By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Another injury setback for Luca Vildoza.
Medically cleared from an ankle injury, the 29-year-old Argentine combo guard of Olympiacos lasted only eight minutes against PAOK mateco on Monday before picking up an injury and being forced to an early exit from the Round 18 contest of Greece’s Stoiximan GBL Regular Season. Sidestepping the unpleasant situation, his side collected a sixth straight win across all competitions and improved to 16-2 in the domestic league.
An ensuing MRI revealed a left leg contusion. Consequently, the Reds ruled him out of this week’s OPAP Final 8. Therefore, he is questionable for Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season and a clash with Virtus Segafredo Bologna in the Peace and Friendship Stadium, SEF, on February 28.
Due to injuries, the native of Quilmes has already missed three games of the continental campaign. Over the remaining 23 team showings, he contributed 5.4 points and 2.7 assists to a league-high 19-7 W-L tally for the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas. He has also put up 3.5 points per contest over 15 GBL games.
Focusing on a bid to lift the Greek Cup for the 13th time in team history, Olympiacos is set to compete in an eight-team tournament in Iraklio and face Karditsa Iaponiki in the Quarterfinals on Thursday.
In addition to Vildoza, Keenan Evans (knee) and Moses Wright (illness) are unavailable as well. In contrast, Kostas Papanikolaou (foot) and Thomas Walkup (back) are expected to return to action.