The Stoiximan GBL’s 6th round schedule features a particularly intriguing matchup, with AEK hosting Panathinaikos on Sunday (Nov. 8, 1:00 p.m.) at SUNEL Arena.
The two teams are coming off different streaks, but they share a common reason to bounce back in this matchup: both suffered defeats in their most recent Greek league matches before returning to winning ways in European competitions.
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Dragan Sakota’s AEK wants to capitalize on its home-court advantage, where it remains undefeated so far with two wins in as many games. The 95-84 loss to Viko in Ioannina was an unexpected result, but midweek they bounced back against Falco Sobatelli, winning 72-66 in the Basketball Champions League.
“Enosis” currently has a 2-3 record in the league and faces significant challenges at the guard positions. Ertel and Fizel remain sidelined, while Lekavicius’s participation is highly doubtful, as he suffered a hamstring injury during the European game.
For its part, Panathinaikos will look to put its first loss of the season in the GBL behind it. Zeliko Obradović’s team lost 101–91 to Aris in Thessaloniki, despite strong offensive performances by Yabusele, Francisco, and Hayes-Davis. As a result, they dropped to 4-1 and are now looking to get back on track domestically.
The “Clover,” however, is coming off a great European night, having celebrated a 115-112 overtime victory over Real Madrid in Madrid. Nan was the star of the show, scoring 33 points, while Lesor also had an outstanding performance with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. With this result, the “Greens” improved their EuroLeague record to 8-2 and remained alone in first place.
In terms of player availability, Obradović must manage both the absences of Rogavopoulos and Matzoukas and the limitations resulting from having six foreign players on the roster. The one player who will not play is Kendrick Nan, who will be absent as part of the planned management of his playing time and will travel to Qatar, having received special permission, in order to complete the process of obtaining his passport. Mustafa Fall and Jerian Grant are not on the domestic roster.
*photo source: KYPE
