Jerian Grant returns to Panathinaikos' practices ahead of Game 1 vs. Maccabi / News - Basketnews.com

Jerian Grant overcame the discomfort he had been experiencing in his right quadriceps following the Round 34 game against ALBA Berlin on April 11.

Credit: Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are preparing for Game 1 of the EuroLeague playoffs series against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, with the aim to taking the first and decisive step to the Final 4 in a packed OAKA arena.

Free throws this season

75%14,9Points made:14,9Accuracy:75,3%Place in standings:3Record max:25Record min:8Most made FTs:Mathias LessortTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

After four years, the Greens return to the post-season with high expectations, after finishing second in this year's regular season with a 23-11 record.

Coach Ergin Ataman is happy to count on a full roster, as Jerian Grant overcame the discomfort he had been experiencing in his right quadriceps following the Round 34 game against ALBA Berlin on April 11. Grant, 31, had to miss a total of three games, all for the Greek league.

The American point guard is averaging 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 21 Greek league games and 8.9 points, 2.3 boards and 3.5 dimes over 34 EuroLeague contests.

His presence will be indispensable if Panathinaikos intend to keep Maccabi, which Ataman called "the best offensive team in the EuroLeague so far," below 80 points.

"We have to be aggressive, find moments in transition, score more than Maccabi," the Turkish coach commented.

"It's not realistic to say you're going to stop Maccabi at 65-70 points. It's important to be aggressive on both ends and play our game."

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