By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
During practice on Tuesday, FC Barcelona play-caller Roger Grimau previewed a best-of-five series versus Olympiacos for a spot in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. Game 1 follows on Wednesday.
Guiding his side to fourth place in the 2023-24 Regular Season clinched homecourt advantage in the series opposite the fifth-seeded Reds. The final W-L tally of 22-12 was based on a 15-2 run in Palau Blaugrana.
“We played very well in Palau throughout the season,” the 45-year-old tactician commented on team showings at home, “Our wins secured homecourt advantage. Hopefully, we will be able to use it.”
“A solid team in five against five with very physical players who get in the paint effectively,” he pointed to threats posed by the Greek club, “A team that shares the ball in the best way, has a lot of patience in offense, waiting until the last second for the best option.”
In contrast to all Barcelona players being available, the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas ruled out captain Kostas Papanikolaou (illness) for Game 1 and Game 2 of the series.
“We are facing a team that has a squad with great players,” explained Grimau, “We prepared to face a full squad. But if that is not the case, I am sure adjustments remain within elite European players.”
Beyond Game 1, Game 2 will be played in the same venue on Friday. Moving to the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Game 3 is scheduled for next Tuesday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net