By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
An early exit for Luca Vildoza troubled Panathinaikos Aktor on Sunday. Despite ruling the Argentine guard for the rest of the game during halftime, the team coached by Ergin Ataman pulled away late in the fourth quarter against Peristeri bwin, improved to 13-0 in Greece’s Stoiximan Basket League.
Vildoza, 28, was set for an MRI after the Round 13 affair. Confirming initial fears, he was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee. The ensuing surgery has been scheduled for Tuesday. Therefore, he is sidelined indefinitely, adding to multiple setbacks across the Greek club throughout the 2023-24 season.
In his sixth EuroLeague campaign and first with the Greens, Vildoza averaged 6.8 points per contest over 18 appearances, including five starts. His efforts helped in the current 11-8 record, placed in a four-way tie between fourth and seventh on the standings.
This week, Ataman’s side will host Anadolu Efes on Tuesday and AS Monaco on Thursday with Kostas Sloukas expected to return to action. The Greek floor general has been dealing with a thigh injury forcing him to miss the last two games between continental and domestic leagues.
Additional concerns extend to Mathias Lessort and a recent back injury. The French center was slowed down by the issue and stayed on the bench down the stretch against Peristeri. Further monitoring of his situation can potentially lead to limited playing time in the two-game week.
Also, Ioannis Papapetrou (left knee) is projected to be cleared for action over the next few weeks.