By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Milutinov and Tyrique Jones are both set to return to the Olympiacos lineup for the 2026 Allwyn Final 8 Final against Panathinaikos Aktor on Saturday evening.
The 31-year-old Serbian center, Milutinov, suffered a fractured right thumb during the Semifinal victory over Maroussi Chery. However, he has since been medically cleared to face the Greens in the championship clash. Similarly, the 28-year-old American center, Jones, who was sidelined during the Semifinal due to persistent tendonitis in his right knee, has been confirmed as available for head coach Giorgos Bartzokas as the tournament concludes in Heraklion.
The Reds continue to navigate significant roster constraints. With Tyler Dorsey returning to the rotation, Monte Morris, Frank Ntilikina, and Shaquielle McKissic have all been excluded from the squad due to roster restrictions on foreign players. This reshuffling leaves Thomas Walkup as the primary floor general for Olympiacos. The team’s depth remains tested, as Cory Joseph (leg), Moustapha Fall (knee), and Keenan Evans (Achilles) remain out of action.
Across the court, Panathinaikos is grappling with its own selection dilemmas. T.J. Shorts II and Kenneth Faried have been omitted due to foreign player restrictions, joining Marius Grigonis on the sidelines. These absences pave the way for Cedi Osman to rejoin head coach Ergin Ataman’s active rotation and provide much-needed versatility. Furthermore, the Greens continue without Mathias Lessort (ankle).
The stage is now set for a high-stakes Eternal Derby in Crete, with Panathinaikos chasing its 22nd Cup title and Olympiacos aiming for its 13th.