Maccabi Tel Aviv to end their losing streak vs. Baskonia
Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz tonight in the 29th Round of the EuroLeague season. After a very good month of February, Maccabi already lost two games this month and they will look to bounce back even without one of their most important ‘’players’’, the support of their home fans. At first, Maccabi announced that they would limit the attendance of their next home games to 5000 fans because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the latest reports say that the game against Baskonia will be played behind closed doors.
The Israeli side is currently tied for the 4th place with CSKA Moscow and it’s very likely that these two teams will finish 4th and 5th and meet in the playoffs. However, the home-court advantage could be very important in the playoff series, so every remaining game in the regular season is very important for the two teams.
Baskonia didn’t have an amazing season so far, but with their 12-16 record, they are still in the race to reach the playoffs ( they are just one game behind the 7th place ). The Basque team is on a five-game winning streak in all competitions and this could be a good chance for them to snatch a win in the Menora Mivtachim with no fans. Besides the importance of the game in the hunt for a playoff place, Baskonia also has a revenge to take on Maccabi Tel Aviv. In November they suffered a humiliating 30 point loss at home against the Israelis and for sure this will mean extra motivation for Shengelia and co.
Judging by the latest results Baskonia might be in better shape right now, but I would pick Maccabi as winners. Both teams will be very motivated tonight, but overall Maccabi is better than this year’s Baskonia and I don’t believe Maccabi will lose its third straight game.
Photo: Euroleague
Imre Halasz
