Olimpia Milano has to win against Panathinaikos
Olimpia Milano has to win against Panathinaikos
Tonight it will be one of the most important games of the season for these both teams. Because this battle will have a huge impact on their presence in the playoff. Panathinaikos is coming after 5 victories in a row, but I don’t think they will have the strength to win at Milano. And here are the main arguments:
- First of all, let’s take a view at the last round of both teams: Milano hardly lost at the reigning champions Real Madrid, after having a huge lead meanwhile Panathinaikos eventually won at home against a weak Baskonia, plagued by injuries. And even so, Baskonia cut the big deficit and tied the game in the 4th quarter.
- The Italian powerhouse has a fresh roster, full with strong players and they have now the historical chance to be in the Euroleague playoffs. Panathinaikos squad is full with average players, some of them out of shape – almost all of them can serve as bench players, not as starters.
- Olimpia Milano has a much bigger budget this season than Panathinaikos and it will be a disaster if they don’t reach the playoff spot. For Panathinaikos, it won’t be a drama. Let’s remember that next season the Final 4 it will be organised in Athens and then Pao can invest more money in a competitive roster trying to be back on the European basketball elite.
- The next 2 rounds, Milano has very difficult games against the leader Fenerbahce and at Anadolu Efes. This round against PAO is the easiest game from all of them. Panathinaikos instead has 2 home games remaining and since they are a typically “home team” they can try to beat Real Madrid and Buducnost.
Gratian Cormos, info@brainbasketball.net
Olimpia Milano and Panathinaikos
