Olympiacos will try to make at least “4 on 4” in the Euroleague starting with the match against Baskonia – Nikola Milutinov will fight for it.
In the big port, they have left behind the defeats against Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce, passed the hurdle against PAOK in a match that also had Nikola Milutinov out and have Thursday’s match against Baskonia in mind. It is recalled that the match will be held at 19.15, precisely because the football match between West Ham and Olympiacos will take place shortly afterwards. The Piraeus will aim to return to positive results and above all to make a new beginning.
Why do we say this? Apart from the fact that the Serbian center is back in action, the red and whites have entered a month in which they aim to make a series of victories. They do not underestimate any opponent, but the doubles of Greece have passable games ahead of them, against Baskonia (within), Maccabi (except), Red Star (within), Zalgiris (in) and Monaco out. In theory, Olympiacos can go on a 4-0 run, with the exception of the difficulty at the end against Mike James’ team. The Piraeus team needs it this series, both for their psychology and to climb up the rankings. The red and whites know it and that’s what they’ve set their sights on.
To achieve this, however, they will have to work exceptionally well as a team, but each player must also step up. THE George Bartzokas he will expect his players to improve on ball movement, to remember again to move skillfully away from the ball, moments that allow the team to get to the easy basket. The Greek coach will expect his players to become more efficient both from the perimeter and near the basket. It has been noted that the red and whites in their last games cannot produce enough pick-and-roll phases, as the opponent makes sure to stay behind the racket, close spaces and give the shot. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed, either with the shots starting to come in, or with the perimeter players reading the game better.
But we also talked about players. THE Thomas Walkup he is exhausted. It seems reasonable. He has made a huge effort, he has been playing in a row since the summer, having 30 minutes of playing time. He needs breathers, but also players who will play for him. THE Nigel Williams-Goss has found a rhythm, but Giannoulis Larentzakis will have to raise his performance again. This year in the Euroleague he has 3/22 three-pointers (13.6%). Isaiah Kanaan is also called upon to stabilize his performance, Michalis Lountzis to show himself ready for every opportunity given to him, while attention has also been paid to the utilization of Ignas Brazdeikis. He has been asked to become more decisive and bold in attack. He is excellent in the scoring part and makes an effort to adapt to the new data.
THE Alec Peters continues to play in the… twilight zone, Mustafa Fal has gotten the better of him, o Nikola Milutinov will grit his teeth and return against Baskonia (unexpectedly, the bionic Kostas Papanikolaou continues to make a soul deposit, while as soon as Thomas Walkup actually breathes, the team will find a rhythm. Shaquille McKissick’s return is for the end of the month and then it is taken for granted that we will see the real face of Olympiakos.
Tags: Olympiacos beginning Baskonia
