Maccabi Tel Aviv relies heavily on interior scoring and pick-and-roll connections due to a severely struggling perimeter game. Olimpia Milano presents a more balanced attack with consistent quarter-by-quarter scoring, but they have recently struggled to hold leads. The clash comes down to Maccabi's vulnerability in the early stages against Milano's returning playmakers.
The defining element here is the return of Leandro Bolmaro, Cole, and Marko Guduric for Milano, immediately restoring their backcourt depth and playmaking. They will test a Maccabi perimeter defense that has allowed high scoring from opposing guards. On the other end, Maccabi's interior scorers like Sorkin and Hoard must win the battle in the paint against Peters and Booker to compensate for their lack of outside shooting.
Maccabi is also dealing with low morale after a poor EuroLeague start and has no real home-court advantage since this game is played at a neutral venue in Belgrade. With Milano aiming to push the pace, expect them to establish early control against a Maccabi side that averages a significant deficit in the first quarter. Maccabi will likely attempt to grind back in the second half through interior scoring, but Milano's perimeter shooting provides a structural cushion. That's why I'm siding with Olimpia Milano to win this match.
