The Yellow & Blue come into the game on a seven-game winning streak and an undefeated record in the Domestic League, as Scottie Wilbekin and Othello Hunter will not suit up after not being registered to the contest.
It will be the second time this season the two squads will face one another, as the Yellow & Blue beat Nahariya 76:65 in the Winner Cup Semi-Finals behind great performances by Wilbekin (14 points) and Tarik Black (13 points).
״We had a great game against Olympiacos, we stuck to the game-plan, and played well on defense and offense. We already forgot about that game because we have an important contest against Nahariya", Said coach Giannis Sfairopoulos before the fifth Israeli fixture. "They are a good team, we faced them in the Winner Cup, so it means we know them and they know us".
"It's a domestic league game, and we respect all of the clubs", Emphasized Sfairopoulos. "I said it last year, the Israeli League is tough. All the teams play good, and if you don't perform well, you will lose. We need to adjust after two EuroLeague games and be ready mentally".
"Our defense is working well", Said Maccabi's coach, who agreed with the reports in practice, but also clarified: "We could've avoided a couple more baskets, but there is a team playing on the other end. In some points, 3-4 offensive possessions, we will be able to prevent easy buckets, but then the opponent will score differently. In my opinion, we need to focus on defense, to keep the tempo and the cooperation between us".
"Whatever occurred, passed on, as we look forward to the next game", said Yovel Zoosman towards the matchup against Nahariya. "I think a lot of things are clicking as teams against us are scoring in lower percentages. We are doing a great job grabbing more rebounds than our opponents, so that obviously helps. If we defend well, we score more points".
"So far, It does look good", admitted Zoosman but stayed modest and cautious towards the near future. "It's a long season, and we are looking forward. There are plenty of games left, and I estimate there will be ups and maybe downs. We are looking ahead day by day, and now we have a game against Nahariya".