Fallen Thessaloniki giants in serious Basket League trouble
Hit by financial problems, Aris and PAOK are continuing to struggle at the wrong end of the Basket League table, with both clubs currently languishing in the two relegation slots.
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Aris and PAOK are close to hitting rock bottom. In the past, both clubs were rightly considered giants of the Greek game, but the pair are now engaged in a miserable relegation dogfight as they continue to feel the effects of damaging financial issues. Last year, Aris did manage to stay in the top flight after they initially flirted with demotion, while PAOK meekly crashed out in the first round of the Basket League playoffs to eventual finalists Promitheas.
As a result of making the playoffs, PAOK were granted a berth in the 2019/2020 Basketball Champions League group stage, but the financially crippled Dikefalos tou Vorra are not having a European campaign to enjoy. After nine rounds, PAOK occupy last place of Group D, claiming three matches and conceding six defeats. PAOK reached the Last 16 of the 2018/2019 edition of the competition.
With 16 matches in the books domestically, Aris and PAOK find themselves in the two relegation slots in the Basket League, tallying a mere three victories while suffering a large 13 losses. Before the 16th round, Larisa had the same amount of points as the two Thessaloniki clubs, but they defeated Lavrio at the weekend while Aris lost to Promitheas (79-95) and PAOK were emphatically beaten by crosstown rivals Iraklis (82-99):
The current situation makes the upcoming derby at the PAOK Sports Arena even more important than usual. On Sunday, the two struggling sides will do battle in a crucial encounter, with PAOK hoping to make home advantage count and snap their five-game losing streak in the Basket League. PAOK have not emerged victorious in a league match since late November.
Aris, for their part, have only won one of their last five Basket League matches. Their 3-10 record marks their worst start to the domestic season since the 1986/1987 campaign.
At the start of the season, Aris managed to defeat their arch rivals at home, tallying a tense 85-82 triumph in overtime:
Tip-off on Sunday is scheduled for 17:45 local time in Thessaloniki.
