Itoudis-Driven Anadolu Efes Faces Hapoel Tel Aviv in Podgorica
EuroLeague veterans know what to expect from a Dimitris Itoudis–led squad. The Anadolu Efes coach brings a cache of Final Four experience and multiple titles, and on Friday night he will guide his team in Podgorica against Hapoel Tel Aviv. After a striking EuroLeague debut—an 87-103 win over Barcelona—the Turkish powerhouse aims to keep its momentum rolling as the series resumes in Montenegro.
Momentum on the Line in Montenegro
Efes travels to Podgorica with the objective of taking a 2-0 lead in the tie. The coaching staff and players have stressed staying grounded, but the early success against a storied Barcelona lineup gives them confidence in their game plan: smart ball movement, a disciplined defense, and a versatile attack that can threaten from multiple positions. Hapoel Tel Aviv, the team that previously topped Maccabi Tel Aviv in this context, will be eager to prove they can disrupt Efes’ rhythm and flip the series with a strong performance on the road.
Roster Realities, Depth, and Health
Itoudis faces the classic EuroLeague dilemma: trimming a deep roster to 12 players for the night. The extended list includes 15 names, meaning several decisions will be made after warmups. Notably, Yam Mudar and Bruno Caboclo did not play in the Barcelona game, and both are not guaranteed to suit up tonight. Captain Bar Timor also sat out the last stint, underscoring the delicate balance between rest and rotation in a long season.
There are real health considerations off the court as well. Itoudis is recovering from an appendectomy and plans to travel to Bulgaria to join teammates in Sofia for a derby that could become a talking point for the club’s season. The medical staff will assess his fitness upon arrival, and any update could ripple through the game-night rotation.
Bruno Caboclo is dealing with a back issue that prevented him from boarding the flight to Montenegro, casting doubt on his availability and forcing Efes to lean on other wings and forwards for competition at both ends of the floor.
Itoudis’s Message and What to Watch
On the eve of the game, Itoudis spoke about the challenge ahead: “Nice to see everyone; we will play in Podgorica against a great opponent, a team with a lot of experience in this competition, including Final Four appearances and titles. They have a newer project, but there are plenty of creators and scorers in their squad. We are in good shape and looking forward to this challenge.”
The eyes will be on whether Efes can translate their clinical EuroLeague execution from the Barcelona game into a more complete performance against a stubborn, defense-minded opponent. Expect Efes to balance a patient half-court offense with occasional tempo. The coaching staff will also test different lineups to navigate the absence of Caboclo and the potential absence of others who are managing health or minutes.
What This Means for the EuroLeague Picture
The Podgorica matchup is more than a single result; it’s a statement about how a veteran coach integrates new pieces into a seasoned framework. Efes has the tools to withstand a tough, grinding game and to punish mismatches with precise execution. Hapoel Tel Aviv will try to speed up the pace, force turnovers, and maximize shooting uncertainty to swing momentum in their favor. Either outcome could shape the early rhythm of this EuroLeague phase, setting the tone for the next set of challenges in a season defined by depth, durability, and disciplined preparation.
Bottom Line
Friday’s game in Podgorica will test Itoudis’s ability to manage a deep squad, navigate injuries, and deploy a cohesive game plan against a team that has already shown it can win in this competition. If Efes can impose their discipline while maximizing their versatility, they’ll seize a crucial early lead in the series. For Hapoel Tel Aviv, the chance to topple a European heavyweight on the road offers a legitimate pathway to regain momentum and build confidence as the EuroLeague slate unfolds.
