But in a single game, everything can happen.

These teams bring different styles.

Crvena Zvezda likes to play fast, ranking 5th in pace. It starts with their defense, applying pressure on the ball and speeding opponents up. While they do not force many turnovers, they are strong on the defensive glass, ranking 2nd in DREB%, and they look to push in transition. They are less comfortable in the half-court, making it a priority for Barcelona to force that style.

Barcelona prefers a slower game, ranking 19th in pace. They only run when clear advantages are there. Otherwise, they are comfortable in the half-court, running their sets.

The matchup between Kevin Punter and Jordan Nwora could be decisive. They are the leading scorers and offensive engines for each team.

Another key factor is Crvena Zvezda’s ball security. They are the 2nd worst team in TO% and 1st in Live Ball TO%. Barcelona is 1st in forcing Live Ball TOs.

How each team handles the pressure of this game is the central question, and the reason to tune in.

What’s at Stake:

Play-in and playoffs are here, and playing at home, Coach Ataman faces a difficult task. Monaco has been playing better, and Mike James is back. The pressure is on the Greek side.

Monaco has been shooting lights-out from three over the past games, and playing with less pressure could be an advantage for the Monegasques.

 

Biggest News around EuroLeaguE:

Sasha Vezenkov won the Alphonso Ford Award for top scorer of the campaign, the only award based purely on statistics. He also became the 4th player to win this award multiple times.

The Bulgarian forward averaged 19.4 PPG, edging Kendrick Nunn by 0.4 PPG and Nadir Hifi by 0.5 PPG. Hifi led the race for most of the season, which underscores the level of scoring across the EuroLeague.

The contrast in how these players score stands out. Kendrick Nunn and Nadir Hifi generate most of their offense on the ball, in pick-and-roll or isolation situations. Vezenkov scores in a different way. Most of his baskets come from elite movement, running off screens or setting screens before rolling or popping.

It reinforces the idea that scoring comes in different shapes and sizes, and that basketball IQ and off-ball movement can be just as efficient as a deep on-ball bag.

 

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!

The GameS of week 27:

Hapoel vs Olympiacos

This one had weight before the opening tip. Two teams separated by just two games in the standings, Hapoel still chasing a Top 4 finish, Olympiacos trying to hold ground at the top. It felt like a measuring stick game. It played like one too.

The first quarter was chaos in the best way. Runs on top of runs. Hapoel landed the first punch and kept punching, opening on an 11 0 burst that not even a Georgios Bartzokas time-out could cool off. The defensive approach set the tone. They switched off-ball actions, went under every pick and roll when Walkup was handling the ball, and had Thomas Walkup completely out of rhythm. Turnovers followed, and those turned into easy transition points. On the other end, Vasilije Micic was in full control early, orchestrating everything out of the pick and roll.

Olympiacos needed something to settle the game, and Nikola Milutinov provided it. Free throws, physicality, just enough to stop the bleeding. But the real shift came from the bench. Cory Joseph, Donta Hall and Tyson Ward flipped the game with energy and execution on both ends. A 15 0 run later, Olympiacos had the lead. Elijah Bryant stopped the run late in the quarter, but the damage was done. Olympiacos closed the first up 22 18.

The second quarter turned into a shootout. Both teams came out firing, trading makes and struggling to string together stops. Dimitris Itoudis went to a wrinkle that changed the geometry of the game, sliding Malcolm to the 4. From there, everything flowed. Hapoel used him as a screener, knowing Olympiacos likes to hard hedge with the 4, and that opened downhill lanes. Olympiacos countered by punishing inside with Alec Peters on duck ins.

Chris Jones took over the quarter for stretches. Nine points, three out of four from deep, and real shot-making that kept Hapoel right there. If not for two defensive breakdowns that gave up six points in six seconds, Hapoel might have gone into halftime with the lead.

Olympiacos came out of the locker room with a clear directive. Get Sasha Vezenkov going. The opening set of the half said it all. Clean look, three ball, first points of the night, tone set. From there, his presence alone started to bend the defense. Even when he was not scoring, the gravity was doing work. Milutinov benefited the most, feasting inside against switches.

But it was not clean. Defensively, there were issues. Micic went right at Milutinov in pick and roll, putting him in tough spots. When help came, Micic picked it apart, finding wings attacking close-outs. Still, Olympiacos held on to a 73 67 lead heading into the fourth.

The final quarter turned into a chess match.

Hapoel went back to Malcolm at the 4, sticking with what worked. Olympiacos adjusted. With Hapoel switching across positions 2 through 4, the plan became simple. Find Vezenkov inside and play through him.

As the game slowed, Itoudis leaned even further into small ball. Elijah Bryant at the 4, three guards on the floor, more movement, more versatility. It worked offensively. Hapoel cut the lead to two and had momentum.

