EuroBasket 2025 is moving quickly, and Greece has already hit a twist. Starting strong with a win against Italy, fans were waiting to see Giannis Antetokounmpo play again in Limassol versus Cyprus on August 30. But the attitude shifted right before the match. The main news was that Greece would play without their top player; everyone wanted to understand the rationale. The match itself was not the story.
Giannis Antetokounmpo absence explained as Greece faces Cyprus in EuroBasket 2025 clash
The Greek Basketball Federation announced on Saturday morning, August 30, that Giannis Antetokounmpo would not be playing against Cyprus. The game starts at 5:15 p.m. CET (11:15 a.m. ET). Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis explained the 30-year-old forward is sitting out for planned rest.This is not an injury concern; Giannis is healthy. He scored 31 points in Greece’s 75–66 victory over Italy on August 28. But with five group-stage games packed into eight days, Spanoulis and the federation chose to give him a break. The plan is to keep him fresh for the clash against Georgia tomorrow, August 31.For followers, it might seem like a letdown following his fiery opening. Giannis dominated Italy with 11-of-17 shooting, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, and even a highlights dunk. Still, the strategy is clear: watch him now so he can be prepared for the more difficult challenges ahead.So who will step up today? Spanoulis is expected to turn to veteran guard Kostas Sloukas to run the offense. Tyler Dorsey may take more scoring responsibility. Forward Kostas Papanikolaou adds defense and outside shooting. Young forward Alexandros Samodurov, a FIBA U20 All-Star Five selection, could also see extended minutes.
How Greece will adjust without Giannis Antetokounmpo in Limassol
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket journey has already seen challenges. Earlier in August, he missed warm-up games due to unpaid insurance and delayed clearance from the Milwaukee Bucks. With 31 points in 29 minutes two days later, on August 28, he led Greece to success against Italy. His dominance reminded supporters of his Past FIBA success. At EuroBasket 2022, he averaged 29.3 points. He averaged 25.8 points at the 2024 Olympics. As one opponent told FIBA, “He tries to destroy everybody.”Now Greece faces Cyprus without their star. The co-hosts are considered one of the weaker Group C teams. This makes it the right game to rest Giannis while letting others take the spotlight.Also Read: Vanessa Bryant poses with Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka in a stunning new Instagram postFor coach Vassilis Spanoulis, the choice is simple: balance Giannis Antetokounmpo’s minutes and save his energy for the most dangerous opponents. For fans, today’s absence is disappointing. But for Greece, it is a smart move to keep their superstar ready when the stakes are highest.