Walker and Clark Expected Back as Maccabi Tel Aviv Seeks Finals Berth Against Hapoel Holon

Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Hapoel Holon today at 3:00 p.m. at Menora Mivtachim Arena, needing one more win to complete a semifinal sweep and secure a place in the playoff final, where Hapoel Tel Aviv is already waiting. After two convincing victories to open the series, Oded Katash’s team enters Game 3 with a full arena expected to be packed by thousands of yellow-clad fans, unlike the first game that was played without spectators.

Jimmy Clark is set to return to the squad after missing six games with a hip and groin injury. He has already recovered fully, and his comeback is also tied to Tamir Blatt’s latest injury, a small calf tear that makes him a long shot to play again this season. Lonnie Walker is also expected to rejoin the roster after sitting out the previous game, having missed the series opener because of the security situation and unusual events at the time. He is likely to come in at the expense of David Epiaini.

Holon, meanwhile, still believes it can revive the series despite trailing 2-0. The club thinks a win at Menora is achievable and is hoping for a much better performance than in the first two games to keep its season alive.

Holon’s Trey Croft missed both games after abdominal surgery and remains in serious doubt for tonight. The medical staff will assess him in the coming hours before the lineup deadline, but the club’s current expectation is that it will not take a risk on him. If so, Javon McCormick is expected to stay in the squad in Croft’s place.