The Daily Star Ireland
Baskonia and Partizan Belgrade face off in EuroLeague action on October 17, 2025, at the Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, with tip-off set for 20:45 local time (18:45 UTC). Both teams are chasing early-season rhythm: Baskonia need a response after inconsistent performances, while Partizan look to continue building momentum under one of the competition’s most experienced coaches.
Baskonia Preview
Coaching & Philosophy
Head coach Paolo Galbiati is still fine-tuning Baskonia’s identity. He’s emphasized higher defensive intensity and smarter possession control after early-season lapses. Galbiati’s sides usually play at pace, relying on fast transitions, perimeter shooting, and constant movement to stretch defenses. His main focus coming into this fixture will be balancing offensive aggression with defensive discipline.
Tactical Breakdown
On offense, Baskonia rely on guard-led creation, particularly through Markus Howard, who remains their primary scoring threat. Expect Baskonia to use high pick-and-rolls to open space for Howard and Tadas Sedekerskis, while Khalifa Diop anchors inside screens. Trent Forrest and Darius Thompson will provide secondary creation and slashing.
Defensively, they mix man-to-man with quick help rotations but can struggle to protect the glass against physical teams. Expect switches on perimeter screens but more conservative rim protection after recent rebounding issues.
Rotation & Depth
Baskonia’s depth remains a concern. The starting five carries the bulk of the scoring, and fatigue has occasionally shown late in games. The bench must contribute energy and defense — particularly from forwards like Rokas Giedraitis or Chima Moneke, who provide athleticism and rebounding.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths: Fast-paced offense, perimeter scoring, home-court advantage.
- Weaknesses: Rebounding under pressure, defensive lapses, inconsistent bench impact.
Partizan Belgrade Preview
Coaching & Philosophy
Led by the legendary Željko Obradović, Partizan continue to embody discipline, patience, and physical toughness. Obradović’s approach blends structured sets with freedom for guards to improvise when momentum shifts. His hallmark remains adaptability — frequent in-game tactical shifts to expose mismatches.
Tactical Breakdown
Offensively, Partizan thrive through ball movement and guard play. Carlik Jones leads the attack, using pick-and-rolls to generate spacing and drives. Zach LeDay provides inside scoring and rebounding presence, while James Nunnally and PJ Dozier contribute consistent perimeter shooting and defensive stability. Partizan excel at forcing turnovers and converting quickly in transition, which could punish Baskonia’s up-tempo style if not managed carefully.
On defense, they play aggressive man-to-man coverage with help rotations and physical switches. Their ability to protect the rim and contest jumpers is a core strength, though foul trouble in the frontcourt can occasionally hurt their rhythm.
Rotation & Depth
Partizan’s bench features experienced role players capable of sustaining pressure on both ends. Obradović will likely stagger minutes between Jones and Kevin Punter to maintain offensive balance. Expect Mathias Lessort to be a key interior presence if healthy, offering rebounding and rim protection against Baskonia’s athletic bigs.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Strengths: Elite coaching, defensive structure, clutch experience.
- Weaknesses: Turnover risk under pressure, reliance on star guards for scoring bursts.
Journey So Far
Baskonia have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses across their opening fixtures. Their offense ranks among the EuroLeague’s top five in pace but bottom half in defensive efficiency. They’ve excelled at home in recent seasons, often relying on crowd energy to swing momentum.
Partizan, meanwhile, have built early-season chemistry through cohesive defense and strong rebounding. Their recent form shows improved shooting accuracy and better balance between inside and perimeter play. The team’s composure in tight finishes has also stood out, making them one of the most reliable road teams in the competition.
Recent Form & Stats
Baskonia
- Last 5: W–L–L–W–L
- Points per Game: 84.6
- Points Allowed: 86.3
- Momentum Score: 6/10
- 3PT%: 37.9
- Rebound Margin: –3.5
Partizan
- Last 5: W–W–L–W–W
- Points per Game: 86.9
- Points Allowed: 80.2
- Momentum Score: 8/10
- 3PT%: 40.1
- Rebound Margin: +4.2
Baskonia’s offense remains potent, but defensive rebounding is an issue. Partizan’s superior physicality and half-court discipline could exploit that.
Key Players to Watch
Baskonia
- Markus Howard: Averaging 19.5 PPG, he’s the heartbeat of Baskonia’s attack. His deep range can break defensive schemes, but shot selection will be crucial.
- Tadas Sedekerskis: Rebounding and defensive versatility make him essential in limiting Partizan’s second-chance points.
- Darius Thompson: Provides control and transition speed; how he handles Partizan’s perimeter pressure will shape Baskonia’s rhythm.
Partizan
- Carlik Jones: The engine of the offense, averaging 16.8 PPG and 6.1 assists. His ability to penetrate and create will test Baskonia’s backcourt defense.
- Zach LeDay: Brings interior scoring, rebounding, and physicality — a direct matchup advantage against Baskonia’s smaller forwards.
- James Nunnally: A steady two-way wing who spaces the floor and defends multiple positions.
What to Watch Live
The pace battle will define this matchup. Baskonia will want an open, fast game, while Partizan will prefer controlled possessions. Watch Baskonia’s transition defense — if it falters, Partizan could dominate through easy baskets. The rebounding duel is another key; Baskonia must hold their own to stay competitive. Late-game execution and who closes the fourth quarter — likely Howard vs. Jones — may ultimately decide the outcome.
Where to Watch Live
The game will be broadcast on EuroLeague TV, DAZN, and Sport Klub, with tip-off at 20:45 local time in Spain. Replays and highlights will be available on EuroLeague’s digital platforms.
Betting Insight
Partizan enter as narrow favorites, likely around –2.5 on the spread. The Over/Under sits near 166.5 points. With both teams ranking top-10 in offensive pace but varying in defensive quality, the Over has value if Baskonia’s shooting clicks early. For props, look to Markus Howard’s points over and Carlik Jones’s assists over.
Betting verdict: Partizan to win and cover (–2.5); lean Over on 166.5 total points.
Prediction
We expect Partizan Belgrade to win 85–79, relying on superior rebounding and fourth-quarter composure. The X-factor will be defensive control — Partizan’s ability to limit Howard’s influence while forcing Baskonia into late-clock possessions should decide the game.
This EuroLeague prediction points to Partizan maintaining form on the road, extending their strong start to the season with a hard-fought victory in Vitoria.
