By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The race for a direct EuroLeague playoff spot reaches a key fixture this Friday at the Telekom Center Athens, as Panathinaikos Aktor hosts AS Monaco in Round 34 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season with massive postseason implications. Both teams enter the contest deadlocked at 19-14, currently mired in a five-way tie between 6th and 10th place. With only five fixtures remaining in the 38-game schedule, both sides are looking to finish in the top-six zone which guarantees a quarterfinal berth, while slipping into the 7th through 10th spots forces a treacherous path through the Play-In Showdown.
The primary storyline heading into the tip-off centers on the health of Panathinaikos’ defensive anchor, Jerian Grant. The veteran combo guard sustained a hand injury during the fourth quarter of the recent matchup against Dubai at the top of the double-week in Sarajevo. Upon the team’s return to Athens, Grant underwent an MRI to determine the severity of the damage. While he is a vital piece of Ergin Ataman’s rotation, averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 assists, his status remains questionable. His availability will likely be a game-time decision following a final evaluation during Thursday’s team morning practice. Beyond Grant, young forward Alexandros Samodurov is also questionable due to a lingering toe injury.
The Roca Team is dealing with massive absences of their own. Superstar Mike James is officially out with a hamstring strain. However, they may receive a boost as Nikola Mirotic has returned to training following a foot injury and is considered questionable to play against the Greens.