This article is part of our EuroLeague Primer series.
PREGAME UPDATES
- Real Madrid's Walter Tavares remains out for Game 4.
STATS AND INFO.
THE SLATE
Anadolu Efes Istanbul at 
Real Madrid
Status Check: Walter Tavares (MAD), Anthony Randolph (MAD)
Best Bets for Success: Vasilije Micic had a disappointing outing by his standards in Game 1, but he bounced back in a big way over the last two games, averaging 26.0 points and making an eye-pooping 73.1 percent of his shots from the field. That didn't help Efes on Tuesday, though, as they lost what was a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter and lost in the last minute. Rodrigue Beaubois has been scoring consistently, reaching double figures in the points column in every postseason game so far. He has been an excellent complement to the Micic / Shane Larkin duo in the backcourt, and between the three of them they have scored 148 of Efes' 257 points -- good for 57.6 percent -- this series. Sergio Llull led Real's comeback effort in Game 3, scoring 20 points and dishing out seven assists in just 21 minutes of action. Llull has not reached double figures in back-to-back games in five months, but without many options to turn to, Real figures to rely on his experience again in Game 4. Usman Garuba flirted with a double-double in the same game, finishing just one board short. He stepped up in a big way for Madrid, and he could get another opportunity to do so. Tavares' status for Game 4 is still up in the air, and if he remains out, Garuba should get plenty of chances to make an impact.
DFS Darlings: Bryant Dunston spent a lot of time on the court in Game 3, racking up 22 minutes of action. He produced nine points, seven rebounds, an assist and a block. Alberto Abalde and Alex Tyus both scored in double digits last game, and the former tallied six rebounds while the latter tallied seven. The 27 minutes Tyus played -- three times more than what he averaged during the regular season were his most since joining Real. Abalde's playing time also increased, and with him getting the job done, there's a good chance he hangs onto the starting spot he filled in Game 3.
FC Barcelona at 
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Status Check: Victor Claver (BAR), Leo Westermann (BAR), Mateusz Ponitka (DYR), Arturas Gudaitis (DYR)
Best Bets for Success: Barcelona's Brandon Davies continues his excellent post season run of form. In three games of the series played so far, his averages of 20.7 points and 8.3 rebounds puts him as second best in the league since regular season ended. Davies tops index rating ranking with 28.67 – six more than next best player. He also made four-of-four shots from down town in quarter finals, while converting only one out of six in previous 26 outings. Cory Higgins is second most consistent player in Barca's ranks at the moment with 15.3 points, 3.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds in last three games. Higgins was troubled by injuries in final week of regular season but seems to be at his best again, exactly when his team needs him. After impressive first two games of the series Kevin Pangos was slowed down by Barca's defence on Wednesday. He still managed to score 10 points and provide six assists, but he also allowed opponents to steal the ball six times and converted only 33% of field shots. Even after that performance it's almost guaranteed that he will be Zenit's main weapon in Game 4. Will Thomas put double digits in points column in all three games of the series. He was also close to recording his first double-double this season with 10 points and nine rebounds in Game 3. Experienced forward is heavily involved with 32.3 minutes per game this post season.
DFS Darlings: Kyle Kuric is one of the most dangerous three points shooters in the league. In this series he recorded 83.3% accuracy from distance, making five-of-six despite not starting any game yet. Billy Baron exploded with 19 points, including three times from down town, and three assists in just 21 minutes on the court in Game 3. With Barca 's defence focused on Pangos, Baron provided effective alternative as he did many times during regular season.
AX Armani Exchange Milan at 
FC Bayern Munich
Status Check: Nick Weiler-Babb (MUN), Nihad Dedovic (MUN)
Best Bets for Success: Malcolm Delaney scored his 2021 best 18 points in the third act of the series on Wednesday, but that didn't save Milan from losing for first time in post season. Delaney's DFS points production is very consistent of late, with 21.4 average in quarter finals. During regular season Milan's guard performed better in away games than home court, and this trend seems to continue in series against Bayern. Vladimir Lucic had his best game of the season last time out, finishing with 27 points, including four three-pointers, one assist and seven boards. His form was steadily improving from game to game in post season and Bayern will need Lucic at his best again in Game 4. Zan Sisko got close to recording his first double-double of the season with nine points and eight assists on Wednesday night. Sisko had more chances to impress than usual due to Wade Baldwin committing his fifth foul early in final quarter and but Slovenian guard didn't disappoint. Sisko form picked up towards end of the season as he had four over 20 DFS points outings in last six. Baldwin finished the game with 11 points, two rebounds and four assists in just 18 minutes on the court.
DFS Darlings: Sergio Rodriguez scored in double figure in third game in a row, but this time with a bit worst conversion rate – just 37%, making just one-of-five from three points range. JaJuan Johnson came close to his first double-double with nine points and rebounds each. It was his longest outing this season, 29 minutes – more than he spend on court in first two games of the series.
