By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Georgios Papagiannis has been labeled as questionable to play in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 3 match against Baskonia at Fernando Buesa Arena tonight, Tuesday.
Papagiannis, 24, is struggling with back pains in recent days. He is expected to suit up against Baskonia but head coach Dimitrios Priftis might be forced to limit his playing time, especially under the current circumstances brought in by the first two-game week of the 2021-22 EuroLeague season. The Greens are scheduled to stay in Spain and take on Real Madrid on Friday.
The medical staff of the Greek powerhouse has been focused on the towering center aiming for him to be available against the team based in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The former NBA player, the 13th pick of the 2016 draft, has received an injection to reduce pain and is likely to get another shot prior to tonight’s EuroLeague fixture. Backup center Jehyve Floyd can be on the task of an upgraded role if his teammate is indeed slowed down by the back issue.
Papagiannis started his fifth season in the top European club continental competition logging 5.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest over two appearances. Panathinaikos sits at 1-1. At the domestic level, he posted eight points and four rebounds in the loss to Aris in the opening round of the Stoiximan Basket League.
The Greek center was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the draft five years ago. His rights were immediately traded to the Sacramento Kings. He went on logging 39 games played between the Kings and Portland Trail Blazers before penning a five-year contract to return to Panathinaikos in 2018.