But size matters, especially late.

Olympiacos went big. Moustapha Fall, Peters and Vezenkov sharing the floor, attacking the offensive glass. Second chance points piled up, and those extra possessions ended up being the difference.

Olympiacos walked out of Sofia with an 89 85 win.

Tyler Dorsey led all scorers with 23 and had support, three teammates in double figures. Hapoel had five players in double digits, with Micic posting 14 points and 8 assists, but it was not enough to overcome the rebounding gap and those late extra chances.

A game of runs, counters, and adjustments. Olympiacos made one more when it mattered.

 

Key Performances of the Past Week:

Tyler Dorsey vs Real Madrid

Tyler Dorsey was very good across the double week, but this one stood on a different level. This was not just production. This was control through shot making.

Against Real Madrid, Dorsey dropped 37 points and added 5 assists in a comfortable 14 point win. The number that really jumps off the page is the plus minus, a +25 in just under 29 minutes. That is not noise. That is impact.

He was in full “big head” mode. The kind where every look feels clean, every release feels right, and the defense starts to press just a little bit more with every possession. He went 3 out of 4 from two, 7 out of 12 from three, 10 out of 11 from the line. Efficiency, volume, all of it.

But the real story sits in the timing.

Every time Real Madrid hinted at a run, Dorsey had an answer ready. A three to stretch the lead. A tough shot to kill momentum. A possession that just ends with him rising and firing with zero hesitation. It was not random scoring. It was targeted damage.

This was not about running offense perfectly or picking apart coverages possession by possession. This was about a scorer dictating terms, bending the game to his rhythm, and never letting the opponent breathe.

A pure shot making masterclass.

Standings Watch:

This is what the final round is supposed to feel like. No shortcuts, no clarity, just layers of outcomes stacking on top of each other.

Start with the Play In picture, where the math is clean even if the path is not. Dubai is the only team on the outside with a real shot. The equation is simple. They need to win and they need Barcelona to lose. That is it. No margin, no fallback option, just a scoreboard watch kind of night.

At the top, things are just as straightforward and just as tense. First place belongs to Olympiacos if they take care of business against Milano. Win and it is over. Lose and suddenly it opens the door for Valencia, the only team still in range, but even then Valencia would need to do its part and win as well. Clean scenarios, high pressure possessions.

Then there is the race that might be the most fascinating of the bunch. The fight for the Top 6. Zalgiris sits in pole position, but it is far from comfortable. Panathinaikos and Crvena Zvezda are both lurking, both with a path to jump straight into the Play Offs. One slip, one cold stretch, one bad quarter, and everything flips.

And layered on top of that is the Home Court Advantage battle. Valencia and Olympiacos have already locked theirs in, but the final two spots are still hanging there. Real Madrid, Hapoel, Zalgiris and Fenerbahçe are all in play, all juggling their own scenarios while trying to avoid the wrong matchup at the wrong time.

This is where every possession starts to feel heavier. Rotations get tighter, decisions get sharper, and the margin for error disappears.

If every game matters this week, they matter just a little bit more.

 

Games to Watch Week 28:

Real Madrid vs Crvena Zvezda

There are games that feel important because of the names on the jerseys, and then there are games where the standings squeeze every possession. This one lands firmly in the second category, even with two heavyweights involved.

For Real Madrid, the equation is simple and powerful. Win, and home court advantage in the Play-Offs is locked. Given their well documented contrast between dominance in Madrid and struggles on the road, that is not just a luxury, it is almost a necessity. For Crvena Zvezda, the stakes cut just as deep. A win keeps alive a path into the Top 6 and avoids the Play-In minefield.

Stylistically, this is strength on strength. Crvena Zvezda brings one of the best defenses in the competition, a group that thrives on discipline, physicality, and making opponents uncomfortable deep into the shot clock. Real Madrid counters with one of the league’s most potent offenses, especially at home where their rhythm, spacing, and shot-making tend to reach another level.

That tension should define the game. Can Real generate clean looks early in the clock before Zvezda’s defense gets set, or will this turn into a grind where every cut, every screen, every decision is contested? On the other side, Zvezda’s ability to dictate tempo and force Real into uncomfortable spots could swing everything.

And then there is the coaching layer, which might be the most fascinating part of all. This feels like a game where adjustments will not just matter, they will decide it. Lineup tweaks, coverage changes, small counters that turn into big runs. Expect both benches to be fully engaged from the opening tip to the final possession.

In a round where every game matters, this one carries the weight of multiple playoff scenarios. Home court, direct qualification, momentum. It is all on the table.

 

AS Monaco vs Hapoel

This is one of those late-season games where the standings aren’t just background noise, they’re basically the script.

