Panathinaikos returns off-to-back losses and desires to bob back before a sellout swarm at OAKA, drove by Nemanja Nedovic (10.3 ppg.), Ioannis Papapetrou (11.2 ppg.) and Georgios Papagiannis (9.3 ppg., 8.1 rpg.).

In the last game against Barcelona at OAKA, Panathinaikos was too competitive, but they lost 85-82 from the team that is at the top of the standings. In the Greek League, Panathinaikos beat Olympiakos in Peace and Friendship Stadium. Tonight there will be a sold-out at OAKA.

Panathinaikos announced two cases of COVID-19 in the ranks of team two 24 hours before the big derby. The first case concerns a member of the team's staff and in the repetitive tests another positive came out, this time concerning a player.

The concern is now expressed about the size of the effect to the other players and members at Panathinaikos, with tomorrow's derby hanging by a thread.

Olympiacos has won five of its last six games and searches for its third street triumph of the period. Tyler Dorsey (13.1 ppg.) is the Reds' top scorer, trailed by Sasha Vezenkov (12.6 ppg.) and Kostas Sloukas (10.3 ppg.). Expect an electric environment in this exceptionally expected standoff.

In the previous week, Olympiakos beat Bayern and Villeurbanne, both in big points difference. They were excellent in defense and they remain unbeatable at home with nine wins in nine games.

Halting Georgios Papagiannis ought to be one of the fundamental keys for Olympiacos, which depends on Moustapha Fall to do that because of his size and timing. Olympiacos drives the EuroLeague in a two-point shooting rate (57.9%) and is second in defensive rebounds (25.4 drpg.).

Assuming that the Reds can box out and run the floor, they ought to have a decent opportunity to win. Having more homegrown players with a great deal of involvement with this climate - Georgios Printezis, Sloukas, Kostas Papanikolaou, Sasha Vezenkov - could work in support of its, as well.

The two teams have faced each other in 15 Euroleague games. PAO has 7 wins, while Olympiakos has won 8 times.

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

• FullTime Result : 3.00(PAO) - 1.41(Olympiakos)
• Over/Under 152.5 points : 1.90 (Over) - 1.90 (Under)
• Race to 20 points: 2.25 (PAO) - 1.57(Olympiakos)

*bet365 odds are correct at time of publishing (22/12, 15:00 CET) and are subject to change | 18+, T&Cs Apply, BeGambleAware.org

Nedovic vs. Dorsey

Rounde 17 presents to us the Greek Derby, as Panathinaikos OPAP Athens takes on Olympiacos Piraeus. These groups previously confronted each other in the Greek League this season, scarcely a month prior, and Panathinaikos outmaneuvered Olympiacos 81-76 behind 24 points from Nemanja Nedovic. Each derby is unique, however, Olympiacos ought to be prepared to stop Nedovic this time around, as he falls off a strong exhibition (18 points, 16 PIR) against FC Barcelona in Round 16. Shooting guard Tyler Dorsey ought to be prepared to utilize his protective abilities against him and obviously, give Nedovic inconvenience at the opposite finish of the floor. Dorsey is Olympiacos' top scorer, averaging 13.1 points on 43.7% three-point shooting. Two driven players conflict with one another in the most ideal situation.