In a clash of two teams on the outside of the playoff zone looking in, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv hosts Valencia Basket on Thursday. Maccabi (5-6) has lost back-to-back games, but has been among the strongest teams at home this season with a 5-1 record in games at Menorah Mivtachim Arena. Valencia (5-6) comes off an overtime win at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and has a winning road record, 3-2, this season.
Maccabi hosts Valencia in Round 12
Lorenzo Brown (18.1 ppg., 6.5 apg.) has been Maccabi’s go-to man this season and he should have more help around him this week with Wade Baldwin (15.6 ppg., 4.5 apg.) and Darrun Hilliard expected back after missing Friday’s loss in Munich. Jalen Adams stepped in admirably with a personal best of 21 points in his first EuroLeague start and could be due a larger role going forward.
Former Maccabi guard Chris Jones has been Valencia’s best player this season, but he will miss the game in Tel Aviv due to a knee injury. Jared Harper could be due a larger role in his absence, while Jasiel Rivero (11.3 ppg.) and Bojan Dubljevic (10.4 ppg.) will need to take charge in the frontcourt.
By the numbers, Maccabi has the stronger backcourt and Valencia’s power is in the paint. Thus a faster pace would favor the hosts and a half-court game the visitors. Valencia is winless in past trips to Tel Aviv and a big performance from its big men could make the difference this time.