By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid faces a puzzle heading into the Final Four. The team’s frontcourt is fading in the days leading up to the EuroLeague title fight in Athens.
First, according to a statement from Real Madrid, Alex Len has suffered a plantar fascia injury in his left foot. The Ukrainian center had to leave the court against Breogán without putting any weight on his foot. His recovery is being monitored, but it doesn’t seem likely that he will be fit (if he is fit at all) for the event, which takes place from May 22nd to 24th at the OAKA Arena.
According to MARCA, Edy Tavares appears to be virtually ruled out. The Cape Verdean center suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee in the first playoff game against Hapoel Tel Aviv, and his recovery time will prevent him from playing in the EuroLeague semifinals and final.
Usman Garuba’s strong performance in the final stretch of the season suggests that he will be a key player in Scariolo’s system. Furthermore, in the tie against the Israelis, the Italian coach even tried Trey Lyles as a ‘5’ in certain contexts.