The Yellow-and-Blue will be without Ante Zizic, Angelo Caloiaro, Kameron Taylor and Ido Menchel for this contest, along with Mathias Lessort who was not registered for the league. The full 12-man list includes John DiBartolomeo, Scottie Wilbekin, Keenan Evans, Derrick Williams, Jalen Reynolds, Roman Sorkin, Oded Brandwein, Oz Blayzer, Jake Cohen, James Nunnally, Nadav Yankowitz and Yiftach Ziv.

Maccabi has already beat the capital squad this young season, with a 81:65 performance in the League Cup semis, en route to the first title of the season. Jalen Reynolds lead the Yellows’ scorers then with 22 points, while Scottie Wilbekin and James Nunnally pitched in with 15 a piece. Sean Kilpatrick was the rivals’ top scorer with 16.

On Thursday night in the EuroLeague, Macccabi enjoyed a full squad for the first time this season, and snagged a 77:73 victory over Panathinaikos. Giannis Sfairopoulos welcomed Ante Zizic back after a month-long absence, and the Croat looked good in his return. “We have a long road, almost 80 games, and everyone needs to be ready”, said the Greek coach after beating his compatriots. “Those players who didn’t play needs to be prepared”.

After a win over Hapoel Haifa and a loss to Gilboa-Galil, the Maccabees have a 1:1 record in local play coming into Saturday. On the other hand, Jerusalem holds a 2:0 record thanks to wins over Galil Elyon and Be’er Sheva, though the reds did lose their two bouts in the FIBA Champions League.

For Scottie Wilbekin, facing Jerusalem is like waving a red flag at a bull. Since joining Maccabi in 2018, the guard has improved in each season in games versus Jerusalem, posting 23 points and 5.2 assists per game in 10 league games.