Euroleague Opener in Montenegro
Maccabi Tel Aviv are set to begin their Euroleague campaign on Tuesday with an away game in Montenegro against Anadolu Efes, a testsome start that pits the Israeli powerhouse against one of the competition’s perennial favorites. After a rocky first trio of games this season, the Yellow & Blue will look to start the year with focus, balance, and the star power that Lonnie Walker can provide when fully fit and available.
Two losses in a row to Hapoel Jerusalem over the past week have already put pressure on the club to show progress early in the campaign. The schedule’s opening week promises another stern test, with Anadolu Efes first on the road, followed by a meeting with Paris Basketball as part of the opening week slate. The early results have underscored the gap between potential and execution for a team hoping to compete at the continent’s highest level.
Walker’s Status and What It Means
Channel S Sports reported that Lonnie Walker did not attend today’s practice, with the club stating the absence was for personal reasons and that he would return to training the following day. The development is notable because Walker has been positioned as a potential season centerpiece, given his proven ability to influence games with scoring and spacing.
Walker’s early performance in his debut season with the club was encouraging. He delivered 24 points in 27 minutes against Kiryat Ata and followed up with 12 points in 24 minutes in the semifinal against Hapoel Jerusalem. Those numbers hint at the kind of impact the team hopes to extract from him when he is fully integrated into the rotation. His absence from the practice floor raises questions about whether he will travel to Montenegro with the squad and how the rotation will adapt in his absence.
Rotation Implications
If Walker remains unavailable for the opening trip, the coaching staff will need to lean on the depth that has sometimes been underutilized this early in the season. Expect a rebalancing of minutes in the backcourt, with other guards and wings receiving more responsibility to create, score, and defend. The physicality and pace of Euroleague play often require two reliable ball-handlers on the floor; the immediate challenge for the team is to maintain cohesion and flow while adjusting to Walker’s absence.
Opening Week Challenge and Schedule
Travel to Montenegro marks a stern initiation into a grueling Euroleague schedule. Anadolu Efes are renowned for their guard play, versatility, and playoff pedigree, so Maccabi will need to bring a strong game plan and consistent execution to avoid early-season rust. After Anadolu Efes, Paris Basketball awaits, presenting another test of the squad’s ability to adapt quickly to different styles and opponent strengths. The early-week results could shape how the team approaches the coming months, both in terms of rotation and tactical emphasis.
Season Outlook
Communication between the coaching staff and players will be critical as the team navigates the Euroleague’s demanding landscape. The personal absence of Walker—whether temporary or longer—puts additional emphasis on other scorers and playmakers to raise their level. If Walker joins the flight to Montenegro, his presence could tilt the balance in the squad’s favor, providing the scoring punch and floor-spacing that helps the team unlock more efficient offensive sets.
Ultimately, the opening week will reveal how quickly Maccabi Tel Aviv can translate potential into results on Europe’s biggest stage. For fans and analysts, the question remains not just about a single game against Anadolu Efes, but about the trajectory of the season and how Walker’s status will shape the team’s identity in the days and weeks ahead.
