We are back for the second leg of the double-game week!
First of all, an important reminder for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge enthusiasts: After Round 5 we will have a period with unlimited trades. So, we don't have to look too far ahead, and the more credits we stack up now the stronger our hand will be for the Round 6 picks.
If you have any questions or comments about strategy or the picks below, feel free to drop those at the bottom of this article or reach out on X via @RotoWireEuro.
Guard
Nadir Hifi, Paris Basketball (12.7 credits)
This elusive young talent looks like a strong conteder for the Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy. Having scored over 20 points in each of the first four games, Hifi delivered his best performance yet in the most recent match against Baskonia, recording a 32 PIR and playing a crucial role in his team's victory. Players who take as many shots as he does aren't always amazing fantasy options, but Hifi deserves a special mention. With the departure of TJ Shorts, Hifi has taken on the role of on-court leader. Unlike his rookie season, he's now driving to the basket much more frequently, which results in drawing more fouls — one of the key factors that makes a premium fantasy pick. Keep it up, Nadir, and we'll keep adding you to our fantasy teams!
Omari Moore, Valencia Basket (11.7 credits)
Moore has been mentioned in previous articles, but he's worth highlighting again thanks to his consistent performance. Initially projected as a backup behind Jean Montero and Darius Thompson in Valencia's backcourt rotation, Moore has now emerged as a primary engine for the team. While Montero's long-term injury certainly played a role in opening up this opportunity, we have to give credit where credit is due, as not every player can shoulder this kind of responsibility -- especially in his first season with a team. Valencia started the season strong with two wins, but back-to-back losses in Rounds 3 and 4 might have dampened spirits a bit. Still, Moore's 27 PIR and 23 PIR in those games prove that his level has not dropped. We might be witnessing a season-long breakout much like Theo Maledon lbefore him.
Andreas Obst, FC Bayern Munich (7.9 credits)
We have previously referred to Obst as a "home-court giant," but this week might be an exception. Fenerbahce's recent struggles -- especially their shaky performance in the first leg of the double-week against Dubai -- have made them vulnerable to sharpshooters. Obst fits this profile better than anyone. Obst is seeing increased playing time and has clearly earned the trust of head coach Gordon Herbert, especially after the departure of Carsen Edwards. Typically, players like Obst are better fantasy picks in home games, but this week, he could be worth a punt even on the road.
Tamir Blatt, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (8.7 credits)
After bursting onto the scene last season, Blatt had a relatively quiet start to this one by underperforming in the first two rounds. However, starting with Week-3 and the away win in the Hapoel derby, he began to find his rhythm again via his 20 PIR in that game was a key factor in the victory. Despite Maccabi's loss to Barcelona in the first leg of the double-week, Blatt maintained his strong form, scoring 15 points and finishing with a 15 PIR — proving once again that he can be a reliable option even in tough matchups. Looking ahead to Week-5, Maccabi face a very difficult challenge against Olympiacos, but Blatt is still likely to be one of the team's primary options, especially in their backcourt rotation.
Forward
Nikola Mirotic, AS Monaco (16.2 credits)
Despite being on his third team in the past three seasons and getting up there in age, Mirotic still ranks 4th among all EuroLeague forwards with a 22.30 Fantasy PIR average. What's even more impressive is that, unlike previous seasons where he was the main scoring option, Monaco already has Mike James as the go-to guy. Plus, players like Okobo, Theis, and Diallo could easily be lead scorers on other teams. Playing alongside this level of elite talent seems to make Mirotic even more efficient.
Jordan Nwora, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (12.4 credits)
Nwora might just be the biggest surprise of the season so far. After a rather underwhelming rookie EuroLeague campaign with Efes last year, he's now showing real signs of becoming one of the top forwards in the league. Crvena Zvezda actually built quite a crowded rotation at the small forward spot — Captain Kalinic was already existing, and they added Nwora and Ojeleye in the offseason. But it looks like Ojeleye is still adjusting, which has put Nwora (along with Moneke) in a driving role for the team.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (9.6 credits)
Baskonia had a nightmare start to the season with an 0-4 record, but one of the few bright spots has been Luwawu-Cabarrot, along with Trent Forrest. In the Round 4 loss at Paris, Luwawu-Cabarrot dropped 20 points but could not fill up the rest of the stat sheet, finishing with just a 15 PIR. Still, he shot an encouraging 54% from the field and 50% from deep which signs that he is trending in the right direction. Also worth noting that Forrest left the Paris game with an injury and did not return, so whether he plays against Partizan is something to monitor. If Forrest is out, Luwawu-Cabarrot could see a significant bump in usage and stats.
