Valencia hosts on Tuesday one of the most attractive matchups at the start of the 2025/26 EuroLeague playoffs, with Valencia Basket defending home court against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens. The orange squad, second-placed in the regular season, faces a historic rival that arrives strengthened after decisively advancing through the Play-In.
The Valencia team approaches the series with confidence after decisively defeating Panathinaikos in this same venue just three weeks ago, a recent precedent that strengthens their chances and demonstrates their ability to punish the Greek squad when they impose their pace.
That encounter also produced striking comments from Ergin Ataman, who claimed that Valencia would be capable of beating even the Los Angeles Lakers, while hoping not to face the Spanish side in the playoffs. Sincere compliment or psychological gamesmanship, the question remains. What is certain is that Pedro Martínez, recently named EuroLeague Coach of the Year, did not appear particularly impressed.
That coaching duel will be one of the series' great attractions. Two coaches with strong personalities and enormous experience who will seek to impose very different styles from the opening minute.
On court, one of the most anticipated battles will be in the backcourt between Jean Montero, member of the All-EuroLeague First Team, and TJ Shorts, one of the most explosive point guards in the tournament. Both represent speed, creativity, and the ability to break down defenses in transition.
Valencia's high pace will demand constant defensive effort from players like Jerian Grant and Cedi Osman, key pieces to balance the visiting squad.
In the paint, Panathinaikos will need the best version of Kenneth Faried and Mathias Lessort to stop the rebounding power and offensive activity of Matt Costello and Neal Sako.
A high-level perimeter duel is also expected. Brancou Badio arrives in great form after stringing together six consecutive games hitting multiple three-pointers, while across from him will be Kendrick Nunn, one of the tournament's most dangerous scorers and member of the All-EuroLeague Second Team.
Valencia Basket wants to make their strong regular season and home-court strength count, while Panathinaikos aims to strike from the opening game with the experience of a club accustomed to big stages. Everything points to an intense, fast-paced series full of offensive talent.