By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After completing preparations for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs in Greece, Olympiacos traveled to Barcelona without captain Kostas Papanikolaou on Tuesday.
Papanikolaou, 33, has been slowed down by an illness over recent days and was ruled out for the trip to Catalonia, ahead of Game 1 of the best-of-five series versus FC Barcelona on Wednesday. Consequently, he will also miss Game 2 on Friday.
“We must see how to react without Papanikolaou. We have four or five options, possibly playing with more guards, if we can move one of our forwards from the four to the three position. We are entertaining some ideas,” mentioned head coach Giorgos Bartzokas, “Game situations will dictate some things.”
💢🔴 Kostas Papanikolaou will not travel with Olympiacos to Barcelona due to illness. pic.twitter.com/gWJgffuHWa
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In much better news for the 58-year-old play-caller, Thomas Walkup recovered from a back injury. After taking part in a portion of team practice on Tuesday, he was cleared to travel and play in Palau Blaugrana. “I had treatment and feel good. I feel refreshed,” said the 31-year-old guard.
“I can say that we are focused on the first game, not the entire series,” underlined Barrtzokas about the Reds looking to steal homecourt advantage from Barca this week, “Our game plan must be effective.”
Following two contests on the road, Olympiacos will host Barca in Peace and Friendship Stadium next week. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday and Game 4, if necessary, will be held on Thursday. Potentially reaching a 2-2 draw would lead to Game 5 in Barcelona on May 8.