Tonight’s clash in Podgorica: Anadolu Efes vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
In a EuroLeague showdown set for Friday at 20:30, Anadolu Efes faces Hapoel Tel Aviv in Podgorica, Montenegro. After an eye-catching statement win earlier in the week, Hapoel hopes to build on momentum and move to 0-2 in the series against the Turkish giants, who themselves are looking to set the tone early in the round. The game pits a veteran, top-tier program in Anadolu Efes—led by coach Dimitris Itoudis—with a Hapoel side riding confidence after a standout performance against Barcelona. The venue, Podgorica, brings a neutral ground that should emphasize focus, discipline, and execution over hype.
Itoudis’s roster and injury updates
Itoudis has named a 15-man squad and will trim to 12 active players for this crucial clash. The coach has emphasized that the rotation will be tight, with every minute earned on the floor. In the buildup, two familiar names for Efes fans—Yam Madar and Bruno Caboclo—did not log minutes against Barcelona and remain in doubt for tonight’s tip-off. Caboclo’s back issues keep him from flying to Montenegro, placing additional pressure on the reserves to step up.
Bar Timor, the captain, did not dress in the last game, a reminder that opportunities will be earned and not handed. Meanwhile, Dimitris Itoudis is navigating a personal health matter: he recently underwent appendectomy surgery, and while he plans to join the squad in Sofia before proceeding to the game, the final decision on his in-game involvement will hinge on his recovery and the team’s medical evaluation.
On the other side, Hapoel Tel Aviv arrives with its own narrative—a team that demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower in a standout win over Barcelona—and will look to translate that form into a road performance against one of Europe’s most experienced outfits.
Keys to the game: what each side will look to execute
For Anadolu Efes, the objective is clear: leverage their top-tier experience and depth to control pace, space the floor for their shooters, and exploit mismatches in pick-and-roll actions. The absence of Caboclo creates questions about interior rotation, so expect Itoudis to lean on a flexible frontcourt rotation with quick switches and proactive help defense. The Turkish side also brings a wealth of – and balance of – scoring options, including creators and shooters who can punish closeouts and generate easy looks for themselves and teammates.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, fresh off a strong performance against a heavyweight opponent, will aim to impose their style with tenacious defense and efficient offense. Expect disciplined ball movement, high screen usage, and aggressive pursuit of transition opportunities to offset any tempo advantages Efes may attempt to impose. The challenge will be sustaining focus across four quarters against a team with championship pedigree and a coaching staff that has seen every EuroLeague scenario multiple times.
What to watch: matchups and tactical contrasts
The guard battle could prove pivotal. If Hapoel can pressure Efes into a few possessions with pressure at the point of attack and force difficult decisions for the ballhandler, they may pry open opportunities for quick scores. Efes will counter with timely ball reversal and off-ball movement to create open looks for perimeter players who can stretch the floor. The frontcourt rotation, already tested by travel and roster changes, will be put to the test as both teams look to establish early advantages in rebounding and secondary offense.
Coach’s outlook and players’ mindset
Itoudis spoke to the media ahead of the game, underscoring a familiar theme for any high-stakes EuroLeague matchup: “We’re in good shape and expect a tough contest against a well-prepared opponent. Anadolu Efes has a history of competing at the highest level, and this squad, though in a slightly newer phase, features plenty of creators and shooters. We’ll respect the opponent and focus on our readiness.” His assessment reflects a team that trusts its process and understands the importance of every single rotation in a series with high stakes.
What Hapoel Tel Aviv must do to stay on track
Hapoel should continue leveraging disciplined defense and efficient ball movement to keep Efes’s defense honest. Maintaining pace, controlling tempo, and taking advantage of every transition opportunity will be crucial. The backcourt, particularly if Madar and Caboclo are limited by travel or health, must step up with decision-making, shot selection, and urgency on the boards. As the game unfolds, the team that stays cohesive, communicates effectively, and clamps down on critical stretches will likely dictate the outcome.
Bottom line
This Friday’s EuroLeague clash combines history, depth, and a tactical chess match. Itoudis’s Efes side seeks a 0-2 edge and a firm start to the series, while Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to capitalize on momentum and pull off a road upset. Fans can expect a competitive 40 minutes with high basketball IQ, relentless effort, and pivotal moments that could shape the trajectory of both teams in the weeks ahead.
