By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shavon Shields picked up a groin injury on Thursday, late in Round 2 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season opposite Partizan Mozzart Bet in Belgrade Arena.
Also, Josh Nebo played through thigh discomfort in the second half.
“I am proud of how we handled the games despite difficulties,” mentioned head coach Ettore Messina in the postgame press conference, referring to setbacks for Shields and Nebo.
“It is a big concern for us,” added the four-time EuroLeague champion and former assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs previewing upcoming medical tests on the 31-year-old American-Danish small forward.
Lasting 24 minutes, Shields ended up with a game-high 21 points behind 7/11 field goals, including five triples. Over two appearances in the opening double-game week, he averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 steals per contest, but is now a candidate to join the injury list. The Italian club sits at 1-1.
With Lorenzo Brown and Leonardo Tote ruled out due to injuries, Diego Flaccadori, Ousmane Diop, and Stefano Tonut were the remaining players left out of the lineup for the meeting with Partizan. Further medical evaluation will decide whether Shields or perhaps Nebo will be forced to the sidelines.
A demanding schedule moves to Round 1 of Italy’s LBA UnipolSai Regular Season, with Bertram Derthona Tortona visiting Unipol Forum on Sunday. The next continental challenge, in Round 3 of the EuroLeague, will keep Scarpette Rosse on home court with AS Monaco traveling to Assago on Thursday.