Tel Aviv Maccabi – Fenerbahce Ulker (2.15 odds – 1.70 odds, betsafe)
For years, Tel Aviv Maccabi invested huge amounts of money in acquiring players focused on personal results, which coaches failed to mold into a team, resulting in Maccabi missing the playoffs for two consecutive years. This year, the team management chose a slightly different strategy and assembled players more oriented towards team results. Last season's leader S. Wilbekin remained in the team, as well as local players J. Cohen, J. Dibartolomeo, and D. Avdija, with very solid additions: the team was joined by probably the most famous Israeli basketball player, long-time NBA player O. Casspi, as well as O. Hunter and N. Wolters, who earned their names in Europe, with Wolters representing Kaunas Žalgiris last season. Although Maccabi lost the first 2 Euroleague season matches, both were away games against strong teams – Khimki and Real. They lost to Khimki away with a score of 83-89, and to Real only after an impressive game-winning shot by J. Carroll. In home games, Maccabi looked strong, defeating Crvena Zvezda 84-69 and overcoming Valencia 76-63.
On the other side of the barricade, Fenerbahce Ulker's team has been disappointing so far this season. In addition to an already strong team core, Ulker added N. De Colo and D. Williams, who were dominant in the Euroleague last season, as well as solid players L. Westermann and V. Stimac. The Turkish lineup indeed looks fierce, but results will likely take time, as the team needs time to gel and adapt to the system. In the Euroleague, Fenerbahce lost all 3 away games, with their only victory coming at home after a tough battle with Baskonia. They lost away to Real Madrid (77-81), Crvena Zvezda (56-68), and Milano Armani (74-87).
Team Leaders
Leading players for Tel Aviv:
Omri Casspi – 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. This forward, who returned to the Euroleague from the NBA, is putting up these stats. Casspi looks great, sees the court well, makes the right decisions, and of course, shoots well from distance. Having played more of a supporting role in the NBA, Casspi will undoubtedly have a leading role in the Maccabi team, likely sharing it with S. Wilbekin.
Scottie Wilbekin – 15.3 points and 3.3 assists per game on average. This second-year Maccabi player is one of the hardest to stop in the Euroleague. Wilbekin is excellent at creating and utilizing opportunities, making him very difficult to defend.
Othello Hunter – 9.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on average. This center, who joined the team in the offseason, has already become one of the more important players. Although he spends only about 20 minutes on the court on average, Hunter almost doubles the efficiency of his direct competitor for playing time, T. Black.
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Fenerbahce Ulker leaders:
Nando De Colo – 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on average. The Frenchman is showing the best numbers of his career. Of course, only 4 games have been played, but if not for De Colo's impressive performance against Baskonia, it is very likely that we would see Ulker without any wins at this point.
Jan Vesely – 9.7 points and 5 rebounds per game on average. The Czech player missed the first season matches due to injury but joined the team in the second Euroleague round. Although the current stats are not very impressive, everyone knows how important this player is to the team, and it's only a matter of time before Vesely, fully recovered from his injury, leads the team to victories again.
Derrick Williams – 8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game on average. This American player, who joined the team in the offseason, has enormous potential, which he already proved last year when he was the undisputed leader of Bayern. Of course, it may take time to fully adapt and integrate into Obradovic's system, but this player is already one of the most important in the Ulker team.
Head-to-Head History
In the last 5 meetings, the Turkish team celebrated victories, but all the matches were close, with the winner being decided in the 4th quarter. Since Maccabi looks much more solid than Ulker at this stage of the season, there is a high probability that the series will come to an end.
Prediction
Although looking at the team rosters, Fenerbahce undoubtedly appears stronger, as seen in previous matches, they need time to achieve better results, and this process will take time. Although Maccabi also added a few newcomers, the team's play looks more solid, and home advantage in the Euroleague has a significant impact.
In both home games, Maccabi looked energized, shot well, and allowed no more than 69 points. Meanwhile, Ulker lost all 3 away games, averaging only 69 points. It would be hard to expect the team to drastically change their game in a few days and dominate away against one of the strongest home teams showing good form. Maccabi should defend their home court and celebrate a victory after a tough battle.
