As Maccabi Tel Aviv prepares to face Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the EuroLeague, the Turkish squad is grappling with the absence of Elijah Bryant, who is serving a one-game ban. Coach Tomislav Mijatovic has emphasized the need for unwavering focus and assertiveness to counter Maccabi’s well-rounded attacking capabilities. Ercan Osmani has echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for maximum effort on all court sides. With Justus Hollatz and Wenyen Gabriel also out, star guard Shane Larkin’s return to form is crucial for Efes’s victory.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, driven by exceptional performances from Jasiel Rivero and Tamir Blatt, is set to exploit Efes’s weaknesses. John DiBartolomeo’s impressive streak of 68 uninterrupted free throws and Tamir Blatt’s reliable three-point shooting further enhance Maccabi’s attacking capabilities. Despite the absence of key players such as Rokas Jokubaitis, Maccabi’s depth and recent performance make them strong adversaries. Historically, Efes has maintained dominance, including a notable triumph in their most recent confrontation. However, Maccabi’s strengths should reassure their fans about their potential performance.
With both teams showcasing their capabilities and in their current conditions, the match is set to be a thrilling and closely contested affair. With Efes’s need for defensive strength and Maccabi’s offensive proficiency, a bet on both teams scoring under 169.5 points seems wise. Anticipate an intense and competitive match, with Maccabi likely to edge past Efes in the end.