By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos faces a challenging set of complications as they prepare for a pivotal EuroLeague double-week on the road. The Reds are set to resume their 2025-26 Regular Season campaign against Paris at the Adidas Arena on Tuesday, followed by an encounter with AS Monaco at Salle Gaston Medecin on Thursday.
The defending champions in Greece’s Stoiximan GBL received a partial boost with the news that Sasha Vezenkov and Monte Morris have been cleared to travel after recovering from back issues. However, their availability for both legs of the trip remains uncertain, as the coaching staff monitors their workload.
In contrast, the backcourt remains heavily depleted. Floor general Thomas Walkup, who was initially considered doubtful to travel, has officially been ruled out with a back injury. Furthermore, Giannoulis Larentzakis will miss the trip entirely due to posterior tibial tendonitis in his left foot.
The loss of Walkup is particularly significant. The 33-year-old veteran has been a mainstay in the lineup, starting all 25 of his appearances this season while averaging 5.4 points and a team-high 5.8 assists per game. Larentzakis has had a more limited role this year, contributing off the bench in six appearances. These latest setbacks further strain a roster already navigating the long-term absences of Keenan Evans and Moustapha Fall, both of whom are recovering from major surgeries.
Currently sitting in third place with a 19-10 record, Olympiacos finds itself in a tight race for home-court advantage in a best-of-five playoff series for a ticket to the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four in Athens presented by Etihad.