After securing a much-desired ticket to the Euroleague playoffs, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has one last battle to fight, which could significantly impact how this season ends. The Yellows will host Real Madrid on Thursday (9 pm Israel time) in a game that will seal the regular season and determine the identity of their opponent in the quarter-finals series.
With many scenarios still possible for Maccabi's final position in the table, Coach Oded Kattash knows that his players must remain focused only on the upcoming game. "We have shown that we can play good basketball when we are focused and determined," said Maccabi's coach at the press conference before the game.

"Everything starts with defense. If we defend well, we can beat any team. Despite losing the last game in Kaunas, we played well, and I saw many good things. Nevertheless, Real Madrid presents different challenges from other European teams, and we must come prepared."
The Yellows' captain, John Dibartolomeo, echoed the same mindset as his coach. "We don't know the results of the other games, so thinking about them would only be a distraction," he stated. "We are playing against one of the best teams in the Euroleague in front of our fans, and a win will send us into the playoffs with the best momentum."
With many scenarios still possible for Maccabi's final position in the table, Coach Oded Kattash knows that his players must remain focused only on the upcoming game. "We have shown that we can play good basketball when we are focused and determined," said Maccabi's coach at the press conference before the game.

"Everything starts with defense. If we defend well, we can beat any team. Despite losing the last game in Kaunas, we played well, and I saw many good things. Nevertheless, Real Madrid presents different challenges from other European teams, and we must come prepared."
The Yellows' captain, John Dibartolomeo, echoed the same mindset as his coach. "We don't know the results of the other games, so thinking about them would only be a distraction," he stated. "We are playing against one of the best teams in the Euroleague in front of our fans, and a win will send us into the playoffs with the best momentum."