Hapoel Tel Aviv Could Win EuroLeague, Maccabi Tel Aviv an Underdog, Analysts Say

Basketball news outlet BasketNews has analyzed the optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for all 20 teams participating in the upcoming EuroLeague season, with a particular focus on Israeli teams Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Analyst Dontas Urbonas stated he "would not be surprised" if Hapoel Tel Aviv reaches the Final Four and wins the EuroLeague title, suggesting the worst-case scenario for the team is a play-in tournament appearance.

Regarding Maccabi Tel Aviv, Urbonas labeled them as the "underdog of the season." He outlined an optimistic scenario where the team avoids injuries, plays well at home, and sees significant contributions from players like Jalen Adams, Bonzie Colson, and Jalen Hurd, potentially reaching the playoffs. This scenario hinges on players performing at their peak and avoiding setbacks.

Conversely, Urbonas presented a pessimistic outlook for Maccabi Tel Aviv, predicting they could finish between 15th and 17th place. This scenario involves injuries to key players like Daniel Theis, a lack of improvement from Armando Bacot, consistent road games, and a ceiling for Jalen Adams' performance, leading to offensive struggles.

These analyses come shortly after Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv to win the Super Cup. Both Israeli teams are now preparing for the start of the EuroLeague season next week.