The standings tell the story: the Serbian team sit eighth with a 4-3 record, while the Israeli team are 15th at 2-5. Maccabi Tel Aviv head into this match after a heavy defeat to Real Madrid (99:113) and with a major absentee, while Crvena Zvezda are looking to make amends for their derby defeat to Partizan (82:85).
Crvena Zvezda
Under Ibon Navarro, Crvena Zvezda have been solid defensively: they have conceded no more than 85 points in each of their seven EuroLeague games, even including overtime. However, their recent performances have dipped: they conceded 50 points in a half against both Partizan in the derby and Igokea, something Navarro described as a recurring problem. Jordan Motley's return should strengthen the frontcourt, while Chris Jones, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, is motivated to face his old club. Crvena Zvezda have also won their last two EuroLeague home games — against Anadolu Efes (77:72) and Paris (90:81).
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi Tel Aviv are in crisis. As well as their heavy defeat to Real Madrid (99:113), they lost to Maccabi Rishon LeZion in overtime (90:93) in the domestic league. Their key absentee is Iffe Lundberg, who suffered a partial quadriceps tendon tear in training. The Dane is out for 6-8 weeks and will definitely miss the game against Crvena Zvezda. In his absence, the burden falls on Jim Clark, who scored 20 points against Real Madrid, and Yam Madar, who remains the team's most valuable player in the EuroLeague (12.4 points, 4.6 assists).
Crvena Zvezda vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction
Crvena Zvezda are playing at home, where they have performed reasonably well, and have a more balanced squad. Lundberg's absence weakens Maccabi Tel Aviv's already inconsistent offence (86.9 points, ranked 10th), while the Serbian team's defence under Navarro is capable of containing Madar and Clark. The head-to-head record is level (3-3 across the last six meetings), but the circumstances are different now: Crvena Zvezda are motivated to make amends for the derby defeat, while Maccabi Tel Aviv are struggling psychologically after two painful losses. A scrappy, low-scoring contest is expected, with the hosts securing victory through their defence and squad depth.
