Match Preview
For the first time this season, Maccabi Tel Aviv have managed to string together three consecutive victories, so don't expect them to go down without a fight in Spain on Tuesday. Barcelona have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the EuroLeague so far this season.
Barcelona Struggling to Find Consistency
Barcelona have made a mixed start to the new season, registering five victories in nine appearances across competitions.
Blaugrana started their new EuroLeague campaign with an 89-82 comeback victory against Anadolu Efes, with Dario Brizuela starring with 20 points. However, Kevin Punter's 25 points were not enough to overcome Dubai in the second round, as Barca lost 94-87.
Barcelona then registered a 95-82 win in Turkey against Besiktas but squandered a huge lead at home against Zalgiris last week, losing 88-81. Rebounding was a major problem in that game (26-36), while Justin Robinson was their only player to score in double figures, finishing with 20 points.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Showing Signs of Recovery
Maccabi Tel Aviv have made a disappointing start to the new EuroLeague season, winning just one of their first four games, while their domestic record has been perfect so far.
Their defense was awful in the opening 84-74 loss to ASVEL, as they allowed too many open shots. They were then thrashed 109-93 by Besiktas in the following game, arguably their worst defensive performance in some time.
In the third round, Maccabi Tel Aviv stood no chance against red-hot Panathinaikos, losing 90-67 in Athens, where they shot just 39% from the field. Veteran Roman Sorkin had a solid performance with 13 points on 5/9 shooting.
Their losing streak finally came to an end last week with a 97-79 win over Milano on neutral ground in Belgrade. Maccabi dominated all four quarters and shot 57% from the field.