Two teams looking to ignite their fading playoff ambitions meet as Zalgiris (8-15) welcomes Efes (9-14).
Tibor Pleiss, Efes: 'We are approaching the critical days in the EuroLeague'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 24 of 34
Regular Season
Zalgiris KaunasZAL
9670
Anadolu Efes IstanbulEFS
Overview
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The Turkish team won November’s meeting 86-82 with the help of 20 points and 7 rebounds from Will Clyburn, whose recent return to fitness provides a big boost to Erden Can’s roster. Zalgiris was paced in that contest by 20 points from usual suspect Keenan Evans, and his ability to control Shane Larkin’s scoring power will be just as important as his own scoring exploits after netting at least 21 points in four of the last five games. In the paint, Laurynas Birutis is becoming more influential under new coach Andrea Trinchieri and will look to win his battle with Efes big men Tyrique Jones and Dan Oturu.
Erdem Can, Efes head coach
"Zalgiris Kaunas is a team that plays very aggressively at home and in front of its fans. We have to respond to this aggressivity in the right way."
Tibor Pleiss, Efes player
"We are going to play against Zalgiris Kaunas in the first game of the double-round week. They are always a tough and a dangerous team, especially at their home court. We are approaching the critical days in the EuroLeague. We must win this game and also the second game of the week in order to keep our playoff hopes alive."