By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Entering the critical final stretch of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, Panathinaikos Aktor faces a showdown against FC Barcelona at the Palau Blaugrana. Headlining the pregame news is the uncertain status of veteran guard Jerian Grant, who has traveled with the squad despite a lingering fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand. While the experienced backcourt presence has missed significant recent action, his presence on the flight to Spain signals a potential game-time decision. The 33-year-old combo guard has been a steadying force for the Greens throughout the campaign, having averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 assists, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game over 33 appearances in the EuroLeague this season. His defensive tenacity and playmaking ability would provide a massive lift if cleared to play.
In a significant boost for Ergin Ataman’s rotations, Cedi Osman is officially confirmed to be available for Tuesday’s clash. The 30-year-old forward has successfully recovered from a bout of illness that sidelined him during Round 24 of Greece’s Stoiximan GBL Regular Season this past Saturday. Osman has been a primary offensive engine for the team, producing 12.8 points per game this EuroLeague season and providing a versatile scoring threat on the wing.
However, the injury list for the Greek powerhouse remains substantial. Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Vassilis Toliopoulos both remain out of action, with 24-year-old Rogkavopoulos still nursing a persistent strain that has kept him sidelined through several matchups. Additionally, young forward Alexandros Samodurov remains unavailable as he continues to recover from a toe injury that has now cost him seven consecutive appearances.
Currently sitting at 20-15 and holding the seventh seed, the Greens find themselves at the top of a demanding road trip that concludes this Thursday at Valencia’s Roig Arena. With only three games remaining, including the regular-season finale against Anadolu Efes, the Greek club is fighting desperately to climb out of the Play-In zone and secure a guaranteed top-six finish.