FC Bayern is faced with an all-or-not game against Fenerbahce in the Euroleague. The direct playoff feed is possible but only with shooting aid. Is the world champion coach there?
FC Bayern Basketball is facing the decisive game of the Euroleague main round: On Thursday, the Munich will receive Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the sold-out SAP Garden for the Euroleague Showdown.
The starting point is clear: only with a victory against Fenerbahce and a simultaneous defeat by Real Madrid (abroad against Partizan Belgrade) or Anadolu Efes Istanbul (at home against Zalgiris Kaunas) can make Bavaria direct its way into the playoffs. Otherwise there is a risk of detour via the play-in tournament, which would mean additional stress and an increased risk.
Euroleague: How to follow FC Bayern – Fenerbahce Istanbul today live on TV, livestream, ticker
The Munich residents go with a record of 19 wins and 14 defeats in the last matchday-a performance that would have been sufficient for direct playoff participation in earlier years. In the current, extremely tight table constellation, this is not enough.
In addition, the dense game schedule ensures challenges: just two days before the duel with Istanbul, FCBB competed in the Bundesliga at Ratiopharm Ulm on Tuesday – and lost 94: 109.
Herbert had to pause last
However, coach Gordon Herbert made it clear that the Euroleague has a top priority for him, in the league you are still in first place in the table despite the defeat. In Ulm, important top performers were spared to compete against Fenerbahce with full strength.
Another uncertainty factor: the health situation of the German world champion coach himself. Because of an infection, he had to pause last-his comeback for the decisive duel is still open.
With a home win, Bayern could not only avoid play-in, but also move back into the playoffs of the Euroleague for the first time in 2022.