Maccabi Tel Aviv Seeks First EuroLeague Win Amidst Emotional Weight

Maccabi Tel Aviv faces a critical EuroLeague game tonight against Italian champions Olimpia Milano, aiming for their first victory in the tournament. The team currently sits at the bottom of the standings with a 0-3 record. Adding to the emotional weight of the game, Maccabi players will wear black armbands to commemorate the three-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks and the fallen soldiers of the "Swords of Iron" war.

Coach Oded Kattash acknowledged the difficult period, stating, "It's a hard day for us as a people and a country, everything pales in comparison to the families who have experienced losses and the families of the hostages." Captain John DiBartolomeo, returning to the lineup after a week's absence, added, "October 7th was a terrible day that accompanies us every day. It's hard to concentrate on sports, but we are here to do our job for the fans."

Professionally, Kattash emphasized the need for improved basketball performance, citing a "matter of confidence and aggressiveness." The team is looking to build on their recent 71-88 win over Hapoel Jerusalem in the Winner Cup semifinals. The return of DiBartolomeo is expected to boost the backcourt, but a decision on center Daniel Theis, who is experiencing ankle discomfort, will be made just before tip-off.

Olimpia Milano arrives with a 1-2 record after a loss to Baskonia. Coached by Peppe Poeta, who replaced Ettore Messina in November 2025, the Italian team boasts a deep roster including Marco Guduric, Devon Hall, Alex Peters, Darius Thompson, Garrison Mathews, and Moses Wright. This marks the 31st EuroLeague meeting between the clubs, with Maccabi leading the series 17-13. However, Milano swept Maccabi last season. The game will be played in an empty arena in Belgrade.