Filip Petrusev avoids serious injury, Kostas Papanikolaou will miss Game 2 / News - Basketnews.com

Filip Petrusev has no ligament problem and might be available for Olympiacos in Game 2 vs. FC Barcelona. On the other hand, Kostas Papanikolaou will not travel to Spain.

Credit: Dainius Lukšta Credit Dainius Lukšta

FollowingFilip Petrusev's early exit from Olympiacos Piraeus' Game 1 againstFC Barcelonaon Wednesday night, many feared that the Serbian big man has suffered serious damage.

3-pointers this season

37%9,3Points made:9,3Accuracy:37,2%Place in standings:9Record max:15Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Isaiah CanaanTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Petrusev landed awkwardly on his feet after being blocked and fouled on a dunk attempt with 35 seconds to go toward the end of the fourth quarter. The player had to be escorted out and could not continue the game.

Before being injured, the big man had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal in 15 minutes and 38 seconds against Barcelona.

However, on the eve of Game 2, coach Giorgos Bartzokas conveyed some good news regarding the player's condition.

"The MRI was clean," the Greek tactician told the media ahead of Friday's contest."He won't be practicing today. He doesn't have a ligamentous problem, a contusion or anything else," he further clarified. The club later announced that the tests showed a medial lateral distension.

Based on what Bartzokas said, Petrusev might play in Game 2, but his status will be clear on Friday morning in the shootaround.

Olympiacos' head coach also mentioned that team captain Kostas Papanikolaou, down with the flu lately, will not be able to travel to Barcelona for Game 2.

"All year we have been trying to use as many players as possible, but injuries have not let us manage the situation as we would have liked. Now it's only Papanikolaou who can't play in those two matches," he said.

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