Greek basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo will not participate in the preparation game between Greece and Serbia, scheduled for Saturday at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Arena in Limassol, Cyprus. The match is part of the ECOMMBX Cup, serving as a buildup for the EuroBasket 2025 tournament. Antetokounmpo’s absence once again raises questions about how Greece will perform without their leading player in the crucial preparatory phase.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward already sat out Greece’s opening game against Belgium, which Greece won 74-60. Greek head coach Vassilis Spanoulis confirmed that Antetokounmpo is following a personal training routine and is expected to miss not only the match against Serbia but also the next game versus Israel in the ongoing Tri-Nations Cup.
Supporting Players Also Training Separately as Greece Prepares
Alongside Antetokounmpo, teammates Vassilis Toliopoulos and Vaggelis Zougris will also remain on the bench and continue individual training programs during this period. After finishing the Tri-Nations Cup schedule in Cyprus, Greece’s basketball team will face Montenegro in a final warm-up match on August 14. Antetokounmpo is anticipated to sit out that game as well, although he will continue to train with the national squad.
Coach Spanoulis remains confident about Antetokounmpo’s fitness and availability for the main EuroBasket tournament next year, stating that these absences will not impact his readiness for the competition. Despite missing these preparation matches, Antetokounmpo’s influence as Greece’s top player is expected to be vital once the tournament starts.
Greece’s Goals Amidst Antetokounmpo’s Absence
Greece aims to win its first EuroBasket title since 2005, having already claimed the championship twice in the past. Giannis Antetokounmpo, fresh from leading Greece to the Paris Olympics last summer, would appreciate adding a EuroBasket championship to his achievements. The team faces strong opponents in Group C, including Italy, Spain, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Cyprus, with their campaign opening against Italy on August 28.
Details on Watching the Serbia vs Greece Game
The Greece vs Serbia game will kick off at 8:30 p.m. local time in Cyprus, which corresponds to 1:30 p.m. ET and 10:30 a.m. PT. The game is expected to be highly competitive, as Serbia defeated Greece in their last encounter in July 2024 with a decisive 94-72 victory. Greece is eager to break this losing streak, having not beaten Serbia since February 2023.
Fans around the world can watch the game live through FIBA’s Courtside 1891 subscription service, while DAZN will provide coverage in select regions. Even without Antetokounmpo, both teams showcase notable talent, promising an engaging matchup for basketball enthusiasts.