Starting Friday, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and its fans' focus will shift to Sunday's Derby against Hapoel. But before that, there's one more mountain to climb as the Yellows will host Alba Berlin in round 20 in the Euroleague (9 pm Israel time, at Menora Mivtachim Arena).
Both teams met less than a month ago in Germany, an encounter Maccabi won 83:70, but the Alba Oded Kattash's players will face on Thursday is different from the team they beat in late December. Back then, Israel Gonzalez's players were in the midst of a losing streak but since defeated Villeurban, Baskonia, and Milano and shown good Basketball.
"Alba plays better than the results it has been getting," said Kattash ahead of the game. "The keys to winning will be slowing Alba down defensively, preventing it from running, and controlling the boards. This is not going to be an easy task".
When asked about potential absents, the Yellows coach said: "Jarrell (Martin) did not practice today and also missed our last game. I really hope we'll get him back tomorrow. He is vital for us".
Lorenzo Brown, one of Maccabi's leaders this season, added: "Keeping our focus and energy level is our objective. Every Euroleague game is difficult, and paying attention to details is important. We need to get stops and feed off the atmosphere in the arena".
Both teams met less than a month ago in Germany, an encounter Maccabi won 83:70, but the Alba Oded Kattash's players will face on Thursday is different from the team they beat in late December. Back then, Israel Gonzalez's players were in the midst of a losing streak but since defeated Villeurban, Baskonia, and Milano and shown good Basketball.
"Alba plays better than the results it has been getting," said Kattash ahead of the game. "The keys to winning will be slowing Alba down defensively, preventing it from running, and controlling the boards. This is not going to be an easy task".
When asked about potential absents, the Yellows coach said: "Jarrell (Martin) did not practice today and also missed our last game. I really hope we'll get him back tomorrow. He is vital for us".
Lorenzo Brown, one of Maccabi's leaders this season, added: "Keeping our focus and energy level is our objective. Every Euroleague game is difficult, and paying attention to details is important. We need to get stops and feed off the atmosphere in the arena".