Panathinaikos lost at Belgrade by Crvena Zvezda 78-73. Pitino's team played well in the 1st and the 3rd quarter. On the 30th minute, the Greek champions led the game 57-46, but everything changed in the last period of the game.

They lost 32-16 in the last minutes to lose the game. In this period, we saw on the court Panathinaikos to play awful in defence for once more in the current Euroleague; and that's a big disadvantage.

After this defeat, it looks impossible to battle for a place in the top-4. That probably means that Panathinaikos will be in the playoff without having home advantage, something that makes it more difficult for Pitino's side to be in the Final-4.

Ioannis Papapetrou is injured and will not be available. The Greek forward is in excellent performance status, and his absence is essential for Panathinaikos. Nikos Pappas is back.

Zenit fought decently with Fener at home but eventually lost 68-73. Platha's team was pretty competitive and tight in the defense, but that wasn't enough to get the win. Hollins and Ayon scored 16 each, but Albizi was down by 1/9.

The French combo-guard who signed Fener's defeat to Turkey was negative, and that was decisive for the final winner. Zenit is in the last place of the standings alongside with Bayern Munich.

Zenit is a club not used to play so often at the highest level, and they look tired most of the time both in Euroleague and VTB League. Plaza has no Polish forward Ponitka, who is injured. He is probably the best Zenit player.

For sure, Plaza and his players will not quit until the end. They know that they are not able to qualify for the playoff, but they will try to win as more games as possible.

The overall record in Euroleague since 2000, is Panathinaikos - Zenit 1-0.

In the first round, Panathinaikos beat Zenit 89-79.

Let's take a look at main and special odds markets offered at bet365 website :

• FullTime Result: 1.10(Panathinaikos) - 7.50(Zenit)
• Over/Under 167.5 points: 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 1.37 (Panathinaikos) - 2.95 (Zenit)

*bet365 odds as offered at  07/02, 15:00CET (subject to change without prior notice) | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Thomas Vs Thomas.

Veteran big man Will Thomas has been one of Zenit's most consistent performers this season, posting 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

Panathinaikos' forward DeShaun Thomas  is playing his best basketball in his sixth season in the competition, averaging 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds.