After a short one-week break for the international window, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will return to the court on Thursday at 9PM ET in Berlin, where they will face ALBA. Oded Kattash's team will hope that the time off brings renewed energy, as they attempt to stop a four-game losing streak.

The yellow-and-blue team flew out to the German capital on Wednesday morning. Former ALBA player Tamir Blatt is expected to miss the game, while Jasiel Rivero is in the final stages of recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Opponent

ALBA arrives to the game in last place in the standings, with some player absences of their own. bt on the other hand, the team of Spanish coach Israel Gonz?lez has shown improved performance in recent weeks. The Germans defeated Milan 101-105 in the ninth round, and last week they looked strong in Madrid against Real, including a double-digit lead that did not hold. Additionally, Maccabi’s opponent signed center David McCormack this week, who arrived from Milan to replace Chad center Khalifa Koumadje who was released and moved to China.

As mentioned, the Berlin team is also suffering from roster shortages. Guard Matt Thomas and forward Justin Bean will be absent, and there is uncertainty about the availability of top scorer Martin Hermannsson, guard Will McDowell-White, and talented forward Louis Olinde.

Even without them, the ALBA have a few dangerous players to keep an eye on. Some of them are the team's new center, Travion Williams, who is averaging 12.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game; the Italian guards Matteo Spagnolo (11.2 points per game) and Gabriele Procida (10.4); and New Zealand forward Yanni Wetzell, who is contributing 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

History

Exactly 20 matchups have taken place between Maccabi and ALBA in the EuroLeague since its establishment in 2000, with a clear advantage for Maccabi: 18 wins and only two losses. The last time ALBA defeated Maccabi was exactly three years ago this week, when Tamir Blatt was on the opposing side and finished with six points and five assists. Last season, Oded Kattash’s team won 106-71 in Berlin.

The Referees

Damir Javor (Croatia), Art?ras Sukys (Lithuania), and Maxime Boubert (France).

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