Maccabi is currently ranked fifth in the Euroleague table with a 19-13 record, superior to the Lithuanians’ 17-15. Oded Kattash’s players had beaten Zalgiris in the previous meeting in Tel Aviv, but it was a close game that could have gone either way. Nevertheless, the Yellows’ run should give them the confidence to celebrate Passover with a win in one of the toughest arenas in Europe.

“We are not dealing with calculations about our final position in the table,” Kattash said. “The right thing to do is to focus only on the next game, let alone in a league so competitive. Zalgiris is in great shape. They play great at home and are very aggressive. But we are also in good form, and lately, it is evident on the road too.”

Josh Nebo, who arrived in Maccabi after playing in Zalgiris in the past season, spoke about his feelings. “It is exciting to come back and play in front of the fans here,” he stated. “This is a big challenge for us because Zalgiris plays very well at the moment. We must match their level of intensity. I’ll give my best as always”.