Derek Willis, Paris Basketball (8.6 credits)
Before Round 4 even started, Willis had already flashed signs of a breakout in the domestic league game vs. Monaco, posting a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double in just 17 minutes. That momentum carried into the EuroLeague, where he notched a 19 PIR in the win over Baskonia. The only real downside here is his limited playing time which he was played under 20 minutes in all four EuroLeague games so far. Still at just 8.6 credits, Willis is definitely worth rolling a dice.
Center
Devin Booker, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (12.8 credits)
With Josh Nebo and Zach LeDay sidelined, Booker has stepped into the main big-man role. Despite Milan as a team falling short of expectations so far, Booker's individual performance has been top-tier. The experienced center has posted back-to-back 27 PIR games and looks every bit as sharp as he did during his Bayern Munich days. In Week 5, Milan travels to face Zalgiris where he will match-up with Moses Wright and Laurynas Birutis, both of whom have started the season strong. It will not be an easy matchup, but Booker has the advantage of being the team's only reliable big at the moment and he knows how to turn that into Fantasy gold.
Mfiondu Kabengele, Dubai Basketball (13.4 credits)
It almost feels wrong to call this guy a rookie! After dominating the EuroCup last season becoming practically synonymous with double-doubles, Kabengele has made a seamless transition to the EuroLeague. Naturally, there were doubts before the season about whether EuroCup stars could perform at the higher level of EuroLeague. Just last season, Trevion Williams arrived with high expectations after an outstanding EuroCup campaign, but could not stick due to major defensive liabilities. However, Kabengele is clearly a different story. He proved it in Week-4's dominant win over Fenerbahce in Istanbul, where he dropped 26 points and grabbed 7 rebounds — earning MVP honors for Dubai. A tough test against Barcelona awaits in Week-5, but the momentum is now on his side, and it's clear he's becoming a central figure in this Dubai team.
Head Coach
Tomas Masiulis, Zalgiris Kaunas (6.9 credits)
Zalgiris opened the season stronger than expected, but suffered their first loss in Round 4 — leaving no undefeated teams remaining in the EuroLeague. In the second leg of the double-week, the Lithuanian side will host a struggling and injury-ridden Milan team, with the clear goal of sending them home empty-handed. Zalgiris are undoubtedly one of the biggest favorites of the week, and anything but a home win would be a surprise for most Fantasy managers.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (7.5 credits)
No one could have predicted such a rough start for last season's champions. While it's true they lost key players and did not have the most successful transfer window, their opening schedule was relatively manageable, yet the things have been close to disastrous. Fenerbahce have won only once in their first four games (in Round 1 vs. Paris) and have lost three consecutive games. Most concerning was their blow-out loss to Dubai in the first leg of the double-week, where the players' body language looked completely off. And yet, Jasikevicius still earns a Fantasy mention here for two reasons. First, Fenerbahce have to bounce back at some point, and secondly, they are going to face with Bayern, one of the weakest rosters in this year's EuroLeague. If Fenerbahce can not able to win this game, it might already be time to start writing off their season. Harsh, but true.
Drop Candidates
Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (11.8 credits)
One thing's for sure: Sloukas' basketball IQ never seems to age. But unfortunately, his body does and that's becoming more and more of a factor. Now in the final year of his contract, there's already speculation about whether he will still be with PAO next season or not. We could have also included Shorts on this list, but since he is still adjusting to a brand-new system, it's probably fair to give him a bit more time. That said, we can not make any guarantees for the weeks ahead.
For up-to-the-minute updates on injuries, rosters and everything else, head to RotoWire's latest EuroLeague news or follow @RotoWireEuro on X.
