After returning to winning ways, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv starts a particularly tough double-week of action in the EuroLeague. The team of led by Oded Kattash will host the hottest team in the Europe, Paris Basketball, on Tuesday at 9:05 PM.
Later in the week, a challenging encounter against Barcelona awaits. Both games will be held at the Alexander Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, the alternative “home” of Maccabi.

The Israeli champions come with a 4-8 record after a commanding win in Berlin over Alba last week. Jasiel Rivero returned from a three-week absence, while Tamir Blatt, who recently injured his knee, will be evaluated before the game to determine his availability. Omer Mayer did not travel to Belgrade and stayed to practice in Israel.

The French rivals, in their first ever season in the EuroLeague, is off to a sensational start having won 8 games in a row. With T.J. Shorts running the show from the point guard position, Paris has risen to first place in the standings ahead of the matchup with Maccabi.

“We did our homework and watched their games,” said Oded Kattash before the team’s flight to Serbia. “They play good and different basketball; it’s very refreshing to watch, even somewhat inspiring. It’s nice to see they have a very distinct style and a coach who has instilled a certain way of playing. It will be very challenging and different to play against them.”    

This is the first official meeting ever between the two clubs, but they did play an exhibition game. In the summer of 2022, Maccabi participated in a preparation tournament in the City of Lights and was defeated 107:96. However, much has changed in both teams since then.