Hapoel travel to the Principality knowing exactly what a win would mean: a top-4 finish and home-court advantage in the Play-Offs. Monaco, on the other side, already know they’ll be in the Play-In picture, but the range of outcomes is still wide enough that a win here could push them as high as 7th place.

And if you’re looking for the center of gravity in this matchup, it starts with guard play. Monaco’s backcourt has been trending in the right direction, with Ellie Okobo and Matthew Strazel playing at a very high level recently, and Mike James returning from injury and getting closer to his top form each day. That combination gives Monaco different layers of creation, shot-making, and control depending on who has it rolling.

Hapoel counter with a guard room that doesn’t really blink under pressure. Vasilije Micic brings the steady scoring and playmaking presence, Antonio Blakeney is instant offense in the purest sense, and Elijah Bryant has been playing at an MVP-candidate level. That mix of orchestration, burst, and two-way impact is exactly why Hapoel sit where they sit in the standings.

So this isn’t just a game about talent, it’s a game about which backcourt controls the rhythm when everything tightens up.

Will Hapoel be able to lock in that top-4 finish, or does Monaco protect home court and keep their seeding climb alive?

 

Dubai vs Valencia

This is one of those games that sits right in the middle of the postseason map and quietly distorts everything around it.

Valencia are still alive for the top of the table, but the immediate clarity is simple: a win here guarantees they cannot finish lower than second. That alone would normally be enough motivation in a final-round environment where every position matters a little more. Dubai, though, are in a different kind of urgency. They need a win to keep their Play-In hopes alive. Nothing conditional about it. Just survival math.

So the stakes are balanced, even if the pressure is distributed differently.

And if that is not enough to pull you in, the talent level probably should.

For Valencia, Jean Montero has been on a real tear, playing at an MVP-level pace and giving them a late-season engine that can tilt games on his own. But what really defines this group is not just one surge scorer, it is the depth around him. Multiple options, multiple creators, multiple ways to bend a defense without relying on a single entry point.

Dubai, on the other side, brings its own cluster of high-end talent that has already proven capable of taking over games across the season and across their careers. Dzanan Musa, Dwayne Bacon, and McKinley Wright IV all fall into that category of players who do not need a long runway to swing a game. When the margin shrinks, those are exactly the types who tend to matter most.

So the question is not whether either team has enough firepower. They both do.

It is whether Dubai can summon it in a win-or-else scenario, or whether Valencia’s balance and depth are enough to shut the door on their Play-In hopes.

 

What’s at Stake:

Juan Núñez is back in competition, and sometimes late in a season that kind of return matters more than the box score suggests.

He returned last Friday against Monaco. The impact and minutes were limited, but Barcelona are not evaluating this in a vacuum. With Nicolás Laprovittola out for the season, every extra ball-handler, every extra decision-maker, every extra possession that can be stabilized becomes relevant. Núñez gives them another option at a position where they have been stretched thin.

Stylistically, he is not coming in as a scorer or a spacing threat. That is not his game. But as a playmaker and pick and roll guard, he is capable of bending a defense just enough to matter. He can get into the paint, force rotations, and collapse coverage in ways that create cleaner looks for others.

And that is really the point here.

Even if he is not the type of player usually labeled a difference maker, his ability to organize possessions and unlock teammates can still swing stretches of games. Barcelona do not necessarily need him to take over. They need him to make other players easier to find in their spots, even in limited minutes.

In a roster already dealing with absences, that kind of functionality is not a luxury. It is structure.

 

Biggest News around EuroLeaguE:

Dubai have parted ways with head coach Jurica Golemac, replacing him with Aleksandar Sekulić, which immediately adds another entry to a season that has now seen half of the EuroLeague teams change coaches midstream.

This move stands out for a few reasons beyond its timing.

Dubai still have a chance at postseason basketball heading into the final game of the regular season, which makes the decision feel even more unusual in isolation. Even more striking is the contract context: Golemac had seen his deal extended for two years earlier this season.

So this is not just a late-season reset. It is a reversal of a decision that was made with a meaningful level of commitment attached to it.

On the court, Dubai’s profile has been relatively clear all year. They have been one of the better offensive teams in the competition, capable of generating points and leaning into their high-end talent. But the other end of the floor has told a different story. Defensive issues have been persistent, and ultimately that side of the ball is a big part of why they are in this position in the standings, and why this change has now happened.

The direction going forward is also fairly straightforward.

Aleksandar Sekulić is the man chosen to fill this opening, and his priority will be raising the level on the defensive end, because the offensive talent they possess should be more than enough to sustain an above-average attack. The question is no longer whether they can score, it is whether they can finally get enough stops to match it.

This article was written by the European Hoops team: Tiago Cordeiro, João Caeiro and André Lemos. Make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @EthosEuroleague!