Besiktas – FCB Regal: The Blaugrana look to bounce back in Istanbul

They aren’t on their best form, but the Euroleague is a competition where Xavi Pascual’s men rarely falter. They’ve played a total of 13 matches in the competition, 11 of which were won by Barça. The Blaugrana must win their games at home and attempt to claim victory on the road if they want to make it to the quarter-finals. This Thursady's match (20:45) away to Besiktas, a team that has yet to win in the second phase of the competition, is the perfect opportunity for Barça Real to take one step closer to the next round.

Barça Regal have already defeated Besiktas this season. In the first phase of the competition, Catalans and Turks faced off against each other in a match that was convincingly won by Barça: 48-78. Barça’s defence didn’t allow Jerrells and Christopher, the highest scorers for Besiktas, to get into the match. The game at the Palau Blaugrana also went Barça’s way: 72-60. Before the second phase of the Euroleague started, the team managed by Erman Kunter brought in Daniel Ewing, a point guard who averages 14 points per match and who’s very dangerous from the perimeter (45% accuracy from the three point line).

Mickeal, doubtful; Navarro to miss the match

Barça Regal won’t be able to call on Juan Carlos Navarro and Pete Mickeal is doubtful. The Barça Regal captain is recovering from a muscle tear in his right leg. The decision on whether Mickeal, who has been dealing with shin problems, plays or not will be made minutes before tip off.

Seeing that Navarro will miss the game and that Mickeal is doubtful, Xavi Pascual has decided to name Mario Hezonja, the highest scorer for Barça B, to the team. The Croat player made his debut in the Euroleague on November 20, against Besiktas. He played 12 minutes and scored 5 points.