Maccabi Tel Aviv's Amit Sabo Could Debut Against Paris Amid Guard Shortage

Maccabi Tel Aviv guard Amit Sabo is listed on the EuroLeague roster for the first time this season for Thursday's game against Paris, potentially marking his debut in the competition. Sabo joined Maccabi last season but was sidelined by a complex injury, playing only one domestic league game. He has seen increased playing time this season in the Israeli league, averaging 20 minutes against Galil Elyon and 21 minutes against Kiryat Ata, where he scored six points and dished out seven assists.

The team is currently facing a shortage of guards due to injuries to John DiBartolomeo and Iffe Lundberg, leaving Jimmy Clark, Yam Madar, and Keaton Wallace as the only available guards. Sabo's inclusion makes him the fourth guard on the roster.

Sabo, who developed in Maccabi's youth system and played in various Israeli leagues before moving abroad, is known as a capable shooter, having shot 38.3% from three-point range in the French league prior to joining Maccabi. However, his three-point accuracy has been 3-for-15 in his three games with Maccabi Tel Aviv so far. He tends to shoot more than pass, with over half his shots in France coming from beyond the arc.

Maccabi is actively seeking a new guard in the free-agent market. However, with Lundberg injured and DiBartolomeo's wife having just given birth, Sabo might receive playing time. He is familiar with Paris, having played against them in the French league and scoring nine points in a loss. In another French Supercup game, he scored 15 points, leading his team to victory against Nadir Hifi's 19 points.

Sabo's playing style, characterized by a high volume of three-point attempts and quick shots early in the shot clock, might suit Paris, considered one of the fastest teams in the EuroLeague. Coach Oded Katash has noted Paris's unique pace, having lost to them four times in the past two seasons. The question remains whether Sabo will seize this opportunity to make an impact off the bench.