Israeli Basketball Teams Face Uncertain EuroLeague Season Amidst Home Game Uncertainty

The EuroLeague basketball season is set to begin in two days, with Israeli teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv facing unique challenges and projections. Both clubs are currently unable to host games in Israel due to security concerns, with Maccabi planning to play in Serbia and Hapoel in Bulgaria. Both teams are actively working to bring their home games back to Israel, a move expected to significantly boost their performance, as evidenced by Maccabi's undefeated home record last season.

A key factor for both teams' success this season will be improved three-point shooting. Both Maccabi and Hapoel struggled with three-point efficiency last year, ranking below the EuroLeague average. They have addressed this by signing forwards known for their shooting ability, such as Zach LeDay and Bonzie Colson for Maccabi, and Amir Coffey and Kiton Wallace for Hapoel, aiming to add a crucial offensive dimension.

Continuity is another strength for both Tel Aviv clubs. Maccabi has retained most of its core players from last season, while Hapoel has kept key contributors like Vasilije Micić, Elijah Bryant, and Antonio Blakeney. While both teams have made roster upgrades, the core remains largely intact, providing a more stable foundation compared to previous seasons.

However, questions remain about offensive leadership. Maccabi is searching for a primary "go-to" scorer, as no single guard consistently dominated scoring last season. The team's success may depend on a significant leap from guards like Jalen Clark or Yiftach Madar, or a highly refined offensive system. For Hapoel, the key question is the form of Vasilije Micić. While he has shown increased aggressiveness in preseason games, his overall performance and ability to drive to the basket will be crucial for Hapoel's ceiling, potentially even making them EuroLeague title contenders if he performs at his best.

Projections for Maccabi range from 6th-8th place if games return to Israel, and 7th-11th if they remain abroad. Hapoel Tel Aviv is projected to finish 3rd-6th with home games in Israel, and 4th-7th without them.