Panathinaikos faces Bayern Munich tonight at the SAP Garden for the 18th round of the Euroleague, with their spirits high but challenged by the injury of star center Matias Lesor. Lesor, who had been pivotal for the team, suffered a broken leg during their recent victory over Baskonia, where they dominated with a 104-69 score. This unexpected setback puts additional pressure on the squad as they look to maintain their impressive performance, including three consecutive wins, each with over 100 points scored.
The current season has seen Bayern Munich emerge as one of the standout teams, boasting 11 wins out of 17 matches. Their recent narrow victory over Olimpia Milano (79-78) showcases their potential, and they have only incurred one loss over their last four contests. Bayern's forward Carson Edwards has been particularly impressive, averaging 20.7 points per game, which has greatly contributed to their success.
Despite Lesor's injury, Panathinaikos isn't backing down. Coach Ergin Ataman expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "The game with Bayern Munich is challenging for us after the injury of Matias Lesor." The team has recently signed Wenyen Gabriel, who has already joined training and adds depth to the roster, especially at the center position.
Looking at recent performances, Kendrick Nunn has emerged as a key player for the greens. Coming off spectacular games—39 points against Olimpia Milano and 26 against Baskonia—Nunn has averaged 20.2 points this season with impressive shooting percentages of 57.4% from two-point range and 42.1% from beyond the arc. He emphasized the need for focus, saying, "Bayern has had one of the best records this season, and we will need to focus to win."
With both teams entering the match with strong performances behind them, the stakes couldn't be higher. Panathinaikos, holding onto their winning streaks, aims to secure another victory to maintain momentum as they hunt for coveted playoff positioning. Meanwhile, Bayern's aim to keep the pace at the top of the Euroleague rankings makes this matchup especially intriguing.
The game will be streamed live, ensuring fans can catch every moment of the action. Viewers can also enjoy various promotions from Novibet, who offer exciting deals on major games every day, enhancing the experience for basketball fans and bettors alike.
Whether you’re rooting for Panathinaikos or Bayern, this clash promises to be thrilling. Don't miss out as the two teams battle it out on the Euroleague stage!
