Panathinaikos vs Olympiacos will be the second round of this year‘s Euroleague. The previous round was quite different for both teams. Panathinaikos won last seconds thriller against Khimki, while Olympiacos wasted their opportunity to close the game in the 4th quarter against Zalgiris and lost. This should be a very interesting game, considering that both teams are long time rivals. To have more insights on this Panathinaikos vs Olympiacos match, please read our preview below.
Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos on paper doesn‘t look like old times elite team. Team‘s leaders-Papapetrou, Mitoglu, Nedovic are quite average Europe players and considering their squad, the Greeks hardly can expect to reach the top8. However, they started on the right foot by defeating Khimki Moscow. But this time Pao are playing against a wounded opponent who has such players as Spanoulis, Sloukas, Printezis. These are experienced and cold-blooded players, who‘s ability to play well on key moments are legendary. Therefore, Pao will try to guard these players, as Zalgiris did, because Spanoulis and Sloukas came empty from that game and it was the main reason Olympiacos lost. However, they should not make the same mistake twice. But Panathinaikos has to use their moments to press and defend well against Oly leaders.
Olympiacos
It was probably one of the worst 4th quarters, Oly has ever played. Is seemed like they thought victory was already secured. But opponents used this mistake and made a great comeback, leaving Olympiacos with empty hands. Hard to imagine that coach Bartzok would allow them to make anything similar again. Olympia is the main weapon is their experienced players and fast, mobile front players who started well against Zalgiris, but then were stopped. Knowing that Pai doesn‘t have so much power under the rim, Olympiacos has to use it, as well as Sloukas ability to play 2vs2. Slow play and prepared attacks will be the key to victory in this game because Pao main players are younger, less patient and experienced. Nevertheless, Panathinaikos will be very dangerous, because their previous win will only give them extra confidence.
Panathinaikos vs Olympiacos H2H
Both teams have faced each other 7 times in the past two years, and Olympiacos managed to grab only two wins. But this is a good opportunity for them to improve their record.