By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Defending EuroLeague champions Olympiacos are gearing up for a clash against Anadolu Efes in Round 4 of the 2026–27 Regular Season. The Reds currently hold a 2–1 record, sitting in a four-way tie for fifth place.
This fixture marks a milestone for the Greek powerhouse. It serves as their first home game of the campaign. Due to ongoing renovations at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the matchup will take place at the Sunel Arena. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas noted that the team is preparing at their usual facilities and will only hold a standard shootaround at the game venue on Friday. Furthermore, he emphasized that the squad needs fan support this year more than ever.
The biggest boost for the lineup comes from the frontcourt. Donta Hall is back. He had briefly left the squad due to an urgent personal matter. However, the 29-year-old forward-center returned in time for Thursday’s practice session. He has been cleared to play on Friday.
Addressing a physical incident from their Round 3 trip to face Virtus Bologna, 61-year-old Bartzokas downplayed the situation. He clarified that while contact occurred during the celebrations of the hosts, he had to push individuals away, but did not believe it was intentional.
The focus now shifts entirely to the next opponents, with Efes coming in at 1–2 following a win over Real Madrid in Istanbul’s Turkcell Basketball Development Center, and losing efforts on the road opposite FC Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet.
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