The reigning Euroleague Champions Panathinaikos are traveling to Bavaria in Germany to face Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated game in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague. Both teams are amongst the top six in the standings. The bad news for Panathinaikos is that Mathias Lessort will be out for an extended time.
Bayern Munich have won three out of their six last games in the Euroleague. Gordon Herbert’s team won their prior game against Milano (away) with the slightest of margins, 79-78. Bayern have won eleven and lost six games so far in the Euroleague this season. In the domestic championship, Bundesliga, Bayern are in the top spot with eight wins and three losses.
Bayern Munich are really strong at home in Bavaria. Their home record is 8-0. Bayern loves to play high-speed basketball under Herbert, especially at home in Munich. Bayern are the only undefeated team at this point of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague season. Bayern have lost their last four games to Panathinaikos. The veteran and team captain, Vladimir Lukic, is still out for the Bavarians.
The reigning champions Panathinaikos have a record of ten wins and seven losses at this point of the Euroleague season. They have won two starlight games in blowout fashion versus Baskonia (104-69) and Milano (103-74). The Green team from Athens have won three out of their last six games in the Euroleague, just like Bayern has done. Panathinaikos are still unbeaten in the domestic league with eleven wins.
Mathias Lessort, the French center, is very important for Panathinaikos. Lessort broke his leg, unfortunately, in the game against Baskonia and will be out for four months, at least. So his season is pretty much over and the blow to Panathinaikos is nothing less than massive. Mathias Lessort could be back at the end of the season if his rehabilitation goes well. If he does, the timing on the court will take some time to find again. Wenyen Gabriel is signed as a short-term solution. Panathinaikos must step up on the defensive end of the floor if they aim to win this one. His absence will be a big positive for Bayern in the paint tonight.
