High Stakes at the Belgrade Arena as Zvezda Hosts Hapoel Tel Aviv

EuroLeague Round 26: High Stakes at the Belgrade Arena as Zvezda Hosts Hapoel Tel Aviv

BELGRADE – The lights will shine brightest at the Belgrade Arena tonight as Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade prepares to host Hapoel Tel Aviv in a pivotal Round 26 clash. For the “Red-Whites,” this isn’t just another game on the calendar; it is a high-stakes battle for postseason positioning as Saša Obradović’s men eye a coveted spot in the EuroLeague Top 6.

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The Context: A Battle for the Postseason

Zvezda enters tonight’s contest following a string of resilient performances on the road, including recent statement wins in Bologna and Monaco. However, a shocking domestic slip-up against Mega Superbet (107–102) this past Sunday has put the team on high alert. Currently hovering around the play-in boundary, a victory tonight would significantly bolster their chances of bypassing the play-in tournament and securing a direct quarterfinal berth.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, currently sitting 3rd in the standings, represents one of the most formidable challenges in the league. Led by former EuroLeague standouts like Elijah Bryant and Vasilije Micić, the Israeli side will be looking to complete a season sweep after defeating Zvezda 84–78 earlier this December.

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Key Matchups & Injury Updates

The tactical battle between Saša Obradović and the Hapoel coaching staff will likely be decided in the paint and on the perimeter:

• The Return of the Wall: After a long-term absence, Joel Bolomboy has rejoined the rotation, providing Zvezda with much-needed rim protection against Hapoel’s high-octane offense.

• The Guard Duel: Codi Miller-McIntyre, currently one of the league’s top assist leaders, will face off against the creative duo of Micić and Elijah Bryant.

• Injury Report: Hapoel continues to navigate a difficult injury spell, notably missing Tyler Ennis (Achilles) and Tomer Ginat (Knee). Zvezda, meanwhile, will lean heavily on the red-hot Jordan Nwora, who has been the team’s offensive engine in recent weeks.

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A “Hell” for the Visitors

As is tradition, the Belgrade Arena is expected to be a cauldron of noise. With over 18,000 fans anticipated, the “Delije” will be looking to provide the sixth-man energy needed to unsettle a Hapoel side that has shown vulnerability in hostile road environments lately, including a recent loss to Partizan.

“Every game is a final for us now,” coach Saša Obradović noted in the pre-game press conference. “Hapoel is a Final Four contender, but in our house, with our fans, we fear no one.”

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Game Information

• Matchup: Crvena Zvezda vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv

• Venue: Belgrade Arena, Serbia

• Time: 20:00 CET

• TV/Streaming: EuroLeague TV, SportKlub (Serbia)