Olympiacos traveled to Belgrade with 13 players for the EuroLeague Round 14 game against Crvena Zvezda, since Moustapha Fall has not fully overcome his injury and it remains unknown if he will play.
The French center, who suffered a sprain during the Reds' Greek League game at Larissa, followed part of Tuesday's training session while receiving treatment on his ankle. Olympiacos coach Giorgos Bartzokas will have to make the decision on whether to include him in the 12-man squad at the last minute.
Olympiakos Piraeus / Schedule
UNIKS Kazan
Olympiakos Piraeus
Crvena Zvezda Belgrade"It is important to see what condition Fall will be in. He traveled with us, but it is not certain that he will play. Depending on whether he plays or not, we might use some other elements in our tactics," Bartzokas stressed prior to the team's departure to Belgrade.
The Greek tactician referred to Crvena Zvezda as "a team that plays with contacts, with physicality.
A team that defends well and also added Stefan Markovic, who I have worked with and hold in high regard. He is a player who can serve many defensive ways of playing. I think that judging by their results, they are very competitive and will fight for a playoff spot," Bartzokas stressed.
Touching on what the Reds should do to return with another road win in their luggage, he said: "We will have to attack and protect the ball; show patience in our game both defensively and offensively. The pace is very important, but it has to do with how many possessions you give to the opponent. We'll have to pick plays that are appropriate and target opponent players who are good creators and scorers."
With Moustapha Fall doubtful, Livio Jean-Charles might have to carry some additional weight on his shoulders.
"We try not to get too excited when we win and not get too low when we lose. If we can maintain that balance throughout the season, it will be great," the French forward stressed.
"Red Star may not be as athletic a team as UNICS, but they play with insane intensity and have one of the best defenses in the EuroLeague. There are a lot of elements to look out for and we will have to be very focused on both ends."
