Partizan vs Anadolu Efes

Partizan Belgrade will aim to strengthen their playoff aspirations as they prepare to host Anadolu Efes in their upcoming EuroLeague clash. Heading into this Round 30 fixture, Partizan sits in 10th place, narrowly ahead of their 11th-placed opponents due to points difference.

After suffering back-to-back defeats in European competition, Zeljko Obradovic’s squad cannot afford another slip-up with the playoff race intensifying. They currently hold onto the final play-in spot by the slimmest of margins, boasting a 15-14 record—tied with two other teams. With just four games remaining after this one, Partizan will be eager to bounce back following their 87-80 loss to Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Anadolu Efes have significantly improved their playoff chances with a strong run of form. They have won three consecutive games and, if they maintain this momentum, could even bypass the play-in round to secure a direct playoff berth.

Luca Banchi’s side recently ended their struggles on the road with an important 97-92 win against Bayern Munich. Before that victory, Efes had endured a troubling streak of eight straight away losses. Having already defeated Partizan 86-77 in their previous meeting, the Turkish side will be looking to complete the season sweep.

Anadolu Efes have been in impressive form, securing victories in 7 of their last 10 games. Their offensive prowess is particularly evident on the road, where they frequently score over 82 points per game. This season, they are averaging 85.8 points per game, ranking 8th in the league. Defensively, they are just as strong, conceding only 82.7 points per game (7th), making them a well-balanced team. With standout players like Larkin, Bryant, Thompson, Poirier, and Nwora, it's no surprise they were considered top contenders for the EuroLeague title before the season began.

Although it took some time for the squad to find their rhythm, they are now in top gear, winning their last three league matches consecutively. They remain optimistic about securing a direct playoff spot, currently just two wins away. The team is mostly in good health, with Beaubois being the only concern due to a groin injury that kept him out of their last Turkish League match. Interestingly, Anadolu Efes is among the few teams that have consistently participated in the EuroLeague since its inception.

Partizan has shown mixed form in their recent performances, clinching 6 wins and enduring 4 losses in their last 10 matches. Their success has largely been built on a solid defensive foundation, as they rank second in the league by conceding just 79.5 points per game—a testament to the tactical prowess of the legendary coach Željko Obradović. However, their offensive output has been inconsistent, averaging only 82.8 points per game, which places them 11th in the league. Despite boasting talented players like Jones, Brown, Ntilikina, and Lundberg, the team has yet to find its rhythm on the offensive end, suggesting that Obradović is still figuring out how to maximize their potential.

One area where Partizan excels is three-point shooting, where they rank fifth with an impressive 38.5% success rate. Their home performances have been particularly strong, with victories often coming by margins of more than 7 points, showcasing their dominance on their own court. Adding to their home advantage is their passionate fan base, which creates an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. On the roster front, Lundberg recently returned to action in the last national championship game after recovering from an injury that sidelined him in the previous round.