Will and when will Hartl and Tompkins return?

Lasso and Real's psychological warfare has begun

After the Real coach's surprising statement regarding the suspended players ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Spain they know: this is a deliberate concealment.

Ex Blancos predicts: The Yellows will give a fight, but will be rejected

Walla!

sport

18/04/2022

Monday, 18 April 2022, 09:45

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Summary: Real Madrid - Braugen 65:90 (Sport 1)

Will Thomas Hartl and Trey Tompkins really be returned to the Real Madrid squad for the games against Maccabi Tel Aviv?

Blancos coach Pablo Lasso surprised yesterday (Sunday) after Real's 65-90 victory over Braugen in the Spanish league, declaring that the two suspended players "never left the team's plans".

The French midfielder and American domestic player has undergone a number of disciplinary offenses this season - the most recent of which included a banned night out in Athens before a game against Panathinaikos - and has not been included in the squad in recent weeks.

Despite this, Lasso claims he may still use them in the quarter-final series.

It is estimated that the two who have not been training with the rest of the team in recent times, will in any case not be included in the squad for the first game in the series, which will be held on Wednesday in Madrid.

Which of them will return - if at all - is expected to do so in the second game of the series which will take place two days later.

More on Walla!

Real interrupted the negative streak, Maccabi Tel Aviv filled two flights to Madrid

To the full article

Will come out of the freeze?

Not so fast.

Hartl vs. Roman Sorkin (Photo: GettyImages, Sonia Canada)

The Spanish media claim that "Lasso does not reveal all his cards" on purpose, to try to deceive the Yellows towards the series and possibly disrupt their preparations.

"For the most part, Lasso conveys clear and concise messages. In this case, he is reluctant to give real answers about Hartl and Thompkins."

From yesterday's win over Braugen, which was the Blancos' first win in April, the injured Adam Hanga and Jeff Taylor were also absent.

The two are due to undergo intensive treatments by Wednesday, and in Spain estimated to be fit for Game 1.

"If my players had no motivation for the Euroleague playoffs, it would have worried me a lot, but I do not think that is the case," Lasso said yesterday.

"The most important thing is that they care. We have a great opportunity to get to the Final Four, and I want them to understand that. I think everyone is broadcasting on the same wave on this issue."

Lasso added: "We will need all the crowd and all the energy to survive this series and advance to the Final Four. When you play in the Euroleague playoffs, you meet the best teams in Europe - in this case Maccabi Tel Aviv, but also other teams we played against in the past. For me, there is no "A difference between this playoff series and other playoff series I have participated in. Every playoff is important. We want to win the European Cup, my motivation is no different this time."

Trying to mislead Avi Even?

Lasso (Photo: Danny Maron)

Meanwhile, ex-Real, former player Jonas Machiolis, is analyzing the balance of power ahead of the series.

"In the last game between the teams, Maccabi won, but in Madrid it is always very difficult to win," said the forward, who was asked to bet on the result in the series.

"Pablo Lasso has confidence and faith in our players and it will be an interesting series. Both teams play open and offensive basketball, and it's more fun to watch it. There will be close games, but I bet 2: 3 to Real Madrid."

Coordinator Jason Granger is also betting on Real Madrid.

"Real is still one of the best teams in Europe. Maccabi has a good season and it is difficult to play there, but I believe Real will win 1: 3 in the series."

In contrast, Center Zalgiris Kaunas Joffre Lubren predicts a Final Four for the Yellows.

"Real is a little less good this year. It is not at its peak and I would like to see Maccabi Tel Aviv return to the Final Four, so I bet 2: 3 to Maccabi."

• sport

• basketball

• Euroleague and European basketball

Tags

• Real Madrid in basketball

• Maccabi Tel Aviv in basketball