For Olimpia, this is the 12th Italian league game to be played after a short one-day mini-break. Although the record in this type of games is 7-4, the difficulties are clearly especially after two EuroLeague rounds in a span of three days. On the other hand, morale is high after the two wins achieved against the two healthiest teams of the competition, AS Monaco and Fenerbahce. However, the opponent here is strong: Napoli is trying to cement its place in the playoffs, even if the latest defeat against Pistoia made them slip to 7th position; they won the Italian Cup by beating Olimpia in the final game and generally in the two previous battles between these two teams theyprevailed. Ironically, the game in Naples was played right after the one played against Fenerbahce but in Istanbul. Olimpia obviously wasn’t able to prepare much for the game. Pippo Ricci and Billy Baron remain unavailable; Maodo Lo did not play against Fenerbahce and will be re-evaluated a game time. In the Italian league, Olimpia had won seven consecutive gamesbut then lost in Bologna and Venice, so now the team needs to get back into rhythm for the homestretch. “We faced them twice and we are really motivated to play the best possible game – Assistant Coach Mario Fioretti said – Although, we are coming off a very demanding week and with no rest in the middle. They have the best transition game in the Italian league. We’ll need to limit their guards while staying solid against the versatility and mobility of their bigs, Zubcic and Owens.” Tyler Ennis, Jacob Pullen, Michal Sokolowski and Markel Brown are forming a huge and experienced backcourt. Tariq Owens and the stretch 4 Zubcic always pose problem. Owens can play above the rim and is a top-notch rebounder. Zubcic can shoot the lights out any single night. “And offensively – Fioretti added – we have to be better at moving the ball to beat their aggressivenes and their defensive choices.”

Tip off time in Forum will be 7:00.