Luke Sikma, Tamir Blatt test positive for COVID before trip to Istanbul / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BasketNews.lt/D. Lukšta Credit BasketNews.lt/D. Lukšta

ALBA Berlin suffered a 64-81 blowout at the hands of Chemnitz in the German League on Sunday afternoon. That was the German team's seventh game in just 18 days, but now there isn't much time for recovery.

3-pointers this season

36%8,9Points made:8,9Accuracy:36,4%Place in standings:7Record max:15Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Maodo LoTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The German champs flew out to Instanbul on Monday morning, in order to face Fenerbahce on Tuesday and then Anadolu Efes on Friday.

Four players are not at coach Israel Gonzalez's disposal. In addition to long-term injured Marcus Eriksson and Louis Olinde, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, ALBA have registered two COVID cases in captain Luke Sikma and guard Tamir Blatt. The club had listed them as ill ahead of the game in Chemnitz, without providing further details on their condition.

There is also a question mark over Tim Schneider's back injury. Nevertheless, the team's sports director Himar Ojeda ruled out a short-term signing.

"We have to work with the players we have. And hope that some players will come back soon," the Spaniard said, per the German outlet.

ALBA Berlin currently occupy 11th place in the EuroLeague standings (10-14) and need at least three wins in their four remaining contests to keep their playoff chances alive.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.