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EUROLEAGUE - ROUND 12

AGONAsport previews the headline EuroLeague battle between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos at the OAKA Indoor Hall.

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This surely has to be one of the most highly anticipated meetings between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos in the EuroLeague. The rivalry has always been bitter, but given the circumstances, Friday’s duel is particularly special as the two teams meet for the first time since Olympiacos abandoned the infamous Greek Cup semi-final in February.

Olympiacos subsequently refused to participate in the Basket League playoffs against Panathinaikos. As a result, Olympiacos were relegated to the Second Division, but only their youth players compete in that particular championship. All senior Olympiacos players are reserved for EuroLeague action.

Panathinaikos, without a doubt, go into the game at the OAKA Indoor Hall as clear favourites. Although the Prasini made a dodgy start to the campaign, they have improved since Argyris Pedoulakis was sacked, defeating Bayern Munich and Zalgiris on the road under the temporary leadership of Giorgos Vovoras. American legend Rick Pitino, who previously managed Panathinaikos in the second half of the 2018/2019 campaign, returned to Athens as the new boss and began with a thumping victory over Baskonia at home. Panathinaikos, boasting a 7-4 record, sit in sixth place of the table.

It’s been an even more turbulent start to the season in nearby Piraeus.

Initially, Olympiacos started the campaign with David Blatt at the helm, but he was relieved of his duties after an opening-day defeat to ASVEL in France. Since then, the Erythrolefki have been somewhat inconsistent with Kestutis Kemzura working as their coach, beating CSKA in Moscow but losing to Zenit Saint Petersburg at home. Nevertheless, Olympiacos have improved in recent matches, earning three wins against Zalgiris, ALBA Berlin and Olimpia Milano in their last four games.

Olympiacos occupy 10th place of the standings with five wins and six defeats in 11 matches.

Alongside their higher ranking in the regular season, Panathinaikos are statistically superior to Olympiacos in the vast majority of game components, a factor which further enhances their status as favourites to claim the victory:

Points scoring:

Assists:

Index rating:

Steals:

Blocks:

Two-point shots:

Three-point shots:

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Head coach of Panathinaikos, Rick Pitino: “Just like Panathinaikos, Olympiacos started slowly, but they have a talented squad with strong players on the backcourt. Their low-post play is excellent. It will be a great game between two formidable opponents, similar in talent. They are stronger in certain areas, but we are also stronger in other areas.”

Head coach of Olympiacos, Kęstutis Kemzūra: “First of all, before we consider tactics and strategy, we need to think about the toughness of this match-up in itself. Panathinaikos have been playing good basketball lately, but so have we. They have the best attack in the EuroLeague, so we have to be solid in defence. Their game consists of fast breaks, transitions and early pick and roll. It will be a great challenge for us to stop them. If we play solidly, avoid mistakes and take good shots, it will be easy for us to control the game.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jimmer Fredette is a pure shooter of the ball. Having arrived in Athens with big expectations, the 30-year-old American has since proved his worth with Panathinaikos, averaging 14.1 points a game in the EuroLeague. The only game in which Fredette did not reach double digits was against Olimpia Milano at the OAKA.

The importance of Nikola Milutinov to Olympiacos cannot be underestimated. Standing 213 centimeters tall, the commanding Serbian bosses matches under the rim, simply outmuscling the opponents with his sheer power. With 11 games in the books, Milutinov holds an impressive rebound average of 9.8 per match, and he has achieved a double-double five times already. Milutinov must be at his best if Olympiacos are to emerge victorious.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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