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Djordjevic. One of the most important Euroleague gaems

Both teams are 2-3, which makes this a very important game in the race for quarterfinals. Babic and Zoric's absence is a big problem for Cedevita. Gordic is sick and therefore questionable. Diamantidis is back at Panathinaikos and they come to Zagreb to get the win and nothing else

The meeting against Pananthinaikos is definitely one of the crucial ones in Cedevita's race for Euroleague QFs. The team from Zagreb is now 2-3, just like Panathianikos. Who ever wins this game will get into that race. Cedevida are in worse form, they are on a two-game losing run and need one good game. The shaken-up Panathinaikos seem like a good chance.

- Each game is important but this one is against a direct rival who are not in the best place right now. They are dealing with quite a few problems and there are quite a few things happening there. We have to be tough and play good defense from the start. We have to have a lot of energy and not allow them to find confidence - Cedevita's coach said.

Cedevita lost to Fener away the last Euroleague round. They played a good game, put up a good fight for quite a long time. Cedevita then went to play Mega Leks in ABA League and allowed the opponents 100 points, whic is the highest number this season. 

Ceedvita did well in offense, especially Pullen, who hit 25 points. Bilan added 15 and Musa 14, while White scored 12. Babic is injured and didn't play, just like Zoric, who won't be there today either. 

Babić gets more time on the floor than any other player on the team. Pilepić and Muse should get his minutes today. Musa used them well against Mega Leks. Gordic is sick and hasn't been practicing lately, which is why Pullen is expected to get more time at point guard position today.

- He got sick after the Mega Leks game. He's been running a fever for two days now. he missed the practice sessions today and yesterday. We'll see what happens - Mrsic said.

Cedevita will have to play a much better defense today. Panathinaikos are better organized, they play a controlled game and Cedevita's overall performance will depend on their transition greatly.  

- We know at what level the Greek basketball is. We also know how they play. They have very tough teams with great defenses that play rather unproductive games. It will be interesting to see how we'll do in such a game - Mrsic said.

Pananthinaikos are also 2-3 after five rounds. Their goal is Final Four but the season has not been going as expected and Djordjevic is danger. Wins over Darussafaka and Rethymno brought about some peace but this game is very important.

- We're about to play one of the most important Euroleague games - Pananthianikos' coach said. 

 Pananthinaikos had no problems in the Greek championship game on Monday. They controlled the Rethymno game from the start, allowing Djodjervc to give more players a chance. Only Calathes played over 25 minutes (28), while Jankovic did well to hit 13 points and grab 19 rebounds. 

- Our approach was good, I've seen some good things in defense - Djordjevic said.

Haynes joined the team practice sessions but he still cannot play Euroleague for two more rounds. Diamantidis is back on the team, which is great news. He went to Zagreb, while the less important Charalampopoulos stayed in Athens.

- We will fight for he win as much as we can. We will have to do our best. There are some injury struggles but I hope everyone will do their best - Pananthinaikos' coach said and assistant coach Bjeov added:

- Cedevita have nothing to lose. They reached their goal by making it into Top 16 and that makes them even more dangerous. They play a very energetic game and we have to play smart. 

I wrote on Bilan several times this season and he hasn't let me down yet. Cedevita's center is a key player in the team, and he will have an important role today as well, and so does more playing time since Zoric is still injured. Bilan is the only center on the team, he is replaced by Zganec who is not a classic center and Bilan should be playing a lot today. The match-up against Raduljica suits him because he is faster and more agile than him and I think Bilan will use that in the offense. Statistically he is 21-15 in favor of over this season. He is good form, he scored 13 against Fener, but with three missed free throws in the last minutes, scored 15 against Sentjur in 15 minutes of playing time, and he scored 16 at home against Efes. We have him at 13.5 again today and I think we have to use that.