Real Madrid and Maccabi Tel-Aviv square off in the EuroLeague playoffs, in a series that could stretch to five games.
Hedgeout.net Team previews the series and picks the winner, with Game 1 taking place at Wizink Center on Wednesday.
Yiannis Bouranis
Real Madrid wants to end its current slide and advance to the EuroLeague Final Four. The “Whites” have won only twice in their last 10 EuroLeague games and play poor basketball on both ends.
Despite having the home-court advantage, they don’t enter the series as the favorite. On the other hand, Maccabi has been unstoppable lately.
With a six-game winning streak and being undefeated at home in 2022, the Israelis have been playing at very high standards on both ends. They finished fifth and have a good chance to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2014.
The two teams split the season series (1-1) and are capable of winning on the road. So, I expect Maccabi Tel-Aviv winning the series 2-3.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
Alexandros Tsakos
Real Madrid was a Top-2 team for the first part of the season until February, where Pablo Laso squad started to experience a huge slide in both the EuroLeague and domestic league action.
Madrid had only three losses in 24 EuroLeague games until February 2. Since then, they have lost eight of their last 10 in the top-tier European competition, including a close-knit battle (75-74) against their current playoff opponent Maccabi Tel Aviv on March 24.
On the other hand, Maccabi finished the regular season as the hottest team in the EuroLeague winning 10 of its last 13 games in the competition.
As a result, they finished fifth in standings, one win away from the no.4 seeded Real Madrid. The Israelis are a force to reckon on offense (80.4 PPG), being a Top-5 in the league, and a very active team on the defensive end with 7.6 steals per game, which ranks them third in the EuroLeague.
I expect the series to get down to which team will play at its strength. Will Madrid utilize its dominant frontline? Will Maccabi dictate the tempo of the series with Scottie Wilbekin and the rest of the perimeter group of players?
In any case, I will go with the hotter team at this time, which means Maccabi in 4 (3-1).
Filippos Kassotis
Real Madrid vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv is a totally open series. 16 European championships clash for a place in the Final Four.
Real Madrid (18-10) has the home-court advantage over Maccabi (17-11) and seems to have the upper hand in the series. This may not be the case, though.
The Spaniards have lost 4 of their last 5 games and play poor basketball on both ends. Thomas Heurtel and Trey Thompkins were expected to leave the team, but have eventually returned to practice. Their status for Games 1 and 2 remains unclear, but they could both see some playing time.
On the other hand, Maccabi fired head coach Giannis Sfairopoulos in mid-February and the team has played at full speed since then, ending the season on a six-game winning streak and securing the fifth position.
They have a better offensive rate (80,4) than their opponents (78,5), but a worst defensive one (78,6 to 73,8).
In their current situation, even though Real Madrid has the home-court advantage, I think that Maccabi will make it to the Final Four (1-3).
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
Dimitris Georgiopoulos
Real Madrid (18-10) and Maccabi Tel-Aviv (17-9) are involved in the most anticipated match-up in this year’s playoffs. Their regular season has been completely opposite.
The Spanish side started really well, however they finished fourth. Real has lost eight of their last ten games. Head coach Pablo Laso has to put the pieces together in order to avoid elimination.
The Israeli side, on the other hand, is heading to the playoffs with a huge psychological boost. They went from 12th to 5th in the second half of the season. They have won their last six games and are hungry for more.
The teams split the regular season series (1-1). I honestly think that Maccabi is going to “steal” the home advantage and eventually advance to the Final Four.
Should they win the first game at Wizink Center, they could even sweep the series. However, I’m predicting that the Israelis will go through, even if both teams face off in a Game 5 (2-3).
Aggelos Nikolopoulos
Another interesting series in the 2021/22 Euroleague playoffs. Two of the most historic teams of the competition face each other, but only one will travel to Belgrade.
Real Madrid against Maccabi Tel Aviv is a traditional rivalry throughout the years in the European courts.
At the moment, Maccabi is the grand favorite to reach the F4 in Belgrade and claim their 7th Euroleague trophy. They’re in a superb condition, in contrast with the Madrilenians who, literally… sink!
But, really, who can take Real Madrid out of the game? Who can not be afraid of the “Whites”, especially when they’ re angry and no one counts them?
In its honor, Maccabi played for its fans and its history, deciding not to choose the upcoming opponent.
They could easily lose to Fenerbahce and face Armani in the playoffs. In this case, for me, at this time, they would be the grand favorite in order to participate in the F4. But, the Israelis are so proud and “big”, to be afraid of anyone.
Except that they are possibly the best shaped team right now, together with Olympiacos and Monaco.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is in their worst condition not just this year but in many years. But, personally, I believe that when is needed, the “Blancos” will stand tall, no matter the conditions or the opponent.
I truly consider Maccabi as the favorite of the series, but my opinion is that Real Madrid will achieve to go through and travel to Belgrade.
For history, the season series were split, with (very difficult) home-court wins or each team. My prediction is Real Madrid wins the series 3-2.
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