Both teams opened with wins: the Greeks thrashed Paris (91:72), while the French side beat Maccabi Tel Aviv (84:74) for the first time in five years. ASVEL come into this match at full strength, but Panathinaikos have a lengthy injury list — a key factor that could narrow the gap in quality.
Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos won their opener against Paris comfortably, but it was already clear that they were not at full strength. The situation has only worsened: after that emphatic EuroLeague win, they lost 82:84 to PAOK in the Greek Basketball Super Cup semi-final. The main problem is the number of absentees. Panathinaikos will definitely be without Kendrick Nunn (meniscus surgery), Kostas Sloukas (knee), Nigel Hayes-Davis (broken arm) and Moustapha Fall (muscle injury). Juancho Hernangomez is also doubtful after suffering an adductor spasm against PAOK. That helps explain why French bench players Sylvain Francisco and Mathias Lessort were their best performers in the opener against Paris. Squad depth keeps Panathinaikos favourites at home, but the absence of four or five key rotation players will inevitably affect their performance.
ASVEL
Under Tony Parker's leadership, ASVEL beat Maccabi Tel Aviv (84:74) for the first time in a long while, with experienced new arrivals who have NBA experience making substantial contributions: Jae Crowder had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while Patty Mills added 15 points. ASVEL also began their French league campaign with a convincing 97:85 away win over Cholet Basket. The French side have few absentees: only Mathis Dossou-Yovo will miss out, and he had already been sidelined by a series of injuries. With Dossou-Yovo absent, ASVEL rely on Joel Bolomboy under the basket, while players such as Nate Sestina and Myles Cale provide squad depth. ASVEL have less individual quality than Panathinaikos, but cohesion and fitness currently favour the French side.
Panathinaikos vs ASVEL Prediction
The head-to-head record strongly favours Panathinaikos: 11 wins in 14 meetings and an ongoing run of nine consecutive victories. Their recent wins have been narrow, however: 91:85 at home and 79:78 in Lyon. Despite being underdogs, ASVEL have traditionally pushed Panathinaikos hard. Given Panathinaikos' injury problems and ASVEL's excellent start in the EuroLeague, the French side can keep the margin within reasonable bounds.
