Real Madrid-Hapoel Tel Aviv: the EuroLeague playoffs begin
Our team, which has always secured a Final Four berth with home-court advantage, will aim for the first point in this unprecedented series (8:45 pm; Movistar Deportes).
Real Madrid begins their first playoff game of the EuroLeague tonight against Hapoel Tel Aviv in a best-of-five series, with home-court advantage. Scariolo's team will aim to take the lead at the Movistar Arena, where they set the record for most home wins in a regular season, in an unprecedented series where the two games in Madrid will have restricted attendance due to being declared medium risk.
Our team earned the home-court advantage by finishing third in what has been the toughest regular season ever. Additionally, they have a streak of 14 consecutive home wins and have remained unbeaten in competition for nearly 5 months, since November of last year. They will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the quarterfinals for the first time. Itoudis' team finished sixth in the previous phase, just one win behind Madrid (23-15).
They are a team with great potential, featuring two of Europe's most impactful players, such as Micic and Bryant, the latter of whom was included in the competition's best five, along with other top-tier players: Oturu, Jones, Blakeney, Malcom, or Motley, among others. Madrid has won both games against them this season. They triumphed in Bulgaria by 74-75 and at the Movistar Arena by 92-83. In both matches, dominance in rebounding and defense were key. Hezonja was the standout player in both games, averaging 17 points and a performance index rating of 23.5.
The historic streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances should also serve as an advantage for the Madridistas against a rival making their debut in the title playoffs. Scariolo's team improves their performance at home, averaging 92.7 points scored, 79.4 points conceded, and a point difference of 13.3 over their 18 victories. Tonight, the first point is up for grabs.