Faltering Zvezda (10-18) will look to get back on track against a Maccabi (15-13) team aiming for a third straight win.
Oded Kattash, Maccabi: 'It's going to be a tactical game.'
Zvezda has lost four in a row to drop away from playoff contention, and knows it can't afford many more missed chances. Maccabi backcourt dynamo Wade Baldwin will take some stopping after scoring at least 16 points in nine consecutive games. The Serbian team could look to slow the pace by controlling the game through its frontcourt, where Luka Mitrovic had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds in last week's loss at Monaco. Earlier this season, currently injured Milos Teodosic stunned Maccabi with 27 points and 14 assists to power a 92-98 road win, and Zvezda needs similar inspiration this time around.
Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Zvezda head coach
"We play against a strong team, which can play in a great offensive rhythm. We know we have to be good on defense. They have a lot of players who can create a problem for us and therefore we have to be generally good at every position, individually and as a team, to stop their offensive game. We have to be smart in offense, to be ready to do what needs in defense, and play the right way. I expect help from our fans."
Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach
"It's going to be a tactical game. We are in a better place than where we were the last time we faced Crvena Zvezda, but we have a lot more to improve in order to achieve our goals. We have a series of difficult games to reach the play-in or playoffs. It's starts now."
Adam Hanga, Zvezda player
"We play against Maccabi, a team we beat in the first leg. Obviously, we know what situation we are in. We have four defeats in a row, we want to go back to the winning track. From the very beginning of the season, every match is important to us. We will play in front of our fans and we want this victory and continue to progress."
Antonius Cleveland, Maccabi player
"We need to lock in defensively, and execute the game plan. We have to keep the pace. I think this is a must-win game for us, all the team feels that way. It's an important time in the season, we have more of a sense of urgency. Every game is important now."