Khimki affected by the injuries before the opener vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv
Khimki affected by the injuries before the opener vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv
Khimki Moscow Region has built a beautiful roster in front of the new season in the main European competition. The new additions are giving hope for the Euroleague’s playoff and why not a Final 4 spot. But the injuries are affecting the start of the Russian club, who will play today against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Sergey Karasev and Dairis Bertans are listed out for this battle, meanwhile, the sharpshooter Alexey Shved and Anthony Gill are recovering from long-term injuries and even if they will enter the court today, they are not expected to do miracles. Khimki still has a lot of excellent players in the roster: Jonas Jerebko, Janis Timma, Devin Booker, Stefan Jovic, Jeremy Evans, Timofey Mozgov, but their bench is not so solid. They have many guys (Monia, Vialtsev, Kramer, Valiev and so on), but most of them are unfortunately only role players, who cannot assume the leadership position.
On the other side, Maccabi Tel-Aviv is coming to Moscow with the most impressive roster of the last years, having 12 stars in the roster, which is full with ex-NBA-ers and talented Israeli players like Omri Casspi, Quincy Acy, Elijah Bryant, Sandy Cohen and Tyler Dorsey who are waiting to make their debut with the team. Between the new signings, will shine as well Othello Hunter and Nate Wolters together with the last year’s players kept by Maccabi: Scottie Wilbekin, Tarik Black, Jake Cohen and John DiBartolomeo.
This season Maccabi Tel Aviv will be one of the most dangerous squads in the Euroleague combining the experience, basketball IQ with athleticism and a very deep bench. They will be difficult to stop by any team if the chemistry will work. In the absence of the injured players of the Russian powerhouse, I clearly see Maccabi as favorites at Khimki.
Photo: BC Khimki
Gratian Cormos
