The Israeli champs return from Greece straight to another game, their fourth in a week, against the last-place oranges. Reynolds, Williams and Nunnally will sit out
Head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos decided to give Jalen Reynolds, Derrick Williams and James Nunnally a much needed rest, as Maccabi faces a trip to Berlin later in the week. In their place, Yiftach Ziv, Oded Brandwein and Ido Menchel will dress up. The full 12-men roster for the game include John DiBartolomeo, Scottie Wilbekin, Keenan Evans, Ido Menchel, Angelo Caloiaro, Kameron Taylor, Roman Sorkin, Oded Brandwein, Oz Blayzer, Jake Cohen, Ante Zizic and Yiftach Ziv.
The game against Rishon LeZion presents the rematch of last year cup final, in which Maccabi prevailed with a 86:69 score. Since that game, things have changed for the Oranges, who brought in Tu Holloway, Netanel Artzi and Joe Alexander, among others. But Guy Goodes’ team began the season badly, losing all but one league game so far. Maccabi’s rival has the worst defense (89.8 points against per game) and worst offense (77.8 points scored per game) in the league.
Maccabi already played against the Wine City squad this season – the Yellows defeated the Oranges 87:68 in the Winner Cup quarter finals. In 81 contests between the two teams, Maccabi has won in 71 and lost only ten.
