Coach Ergin Ataman leads Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to Paris for a EuroLeague game against Paris Basketball. This will be the first meeting between these two teams, with Panathinaikos defending its championship and Paris, a team with a promising start, aiming to make a mark in the EuroLeague.
Ataman calls Paris a formidable squad despite their 0-2 record. He emphasizes the significance of this away game, praising their potential and TJ Shorts. He also notes the improving performance of center Omer Yurtseven, who is strengthening Panathinaikos’ frontcourt.
Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos’ guard, agrees with his coach that every EuroLeague game matters. He anticipates a fast-paced game and assures the audience that his squad is prepared, even if they are not at their peak performance.
Mathias Lessort, who scored 22 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to help Panathinaikos beat Bayern, has been a consistent performer. Paris must match his paint tenacity, with Mikael Jantunen leading rebounds. Paris’ EuroCup MVP TJ Shorts, who has been a scoring machine, will face Panathinaikos’ seasoned backcourt of Kostas Sloukas and Lorenzo Brown, known for their defensive prowess.
Defense champion Panathinaikos has won two double-digit games to open the season. Paris is competitive but has yet to win. Given their form and Paris’ running style, Panathinaikos to cover the second half of Asian Handicap (-2.5) is a good bet. Control risk by betting 200 units.