Anadolu Efes vs Paris Tips & Live Stream - Efes defense faces a major test against Paris

Nemanja Dojcinovic

Editor

Last updated: Wed 07 Jan 2026 09:59

Nemanja Dojcinovic 07 Jan 2026

Share this article

Anadolu Efes struggling with performance and team chemistry.
Paris leverages high-tempo offense, despite overall poor season.
Efes needs strong defense to counter Paris' dynamic gameplay.

Expired

Nadir Hifi #2(Getty Image)

Anadolu Efes vs Paris Preview
Anadolu Efes Form & Team News
Paris Form & Team News
Head to Head

Anadolu Efes vs Paris Preview

After a series of poor results in the EuroLeague, Anadolu Efes will host Paris in their own arena, with both teams in equally difficult situations.

Can Efes redeem themselves in front of their home crowd after the humiliation against Crvena Zvezda a few days ago, or will Paris celebrate at this venue for the second season in a row?

Stream Anadolu Efes vs Pariswatch and bet at bet365WATCH

18+ only. T&Cs apply. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Call Gambler's Help; National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au 18+

Anadolu Efes Form & Team News

Anadolu Efes have been one of the biggest disappointments in the EuroLeague so far this season.

The two time European champions entered the campaign with high ambitions and expectations, but the team has shown very little of its true potential.

An early coaching change, injuries to Shane Larkin, P.J. Dozier and Vincent Poirier, the lack of chemistry among some of the new players expected to take on bigger roles, all of these factors have contributed to Efes playing their worst season in a long time.

Even the arrival of trophy winning coach Pablo Laso has not brought significant improvement, at least so far. After a convincing win over Zalgiris, Efes suffered three consecutive defeats in games where they were considered favorites.

The latest setback came at home against Crvena Zvezda, where they were beaten convincingly 87:65.

There were almost no positives to take from Efes performance in that game. They were competitive only during the first five minutes, while the remaining 35 minutes were marked by complete domination from the Belgrade side.

Efes shot a terrible 15 percent from three point range (4 of 26), were outrebounded by 14, recorded 11 fewer assists, and committed as many as 19 turnovers.

The only players whose performances were worth mentioning were Nick Weiler Babb, who finished with 17 points, and center Kai Jones, who scored 11 points without missing a shot from the field.

Paris Form & Team News

Paris are having nowhere near as successful a season as last year, when they reached the EuroLeague playoffs.

After the first half of the season, they sit in 15th place with a record of 6 wins and 13 losses. Despite that record, there have been games in which they played quite well, but they have often lost close finishes, which has cost them a better standing.

That was also the case in their most recent road game against ASVEL, where they controlled the game and the score for long stretches, only to be undone by very poor defense in the final 10 minutes.

Nadir Hifi delivered an excellent scoring performance after a long time, reminiscent of his early season form, finishing the game with 26 points and 7 assists.

However, support from his teammates was lacking, most notably Justin Robinson, who struggled badly, shooting just 1 of 8 from the field in one of his weakest performances of his debut EuroLeague season.

One positive for Paris and head coach Tabellini is that they will travel for this game with a full roster, which further increases their chances of securing a win and claiming their third road victory of the season.

Head to Head

This will be the third meeting between these two teams. Paris currently lead the series with two wins, although Efes claimed victory in the first matchup this season, winning 90:80 on the road.

Verdict

Anadolu Efes v Paris

Paris offense can be a serious challenge for many EuroLeague teams. I expect Efes to face significant defensive problems against their opponents style of play, especially given that their defense has been far from impressive this season.

Paris never abandon their recognizable high tempo approach, with a large number of three point attempts and early shots in the shot clock. This could be the game in which their full offensive potential finally comes to the surface.