Anadolu Efes Istanbul hosts powerhouse FC Barcelona on November 20 in EuroLeague Round 12. The game tips off at 17:30 GMT in Turkey’s capital. Shane Larkin leads the Turkish squad with elite production. Barcelona enters as conference favorites despite recent roster changes.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Shane Larkin averages 15.8 points and league-leading 31.7 minutes per game
- Isaia Cordinier contributes 15.3 ppg and 5.3 rebounds per contest
- Game airs November 20, 2025 at 17:30 GMT from Istanbul
- Barcelona ranks 6th in EuroLeague standings entering Round 12
- This marks the second meeting between the teams this season
What Happened: Efes Readies for Crucial Conference Matchup
Anadolu Efes survived a thriller against Bayern Munich last week despite blowing a double-digit fourth-quarter lead. The Turkish powerhouse showed championship resilience in close moments. Shane Larkin played a league-leading 31.7 minutes per game this season.
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The Istanbul squad builds its EuroLeague campaign on defensive intensity and floor leadership. Larkin’s 15.8 points and 4.5 assists anchor Efes in critical games. Isaia Cordinier delivered a career-high 26 points against Bayern, showcasing his two-way excellence for the backcourt.
Barcelona arrives from Barcelona with fresh momentum under new coaching after recent changes. The Catalans won two of their last three games heading into this battle. Their improved consistency and late-game execution make them dangerous opponents on any night.
Why This Matters: Conference Positioning on the Line
This matchup determines crucial playoff seeding implications for both teams. Anadolu Efes competes to cement its position among Europe’s elite. Barcelona sits 6th in standings but carries offensive firepower that rivals any EuroLeague squad.
For EuroLeague fans, this represents the continental league’s highest level of competition. Turkish dominance meets Spanish tradition in a clash of basketball philosophies. The winner gains valuable momentum heading into the midseason stretch.
Individual matchups matter here. Larkin against Barcelona’s guards determines tempo and transition efficiency. Cordinier’s shooting touch either opens driving lanes or limits Barcelona spacing. Every possession carries weight in this Round 12 showdown.
The Details: Team Statistics Heading Into Round 12
Both teams carry distinct statistical profiles into this meeting:
| Statistic | Anadolu Efes | FC Barcelona |
| Leading Scorer | Shane Larkin – 15.8 ppg | TBA |
| Second Option | Isaia Cordinier – 15.3 ppg | TBA |
| Minutes Leader | Larkin – 31.7 min/game | TBA |
| Rebounding | Cordinier – 5.3 rpg | TBA |
| Assists | Larkin – 4.5 apg | TBA |
Anadolu Efes excels when maintaining possession and controlling pace. Larkin’s league-leading minutes show his indispensability. Cordinier provides scoring variety that spacing-dependent Barcelona must respect.
What To Watch For: Key Subplots
Several storylines emerge in this Round 12 battle:
- Larkin’s impact against Barcelona backcourt pressure and defensive schemes
- Cordinier’s offensive rebounding and second-chance point generation
- Barcelona’s three-point shooting consistency versus Efes defensive adjustments
- Turnovers and pace control determining who dictates game rhythm
- Fourth-quarter execution after Efes’ close win versus Bayern last week
Coaching adjustments will prove crucial. Barcelona’s recent changes bring fresh perspectives to offensive execution. Efes relies on continuity and floor chemistry that develops through consistent lineup combinations.
Can Larkin Lead Efes Past Barcelona’s Conference Challenge?
Shane Larkin shoulders enormous responsibility in maintaining Efes momentum this season. His elite scoring efficiency combined with 4.5 assists per game sets the tempo for all things Turkish basketball. Barcelona presents the kind of structured, internationally-talented opposition requiring Larkin’s most complete performances.
EuroLeague basketball demands consistency, poise, and execution in pressure moments. This matchup delivers all three factors. Will Larkin’s leadership elevate Efes into conference contention, or does Barcelona’s experience emerge victorious in Istanbul? The answer emerges on November 20 at 17:30 GMT.
Sources
- EuroLeague Basketball Official – Official game schedules and team statistics
- Basketball Reference – Player statistics and performance metrics
- Sports Gambler – Game preview and betting analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.