By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After splitting wins in Athens and Istanbul, Anadolu Efes and Panathinaikos Aktor are heading to a decider in a best-of-five series for a spot in the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.
“We are in the last game of an incredible playoff series against the defending champions,” said the head coach of Efes, Luca Banchi, previewing Game 5 of the 2025 EuroLeague Playoffs on Monday, “Every game was close, very intense, and very exciting. So, we have to prepare ourselves in the best way possible, tactically and mentally, to give our best effort.”
Knotted at 2-2, the deciding fixture is set to be played in OAKA Altion on Tuesday evening. Besides Rodrigue Beaubois remaining unavailable for the 59-year-old Italian expert due to a calf injury, the remaining players are expected to be available.
“We have some injuries related to the high intensity of this series, but I am confident that everyone will be ready to do their best and achieve a great result for our team and fans,” mentioned Banchi.
On the opposite end, Marius Grigonis (back surgery) and Mathias Lessort (left leg surgery) remain out for the team guided by Ergin Ataman.
The winner of Game 5 will advance to the Final Four and face Fenerbahce Beko in the Semifinals on May 23 in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. Olympiacos awaits the winner of a win-or-go-home clash between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona in Salle Gaston Medecin.
The championship and third-place games to conclude the 2024-25 edition of Europe’s premier club continental competition are scheduled for May 25.