EuroLeague Showdown in Podgorica: Anadolu Efes vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Three days after Hapoel Tel Aviv celebrated a landmark EuroLeague win over Barcelona, the Israeli club hits the road again for a stern test against a former European powerhouse. Anadolu Efes hosts Hapoel in Podgorica, Montenegro, at Morača Sports Center, a venue where Efes has already shown strength in this week’s campaign. The Turkish club also earned a victory earlier this week against a different neighbor on the European map, reinforcing why this trip will be a true gauge of where Hapoel stands in a packed Group A slate.
Wednesday’s game isn’t just about the rival on the other bench. It’s a chance for Hapoel to show its consistency on the road and reinforce the momentum gathered from their Barcelona triumph. Efes, on the other hand, arrives with the comfort of knowing they can win away from home and that their cohesion, pace, and depth will be tested against a team that has shown it can beat high-caliber competition when it matters most.
Three players with strong links to Efes back in action for Hapoel
Three key Hapoel players who previously wore Efes uniforms will be in the spotlight as they face their former club. In a game that will feel personal for them, one player stacked 18 points against Barcelona, another contributed 11 points and 8 assists in a recent fixture, and a third also reached the 18-point mark in another matchup. Their familiarity with Efes’ offensive sets, defensive rotations, and the tempo Efes wants to play could serve as a bridge between what Hapoel did in Barcelona and what Efes will try to impose in Podgorica. Expect these former Efes athletes to be vocal on the court, guiding teammates through the pace and spacing that have defined many EuroLeague battles between the sides in recent years.
What to watch: tactical keys and pace
Efes has built an identity around shooting balance, a dynamic pick-and-roll game, and a versatile frontcourt that can switch across positions. Hapoel must disrupt the ball, contest from the arc, and push when the opportunity presents itself to neutralize Efes’ transition game. The clash in Podgorica will hinge on three areas: perimeter defense, ball movement, and offensive efficiency in late-clock situations.
For Hapoel, guarding the ball handlers and keeping the ball moving without costly turnovers will be critical. The visitors will lean on their veterans to run the pick-and-roll, create mismatches, and find shooters in rhythm. Efes, meanwhile, will look to exploit any slow rotations in the pick-and-roll defense and punish late switches with quick passes to shooters on the weak side. The pace of the game could swing on whether the ball finds its way into the hands of Efes’ interior players or if Hapoel can disrupt the paint with aggressive hedges and timely help defense.
Derivative implications: a perfect start and a big derby looming
A win for Hapoel would preserve a perfect record heading into one of Europe’s most anticipated matchups against Maccabi Tel Aviv, a derby that carries heavy emotional and competitive weight. For Efes, nothing less than a strong performance on the road would reinforce their standing as a genuine title contender and keep their Group phase momentum alive. The result will have clear implications for group seating and the confidence levels of coaches and players alike as the calendar moves toward the critical November and December windows.
Key matchups to watch
Look for the guard duel to set the tone, with Hapoel’s perimeter players trying to slow Efes’ playmaking and create second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounds. In the half-court, the battle around the high screen will determine how often Efes can generate open shots and drive the ball into the gaps. Inside, the interior defense and rebounding battles will showcase which team can control the pace and keep second-chance points to a minimum.
As the coming minutes unfold in Podgorica, basketball fans can expect a competitive rhythm, strategic chess moves, and a reminder of why EuroLeague nights in the Morača arena continue to produce memorable moments for clubs with storied pasts and ambitious futures.
