The second Tel Aviv derby of the season is, from Maccabi's point of view, a kind of almost last chance to maintain a chance at home throughout the playoffs.
That's how significant the game against Hapoel tonight (Sunday) at Yad Eliyahu is, because if the Reds win, it's hard to see them losing first place at least during the regular season.
Maccabi Tel Aviv won their last three games in the league, but on the other hand, they have three consecutive Euroleague losses and come with much more weight on their shoulders compared to their city rival.
Lorenzo Brown was named in the squad despite back pain preventing him from playing consistently recently, while James Webb and Antonios Cleveland did not dress for the yellow side.
As mentioned, Hapoel Tel Aviv is in much better momentum, with five consecutive league wins and after qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Eurocup last Wednesday.
In addition, she also won the home derby just three weeks ago in the first meeting with the champion this season.
Besides the injured John Holland, Dez Walls and Brian Angola also remained outside of Danny Franco's squad, but Jacob Brown, who recently returned to action, will be at the disposal of the Reds, who hope to win at the Hall for the first time since the playoff series in May 2022.
What color will the derby be this time?
Blatt and my son/Dani Maron
the progress of the game
Quarter 1
Oded Ketch finished in the top five with Lorenzo Brown, Wade Baldwin, Bonzie Coulson, Roman Sorkin and Josh Niebo.
Danny Franco with Jacob Brown, Will Cummings, Xavier Manford, Tomer Ginat and Kyle Alexander.
More on the same topic:
Maccabi Tel Aviv in basketball
Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball