Maccabi Tel Aviv Aims for Tougher Play Against Besiktas in EuroLeague

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to host Besiktas in their second EuroLeague game on Wednesday, aiming for a significantly improved performance after a disappointing opening loss to Villeurbanne. Coach Oded Katash emphasized the need for his team to be "much better," "more aggressive," and "a bit meaner" to match the physicality and fast pace of their opponents. He acknowledged that the team's current style is not yet polished but stressed the immediate necessity for greater physicality.

In terms of the roster, TJ Leaf, who did not play in the previous game, is expected to make his EuroLeague debut this season. Jimmy Clark, who saw limited action in the second half against Villeurbanne after returning from a hip injury, is anticipated to receive more significant playing time due to his impressive performance. However, team captain John DiBartolomeo will miss the game due to his brother's wedding.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is continuing to play its European home games outside of Israel, currently in Belgrade, due to the security situation. The club is actively working to bring games back to Israel and expects the EuroLeague CEO to visit soon to assess the situation firsthand. Concurrently, the team is in discussions with Cypriot authorities to potentially relocate their home games from Belgrade to Cyprus. This move is hoped to ease player recovery between EuroLeague and Israeli league games and make attendance more appealing for fans.