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.
Samodurov questionable, Rogkavopoulos out
Beyond Grant, young forward Alexandros Samodurov is also questionable due to a lingering toe injury.
Panathinaikos will also be without Nikos Rogkavopoulos, who suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in his left leg and was unable to complete Wednesday’s practice.
The Greek forward has already been ruled out of the Monaco clash and is expected to miss at least the next two games, further limiting Ataman’s rotation in a critical stretch of the season.
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.