As the countdown to the EuroBasket Championships continues, national teams are engaging in exhibition matches to gear up for the competition later this month. Among these preparation games, the spotlight falls on the Nikola Jokic Luka Doncic matchup, which is expected to draw significant attention this Thursday in Belgrade, Serbia. The clash will feature Jokic leading Serbia against Doncic’s Slovenian squad in front of a fervent crowd at the Belgrade Arena, scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. local time.
Deep Pool of NBA Talent Fuels Excitement
The upcoming 2025 EuroBasket promises one of the richest concentrations of NBA talent in tournament history, highlighted by stars such as Luka Doncic from Slovenia, Nikola Jokic from Serbia, and Giannis Antetokounmpo representing Greece. These three active All-NBA first-team players epitomize the high level of skill expected throughout the event. The presence of these elite athletes has elevated expectations for thrilling matchups, particularly the head-to-head between Jokic and Doncic.
Passionate Fans Anticipate Record Attendance in Serbia
The rivalry between Serbia and Slovenia is known not just for the quality of basketball but also for the intensity of their fans, who are renowned globally for their devotion to the sport. Nebojsa Covic, a Serbian basketball executive, expressed confidence that ticket demand for the game greatly exceeds current capacity, noting the challenge of accommodating everyone. He stated,
“There are more tickets, of course, but it has to be done very carefully. Because if we had the opportunity to sell 100,000, we would sell 100,000 tickets.”
—Nebojsa Covic, Basketball Executive
Previous Encounters Highlight Intense Rivalry
Jokic and Doncic have previously faced off in international competition, notably during an exhibition match held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, ahead of the 2022 EuroBasket. On that occasion, Doncic led Slovenia to a 97-92 victory over Serbia, delivering an outstanding performance with 34 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Jokic contributed 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists for Serbia. The match was attended by Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, adding a notable presence to the event. Former Denver Nuggets center Vlatko Cancar secured the win for Slovenia with a decisive three-pointer in the final two minutes.
NBA Season Meeting Scheduled for January 2025
The much-anticipated NBA regular season meeting between Jokic and Doncic will take place on January 20, 2025, when Doncic’s Los Angeles Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets. The game will be nationally televised on NBC and streamed live on Peacock, with tip-off expected at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. While this clash will not occur until after the EuroBasket tournament, it adds another level of significance to their ongoing rivalry.
What This Showdown Means for EuroBasket and Beyond
The Nikola Jokic Luka Doncic matchup serves as one of the marquee events leading into EuroBasket 2025, showcasing two of the world’s premier basketball talents competing for national pride. Given the passion of their respective fan bases and the exceptional skills on display, this game is a preview of the intensity and quality expected throughout the tournament. Enthusiasts and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this rivalry unfolds, with the potential to influence team momentum and player confidence heading into the main event.