Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will look to make another step towards securing another championship on Wednesday, with Game 1 in the semi finals series against Hapoel Jerusalem (9 PM Israel Time, 2 PM ET). After sweeping Ness Ziona 3-0, the reigning champs now face a best-of-three series for a spot in the finals.

The yellows are in good spirits and relatively healthy, with only Wade Baldwin IV still nursing a hamstring injury. Per head coach Oded Kattash, the guard has a chance to return to action later in the series.


"I hope we learned the lesson from the cup final and be much more aggressive", said Kattash ahead of the game, referencing the loss to Jerusalem a month ago. "We waited for this matchup, we knew it was going to happen. They are a good team and we expect a physical game".

Jerusalem are without swingman Levi Randolph who injured his ankle in game 3 of the team's sweep of Hapoel Holon. Maccabi's rivals are also missing centers Zach Hankins and Gabi Chachashvili.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv prevailed in a predictably hard-fought game Wednesday to earn a 1-0 lead over Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli league semi finals. The reigning champions edged the reds 89-82 at home with a strong fourth quarter, and are now one win away from the finals.

The yellows had to chase the team from the capital for most of the evening, but managed to keep the rivals at bay. And when the game was on the line, Maccabi showed resilience and courage, led by Tamir Blatt, Bonzie Colson and Jasiel Rivero. All three scored 16 points, with Blatt also dishing 11 assists.

The bad news came in the shape of a Josh Nebo injury, as the center could not return to the court in the second half and his status for the rest of the playoffs is uncertain. Maccabi are already without Wade Baldwin IV who is recovering from his own ailment, and Oded Kattash will have to make a roster decision for game 2.

The yellows will travel to Jerusalem on Friday for the second game of the series.