By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP Nikola Mirotic is not available for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 27 of the Regular Season.
Mirotic, 33, was ruled out from the away game versus LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne due to gastroenteritis, the team announced a few hours before tipoff.
On Thursday, Diego Flaccadori, Shabazz Napier (left foot), and Stefano Tonut (right wrist) were previously ruled out of tonight’s game in LDLC Arena. Billy Baron (right elbow) is stuck to the injury list further limiting options for head coach Ettore Messina.
“We are restarting our season after a long break. During said break, many of our players have been involved with the National Teams. We will try to overcome the difficulties we faced preparing this trip, well aware of how important this game is to keep our chances alive,” noted the experienced tactician before traveling to Villeurbanne, a suburb of Lyon.
At 11-15, the team based in Milan is two games outside the Play-In zone of Europe’s premier club continental competition. On the other hand, the French club is limited to 5-21 and will be officially eliminated from the Playoffs with a potential loss.
“We will face a Villerubanne team who recently has changed the coach, found some energy back and a deeper roster. The game will be a tough one, because their talent level is better than the standings position indicates,” added 64-year-old Messina, “Control the tempo and defending well over their scorers will be fundamental.”
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