For the fifth time Olimpia will play on a short rest. The record under these circumstances is 2-2, but the two wins came at home, while the last game of an historical 2023 will be played on the road. In top of it, the injury situation is unchanged and the only good news is the availability of Shabazz Napier, who looked perfectly integrated last week against Cremona. Another good news: Olimpia is riding a three-game winning streak in the Italian league and has won six of its last seven games overall, overcoming any kind of adversities. Last Thursday game against Baskonia with a depleted roster was impressive for courage, heart, sharpness in executing the game plan. To repeat this kind of game will be much more complicated.

And finally the opponent is Germani Brescia, the league-leading team since Day one, featuring a deep and healthy roster, enjoying a lot of familiarity and continuity. The head coach Alessandro Magro is at the helm for the fourth season, several players are part of the core, like Amedeo Della Valle, John Petrucelli, Kenny Gabriel, Michael Cobbins. “They are playing at a really high level since the beginning of the season especially at home, at both ends of the floor,” assistant coach Mario Fioretti pointed out. The key is the energy. “Playing on a short rest is challeneging. We are asking to the guys to fin energy borth physically and mentally to be up for the game,” Fioretti added. Especially among the guards Olimpia looks very short-handed. Heavy minutes will be required and help will come from the bigs. Nicolò Melli, against Baskonia, had his best offensive outing of the season playing mostly at the 3 and guarding small opponents. He will be required to repeat in Brescia. Olimpia is trying to improve its position in the standings. But this game is tough for sure. Tip-off time is 17:00 in Brescia.