By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Frank Ntilikina is set to bolster the Olympiacos backcourt for their Round 28 EuroLeague clash against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet on Thursday.
The 27-year-old French guard, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, returns after a persistent ankle injury sidelined him for several rounds. In 15 appearances so far in the 2025-26 Regular Season, Ntilikina has provided a reliable defensive presence under coach Giorgos Bartzokas, averaging 5.1 points and 1.7 assists per game. A veteran of 40 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition, with his experience stretching to spells with Partizan Mozzart Bet and SIG Strasbourg, the Ixelles native has also made his way to 336 NBA games from 2017 to 2024.
The Piraeus side remains heavily depleted despite Ntilikina’s return. Captain Kostas Papanikolaou (back) and guard Monte Morris (knee) are both ruled out, with the latter set to undergo an MRI on Friday. Long-term absences continue for Keenan Evans (Achilles) and Moustapha Fall (knee), while Giannoulis Larentzakis (ankle) and Cory Joseph (leg) remain unavailable.
The visiting Crvena Zvezda, led by coach Sasa Obradovic, faces its own injury crisis. The Belgrade squad is missing Isaiah Canaan (ACL), Tyson Carter (pulmonary embolism), and Jasiel Rivero (foot). However, they receive a boost with the recovery of Dejan Davidovac and Ognjen Dobric.
This matchup at the Peace and Friendship Stadium carries significant postseason implications. Second-placed Olympiacos, carrying a 17–9 record, aims to protect its high seed, while Crvena Zvezda at 16–11 is locked in a tight battle for a top-six spot to avoid the Play-In tournament.