Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos is more than just a season game in the EuroLeague. These two teams share a rivalry of decades in and out of the Greek borders.
The “Reds”, with three trophies, and the “Greens”, with six, catch the attention of basketball fans every time they clash.
Thursday’s Game of the Week will be no different. The two powerhouses will collide for the second time in the EuroLeague this season.
Both teams will have extra motivation in the game, but Olympiacos has a lot more at stake. Coming off a season sweep vs Zalgiris Kaunas on Tuesday (73-84), the hosts need another win to clinch their playoff spot.
In addition, a victory over the arch-rivals will boost the team’s confidence and bring it a step away from the home-court advantage.
Olympiacos has the momentum on its side and leads Panathinaikos in almost all statistical categories. The “Reds” want to score 80+ points (season average of 79.7 points) and take the upper hand.
At the same time, they know defense will be key to the victory. The hosts want to limit their opponents to less than 75 points (they allow just 74.5 points per game) and have showed they can play at very high standards defensively at home.
Olympiacos has the best defense of the EuroLeague on its home court, conceding just 67.1 points per game. An identical number on Thursday will lead them to the win.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
On the contrary, the six-time champions want to avoid the last position on the table. This will be their major target in the remaining EuroLeague games. With the Russian teams out of the competition, the Greens are now last (6-16).
This is a year that the team wants to leave past as soon as possible and at least a win against its arch-rival is a way to ease the pain. The “Greens” will attempt to claim the victory and even the season series in the EuroLeague (1-1) and in all competitions (2-2).
To achieve that, they will need to pass the ball more and shoot the ball better from beyond the arc. The visitors rank third-to-last in the league in both assists (14.8) and three-point accuracy (33.1%).
Panathinaikos will also try to take advantage of the “Reds” fatigue. With more days of rest compared to their opponent, the “Greens” will aim to bring more energy on the floor and take control early on.
Ioannis Papapetrou and Stefan Jovic will be out for Panathinaikos. On the contrary, Olympiacos has no injuries to report.
Overall, an exciting battle is expected at Piece and Friendship Stadium on Thursday. Olympiacos is 11-1 at home this season and a victory will bring them a step away from the home-court advantage.
On the other hand, Panathinaikos (in a season to forget, as mentioned above) knows a road win over the “Reds” will make their season sweeter.
Since 2000, Olympiacos holds the head-to-head-record with 9-7 wins.
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