Mirotic returns to the Palau against an affordable Asvel

Mirotic returns to the Palau against an affordable Asvel

Barça, forced to comply against a rival below in the Euroleague

MADRID, 8 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Barça hosts ASVEL Villeurbanne this Friday (8:30 p.m.) on matchday 12 of the Euroleague, a clash at the Palau Blaugrana that marks Nikola Mirotic's home debut this season and that the culé team must not forgive, well above the table table.

Mirotic, who finished last season with tendon discomfort and his long-term absence was confirmed in the summer, reappeared last week in Berlin. In addition, the Spanish-Montenegrin also had his return in the Endesa League on Saturday, although with the bitter taste of the defeat in Fontes do Sar.

Barça brings pending accounts from Santiago, forced to react to a rival that is also inferior to ASVEL. Sarunas Jasikevicius' men offered to Monbus Obradorio the doubts that the Lithuanian coach is not able to solve, the disconnection in certain games both in defense and attack, with a final reaction that was not enough.

With 8-3 in the European standings, one win behind leader Fenerbahce, the Barça team clings to the Palau without being carried away by the excitement that Mirotic's return will bring in the stands. The Barça leader still needs time to get in tune and regain confidence, as was seen in the league defeat when he missed the last decisive possession.

In addition, 'Saras' will not be able to count on Álex Abrines or a pillar of recent victories like Cory Higgins, both due to low back pain. Meanwhile, the culé coach recovers Sertaç Sanli, after some discomfort in the knee. Against ASVEL, Barça begins a marathon of five games in 10 days.

The French team arrives touched in their game in Barcelona, ​​with a bad run that includes five consecutive defeats in the Euroleague. TJ Parker's men, with a victory in their last nine games including those in the League, are led by Nando de Colo, whose average is 11.3 points per game. Jonah Matthews, center Fall, Lighty and Obasohan are other players to watch.

BARÇA: Laprovittola, Satoransky, Mirotic, Vesely y Tobey --possible quinteto initial--; Da Silva, Kalinic, Kuric, Jokubaitis, Nnaji.

ASVEL VILLEURBANNE: Obasohan, De Colo, Lighty, Noua and Fall -- possible starting quintet -- Diot, Lauvergne, Lacombe, Matthews, Risacher, Polite and Pons.

--ÁRBITROS: Pukl, Kardum y Rossi.

--PAVILION: Palau Blaugrana.

--TIME: 20.30/DAZN.