Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bayern Munich

Despite facing numerous obstacles, Maccabi Tel Aviv managed to put together a respectable season. Playing their home games in Belgrade instead of Israel, dealing with roster instability, and battling multiple injuries made for a challenging campaign. Add to that a much smaller budget compared to previous years, and their 10-22 record doesn’t look as disappointing as it might initially appear.

With playoff hopes fading early, the team used the opportunity to develop younger players without the weight of high expectations. This led to breakout performances from Roman Sorkin, Rokas Jokubaitis, and Jaylen Hoard—who could become one of Europe’s most in-demand players this offseason. Tamir Blatt also delivered steady contributions, while Levi Randolph, making his EuroLeague debut at 30, showed promise despite inconsistency. As the club prepares for next season with increased financial flexibility, there’s reason for optimism.

Bayern Munich: The EuroLeague’s Biggest Surprise

Few expected Bayern Munich to be competitive this season, yet they’ve defied all predictions. Holding a 19-13 record with two games remaining, they’re now fighting for home-court advantage in the playoffs—an incredible achievement. Head coach Gordon Herbert, who boldly declared his ambition to reach the Final Four when he took over, has turned this team into a legitimate contender, making him a strong candidate for EuroLeague Coach of the Year.

Past struggles between players and coaching staff seem like a distant memory now. Under Herbert’s leadership, Bayern has unlocked the best version of Carsen Edwards, provided Shabazz Napier with a perfect fit, and seen Andreas Obi emerge as a deadly three-point threat. Vladimir Lucic’s return from injury has further bolstered the squad. This team has been the season’s biggest surprise, and their playoff run could be even more impressive. How far can they go? Only time will tell.

Maccabi Tel Aviv has been in impressive form lately, winning seven of their last ten matches across all competitions. However, their EuroLeague campaign hit a snag last week with consecutive losses—first to Panathinaikos (92-99) and then a tight defeat against Anadolu Efes (88-90).

Known for their explosive offense, Maccabi has been a dominant force at home, frequently scoring over 85.5 points per game. This season, they rank eighth in the EuroLeague with an average of 85.5 points per game, thanks to standout performances from players like Jokubaitis, Randolph, Sorkin, and Hoard. While their attacking prowess is undeniable, the team may need reinforcements next season to balance their defensive weaknesses.

Their biggest issue remains defense, where they concede an alarming 89.5 points per game—ranking a dismal 17th in the league. Surprisingly, they excel in rebounding, averaging 22.3 per game. Another notable stat: Maccabi has won their last eleven home games by a margin of at least +7 points, proving their dominance on their own court.