Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Hapoel Tel Aviv in Derby Amidst Injury Concerns

Maccabi Tel Aviv has returned from a preparation tournament in Cyprus, where they defeated Aris Thessaloniki 92-87 and lost to Olympiacos 77-72. These games concluded their preseason, which also included matches against Bnei Herzliya and Maccabi Rishon LeZion. The team is satisfied with their training camp and the tournament, emphasizing that the primary goals were assessing player response, building chemistry, integrating new players, and improving game fitness and intensity, rather than focusing on results.

The team is looking forward to their first official game of the season, the Super Cup derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv, scheduled for Thursday. This match marks the first opportunity to compete for a title this season and carries the added significance of a city derby.

Injury updates reveal that Yovel Zoosman, who sustained a knee injury during the Olympiacos game, is not considered seriously hurt and is expected to play in the derby. Oz Blustein also experienced a knee issue and is being rested to avoid discomfort. J'Covan Brown suffered a partial hamstring tear two weeks ago during practice, has been training moderately, and is considered highly doubtful for the derby.

TJ Leaf is set to make his first appearance since February 2025, following shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation. He has been cleared to play with a minutes restriction and has impressed the coaching and medical staff with his recovery and current performance. Daniel Theis has been experiencing ankle discomfort since an incident with the German national team and is resting, though he is eager to play in the derby, which would be his official debut for the team. Gur Lavi remains sidelined with a knee injury and is continuing his rehabilitation, with a cautious and gradual return to play planned after the season's start.