Until a few weeks ago it seemed that the quarterfinals of the playoffs in the Premier League would lead to the expected semi-finals, meetings between the first four places.
The level differences seemed clear, as did the level that differentiated between 4-1 places and 8-5 places.
But since then different things have happened, and the series that will start tonight seem more open.
True, the first four can still qualify for the Final Four, but that will only happen after not-so-simple struggles, and the possibility of surprises should not be ruled out.
In my estimation, at most one series will end in a sweep.
Maccabi Tel Aviv (2) - Hapoel Tel Aviv (7)
This is the more interesting series, and it is not clear what the bigger problem of Maccabi Tel Aviv is against it - the fact that it received Hapoel Tel Aviv or the fact that it finished second and will not enjoy a home advantage in the final The playoffs.
The loss to Hapoel Haifa was a serious mishap, which was joined by the absence of Ante Žižić.
Still, Maccabi is better and comes to avenge the 3-0 balance in the derbies this season.
True, the Reds feel they have cracked the formula for a victory over the Yellows, including at Yad Eliyahu, but it should be remembered that this only happened against Maccabi's Yannis Sapropoulos.
This is a series that could disrupt Maccabi's continuation, even if it wins it - and it knows it has gotten tangled up.
What can go wrong with the verb?
The knee of Jacoben Brown.
On it she will rise or fall.
The most interesting series, Photo: Alan Schieber
Hapoel Holon (4) - Upper Galilee (5)
On paper this was supposed to be a series with clear level gaps, which tend in favor of the Purples.
However, in recent times things have changed and they may close the gaps in favor of the new immigrant.
Recently, Holon seems to be in bad shape: they have lost five of their last six games in all competitions, including an unconvincing appearance in the Champions League Final Four.
Alongside this, landing in the league after a record in Europe is difficult, and one of the keys to the series is the selection of the squad.
Guy Goodes will have to give up two foreigners, and in my estimation he will not go to this series with a trio of guards, so he will give up Adam Smith first.
While with Holon everything is stormy, because the pressure is clearly on her, Galil, who has already achieved her this season, arrives calm.
She has the DJ Kennedy, who upgraded her greatly, and is one of the reasons for her promotion.
He stabilizes it, balances, adds experience, and was actually the missing piece in the puzzle.
On the page, clear level differences, Photo: On the page, clear level differences
Bnei Herzliya (3) - Hapoel Haifa (6)
One game can change an entire season.
Hapoel Haifa arrived near Eliyahu on Monday for a game that should have been a preparation for the playoffs.
In practice she gave him her best game of the season, achieved a victory that gave her a lot of confidence, and she showed that she should be considered both offensively and off the bench.
Haifa won James Anis who got into things, and Amit Simhon who gave a career game.
It was a game that physically squeezed her, but put a new spirit in her.
Herzliya on the other hand just needs to continue on its line.
She met every goal she set for herself this season: winning a trophy, entering the top house and a home-court advantage in the playoffs.
With the two best foreigners in the league, Chinano Onuako and Chris Bab, she is expected to mark another V.
Vargas vs. Kravitz, Photo: Maor Elkelsi
Hapoel Jerusalem (1) - Gilboa / Galil (8)
This is the series in which the sweep seems the most possible, but it should be remembered that Jerusalem has not been comfortable in the hall in Gan Ner in recent years.
She also lost there this season.
Jerusalem's biggest problem is itself.
If Bnei Herzliya met every goal of the season, for Jerusalem it is the opposite: early relegation from Europe, relegation in the quarterfinals of the cup, and loss of first place in the league - which came only thanks to the sensation of Hapoel Haifa in Yad Eliyahu.
Opposite Jerusalem will be a young, talented, hungry and stress-free team, which to remind you is the runner-up.
Will Jerusalem defeat itself ?, Photo: Liron Moldovan
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