Bayern in the BBL playoffs without Lucic and Hunter

The Bayern basketball players are facing challenges in their quest for the German championship: the Cup winners will have to start the BBL playoffs on May 16 without captain Vladimir Lucic and center Othello Hunter. Both are injured and out for the knockout round, prematurely ending their season.

Vladimir Lucic, 33, injured his left hand in a fall during a home game against Bamberg three weeks ago. The Serbian national team captain initially seemed to be able to return to the lineup, but the injury proved to be too persistent and, after consultation with specialists, a procedure is now necessary.

A procedure is necessary for Othello Hunter, 36, who last played for Bayern at the beginning of March. His severe herniated disc is not expected to heal. Power forward Augustine Rubit (Achilles tendon) has also been unavailable since the Cup weekend in mid-February.

Bayern will finish the regular season on Sunday in Oldenburg (3 pm) and, as the confirmed third-placed team, are still waiting for their playoff opponent. The quarterfinals will begin for them with two home games at the Audi Dome (May 16th and 18th, 8:30 pm and 6 pm respectively).