Zalgiris (11-15) will look to maintain its outstanding pre-break form with the tough assignment of overcoming Olympiacos (15-11).
Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos: 'We are improving our game day by day'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 27 of 34
Group Regular Season
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Andrea Trinchieri's team has won three in a row partly thanks to the excellent form of big man Laurynas Birutis, who has averaged 13.8 points in the last five games, while Keenan Evans scored 25 to overcome Zvezda last time out. Olympiacos has aspirations of climbing higher than its current sixth position, and is building momentum nicely with a three-game winning streak. The Greek team prevailed comfortably, 89-72, when the teams met in November, led by 25 and 22 points respectively from deep shooting threats Isaiah Canaan and Alec Peters.
Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach
"Zalgiris is in really good shape. They won on their three last home games against Fenerbahce, Efes and Panathinaikos. They also beat Zvezda on the road. Of course, it’s been 20 days since our last game in EuroLeague and I have no idea how this effected not only our opponent, but my team as well. We will miss three players Larentzakis, Mitrou-Long and Williams-Goss. And that’s something that hurt us. Still we feel that we are in good terms and that we are improving our game day by day."
Isaiah Canaan, Olympiacos player
"Zalgiris is a good team and they always play good in their home court. It is not going to be an easy game. We must play team defense and protect the ball. We also must eliminate Zalgiris second offenses. Rebounds are always a key point. We have to execute well and protect the ball."