Hapoel Tel Aviv Faces Panathinaikos Amidst Key Absences for Greek Team
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv faces a top-ranked Panathinaikos team in the EuroLeague on Thursday, but the Greek squad will be missing key players including Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Kendrick Nunn, and Kostas Sloukas. Coach Zeljko Obradovic acknowledged his personal ties to Hapoel's coach Dimitris Itoudis but stressed the team-vs-team nature of the game. Despite his own potential absence, Kendrick Nunn praised Hapoel, calling them a potential top-six finisher. Panathinaikos holds a 5-0 EuroLeague record, while Hapoel has a 3-2 record.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Panathinaikos, leading the EuroLeague at 5-0, will miss key players Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Kendrick Nunn, and Kostas Sloukas against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
- Isaac Bonga is also questionable for Panathinaikos due to a hand injury.
- Panathinaikos coach Zeljko Obradovic downplayed personal rivalry with Hapoel's coach Dimitris Itoudis.
- Kendrick Nunn surprisingly named Hapoel Tel Aviv as a potential top-six EuroLeague team.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv enters the game with a 3-2 record.
- A victory for Hapoel in Athens could significantly boost their standing.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is preparing for a challenging EuroLeague matchup against Panathinaikos, who currently lead the league with a perfect 5-0 record. The Israeli team will visit the Greek powerhouse on Thursday. Panathinaikos will be significantly short-handed, with three key players confirmed out and another doubtful due to injuries. Coach Zeljko Obradovic will be without Nikos Rogkavopoulos, averaging 8.3 points per game, along with Kendrick Nunn and Kostas Sloukas. Isaac Bonga is also questionable with a hand injury. Despite these absences, Panathinaikos boasts a deep and talented roster. Obradovic commented on the upcoming game, noting his close personal relationship with Hapoel's coach, Dimitris Itoudis, who previously worked with him for years. However, Obradovic emphasized that the game is a contest between two quality teams, not a personal duel. Notably, Kendrick Nunn, despite his expected absence, expressed high regard for Hapoel Tel Aviv, predicting they could finish in the top six and secure a direct playoff spot. Panathinaikos enters the game after a decisive 100-82 victory over Besiktas, holding a 3-2 record. A win for Hapoel in Athens could be a significant statement and position them well in the league standings.
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