“We are very excited that after almost two years, we are again playing a Euroleague game in front of a full house,” said Maccabi’s coach Giannis Sfairopoulos ahead of the first matchday.

After a challenging pre-season that included a Covid outbreak with five players infected and canceled exhibition tournaments, on Thursday, the yellows will miss injured Ante Zizic and the newly signed center, Mathias Lessort.

Bayern Munich also suffered a Corona blow, and six of its senior players did not come to Tel Aviv. “It would be a big mistake to think Bayern have setbacks and that they will just come and play with whoever they have”, stated the Greek coach when asked about the German opponent.

Scottie Wilbekin also spoke ahead of the European season opener. “We have a very deep roster, and a lot of players can score in different ways,” the guard said. “It’s going to be interesting and exciting to see how everything connects.”

“There is definitely a sense of urgency because of the effort the management made to put the team together this year. All the guys feel that we can do something special together.”

Maccabi’s squad for the game: Scottie Wilbekin, Keenan Evans, Angelo Caloiaro, Derrick Williams, Kameron Taylor, Jalen Reynolds, Roman Sorkin, John DiBartolomeo, Oz Blayzer, Jake Cohen, James Nunnally, Yiftach Ziv.