The EuroLeague continues with excitement as Olimpia Milano prepares to host Olympiacos of Greece for their 18th round match at the Unipol Forum in Assago, scheduled for 20:30 on December 26, 2024. After the festive season, this match becomes pivotal for both teams as they seek to rebound from recent setbacks.
For coach Ettore Messina's team, the return of Stefano Tonut, who was absent for two previous EuroLeague games, is welcomed news. Tonut, alongside pivotal players like Nikola Mirotic and the dynamic LeDay, aims to steer Milano back to victory after suffering two defeats, including the disheartening loss to Bayern Munich where they fell short. Messina reflected on this loss, underscoring the importance of starting strong and maintaining focus throughout the game. "It was a tough loss. Compliments to Bayern for their persistence; they didn’t give up even when we were five points up with two minutes left," he stated.
On the opposing side, Olympiacos is fortified by recent signings, including former MVP Sasha Vezenkov and Evan Fournier, who have significantly bolstered their offensive capabilities. Despite some injury challenges, Olympiacos remains one of the EuroLeague's elite squads, currently positioned third with eleven victories against six losses. Their depth and resourcefulness will be tested, particularly with the absence of big man Nikola Milutinov, who is out with injury. Coach Bartzokas is expected to rotate players, with Nathan Mensah stepping up to fill the void.
The historical matchups between these two teams see Olympiacos holding the upper hand overall, having claimed 19 victories to Milano’s nine since 2005. Recent encounters have also favored the home team, with each side winning on their respective courts. The most noteworthy was the low-scoring thriller last year where Milano triumphed with defensive prowess, ending the game at 65-53. Conversely, the last time they met on Olympiacos’ home turf, Milano suffered an heavy loss, with the final score reading 89-68.
Tonight’s game is not just another match; it's also about setting the tone for the back half of the season. Milano’s mixed record so far (nine wins and eight losses) puts them at risk of slipping out of playoff contention. Therefore, the stakes are high as they face the formidable Olympiacos, known for their tenacity and strategic gameplay. "This is one of the most regular teams in this EuroLeague, aggressive on defense and balanced on offense, using many passes to free their best shooters. We need to play beautifully tonight and give our fans the performance they deserve," Messina emphasized.
The atmosphere at the Unipol Arena is expected to be electric with fans eager to support their home team. Coverage of the game will be available on streaming services such as DAZN and Sky Sport, ensuring fans can follow along even if they're unable to attend live.
A pivotal aspect of tonight’s match will be the adjustment strategies employed by both coaches. Milano aims to secure its position among the playoff contenders with this pivotal matchup, hoping to capitalize on being at home. The recent dips should serve as motivation, igniting the fire needed to face one of the league's giants.
Overall, this matchup between Olimpia Milano and Olympiacos encapsulates the essence of EuroLeague competition, with both teams facing pressure to perform and succeed. For the players, it is more than just another game; it is about pride, reputation, and the pursuit of the playoff legacy.
