By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
All eyes are on the health of star shooting guard Kendrick Nunn as Panathinaikos Aktor prepares for Round 38 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season to complete the 38-game schedule opposite Anadolu Efes at the Telekom Center Athens.
The 30-year-old reigning season MVP and 2024 champion with the Greek powerhouse was unable to participate in Thursday’s final team practice after suffering a muscle spasm in his back. According to head coach Ergin Ataman, Nunn felt discomfort while working out in the gym before the session, leading the medical staff to pivot him toward an individual program. Despite the scare, the Panathinaikos play-caller expressed optimism that the injury is not serious, suggesting the American veteran will be available to take his place in the starting lineup on Friday.
Nunn’s presence is vital for the Greens as they look to secure the best possible postseason seeding. Averaging 19.0 points and 3.7 assists through 30 games this season, the former NBA standout remains the engine of the offense. His availability is bolstered by the potential return of Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Vassilis Toliopoulos, both of whom have resumed full team training this week. However, youngster Alexandros Samodurov remains in doubt after being limited to individual work.
With a 21-16 record, the stakes are remarkably high. A victory over an already-eliminated Efes could see Panathinaikos climb as high as sixth place, granting them a direct ticket to the Playoffs and bypassing the Play-In Showdown. However, such a leap requires favorable results from Zalgiris and AS Monaco. Conversely, a loss could see the team slip to ninth, forcing them into a much more precarious path through the play-in tournament.