After losing twice to Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the league, Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv will hope to change the momentum and win the most important city derby so far this season. The state-cup holders will meet the Reds on Monday (21:00 Israel time, 2 pm ET), hoping to get the ticket to the final and get small revenge while they are at it.
Giannis Sfairopoulos decided to leave Jalen Reynolds, James Nunnally, and Derrick Williams out of the roster for the game. The squad will include Yiftach Ziv, John DiBartolomeo, Scottie Wilbekin, Keenan Evans, Angelo Caloiaro, Roman Sorkin, Oded Brandwein, Khyri Thomas, Oz Blayzer, Jake Cohen, and Ante Zizic.
"We meet an opponent that we respect very much," said Maccabi's head coach ahead of the game. "We lost to Hapoel twice in the league, but on the other hand, this time it's a knockout game and a new challenge for both sides. Obviously, we are not happy with the previous games against them, so we'll also play this game for our pride".