Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Short-Handed ASVEL in EuroLeague Opener

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to travel to France on Wednesday for their EuroLeague season opener against ASVEL on Thursday. The team will hold its final practice at Menora Mivtachim Arena before departing, with a full roster expected. A decision on Jimmy Clack's participation is anticipated today.

Meanwhile, ASVEL, Maccabi's opponent, will be without center Mathis Dossou-Yovo, who was expected to be the backup center. Reports indicate he will be sidelined for several more weeks due to ongoing injury issues. The 26-year-old French player joined ASVEL from Nanterre this summer after averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds per game, but has been plagued by injuries. He was brought in to replace Daniel Theis, who moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Theis himself has not yet played for Maccabi due to various injuries.

ASVEL is also dealing with the absence of several other players who missed their season-opening tournament loss to Roanne last weekend. These include South Sudanese player Botir Bot, Nate Sestina, formerly of Hapoel Holon, and Myke Cale, who played for Barcelona last season. There is no official update on their status for the upcoming game against Maccabi, scheduled for 21:45. In Dossou-Yovo's absence, ASVEL will rely on Ukrainian center Joel Ayayi under the basket, supported by the young, 2.10-meter tall player Bodian Massah.