Double week in the EuroLeague and the next duel with a strong BBL opponent - FC Bayern Basketball has no time to linger in frustration after the recent setbacks. On Wednesday, the Munich team has the opportunity to catch up in the EuroLeague with the third success against the Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade (3:5).
The game starts at 8:30 PM in the sold-out BMW Park with 6,500 fans. Early arrival is recommended.
The next day, they head to Lithuania to face Zalgiris Kaunas (Friday, 7 PM), and on Sunday (3:30 PM), Ludwigsburg will be the guest at the BMW Park.
"We need more consistency"
Head coach Pablo Laso is glad to be able to initiate a turnaround in their own arena again, even though Partizan will once again have numerous fans supporting them. "We knew that we would have a difficult November ahead of us, with many away games and twice with Belgrade fans who bring a lot of atmosphere to the hall," says the Spaniard. "But for us, it is still a significant advantage to have our familiar environment."
After four losses, Laso hopes for "more consistency, even more good minutes." It was close four times recently, he emphasizes, "we just couldn't finish it. If we rebound better on both rims and lose the ball less, it would help us. Partizan has an aggressive team, but it is important for our process to gain confidence through victories."
Waiting for Bonga and Obst
The situation will only be clarified shortly before the game, after Isaac Bonga and Andreas Obst had to withdraw early due to injuries in Bonn. The coach could give reassurance for both world champions, 'the worst fears did not come true.' Bonga's groin problems are manageable, so that his participation is not ruled out. Regarding Obst (foot), it is 'a bit more difficult, but I hope that Izzy is okay and Andi will be okay this week too.' Captain Vladimir Lucic will gradually join team training next week.
On the other hand, Partizan comes with the momentum of an 85:84 victory over Fenerbahce Istanbul to the Westpark - the Turkish favorite was leading 63:49 in the third quarter, yet still lost. Coaching legend Zeljko Obradovic could rely on NBA addition Frank Kaminsky (15 points) as the top scorer; the US center, along with NBA-acquired guard Perry Dozier (7.1 PpG), is the most notable addition to last year's playoff participant.
Reunion with Jaramaz
The strong core remains around leader Kevin Punter (11.6 PpG), James Nunnally (12.7), and Zach LeDay (10.6), along with strong domestic performers like Vice World Champion Aleksa Avramovic (9.4) and Alen Smailagic (10.9). There is a reunion with Ognjen Jaramaz (4.7), who returned to his hometown club in the summer. As a team, the Serbs boast the best two-point percentage among all teams, with 60.4 percent.