The highly anticipated Israeli derby in the Euroleague promises fireworks as Hapoel Tel-Aviv faces off against arch-rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv. This clash isn’t just about points; it’s a battle for bragging rights in the third round of the regular season. With both teams entering the fray with contrasting fortunes, fans are in for a tactical showdown under the lights.
The match kicks off at 18:05 GMT+0 on October 8, 2025, at the neutral Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, due to ongoing security concerns preventing play in Israel. No specific referees have been announced yet, but Euroleague officiating crews are known for their strict enforcement of physical play in derbies. This regular-season encounter marks the first Euroleague meeting between these historic foes, adding extra spice to the rivalry traditionally confined to domestic leagues.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As we dive into the Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv prediction today, understanding the recent trajectories of both squads is crucial for spotting value in the markets. This section sets the stage by previewing their form, setting up a deeper look at head-to-head battles that often define these intense encounters. Bettors should note how momentum from late September and early October games could sway the neutral-floor dynamics. Keep an eye on how each team’s defensive setups have evolved since their last outings. Finally, these insights will sharpen your focus on key player matchups that could tip the scales.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv Results
Hapoel Tel-Aviv has stormed out of the gates in the 2025-26 season, showcasing the depth and aggression that earned them promotion via last year’s EuroCup triumph. Their early wins signal a team ready to make waves in the Euroleague. Under coach Dimitris Itoudis, they’ve emphasized balanced scoring and stout defense.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 03/10/25 | EUR | Anadolu Efes vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv | 81-87 | W |
| 30/09/25 | EUR | Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Barcelona | 103-87 | W |
| 27/09/25 | LC | Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Hapoel HaEmek | 84-65 | W |
| 25/09/25 | LC | Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Hapoel Beer Sheva | 98-86 | W |
| 16/09/25 | LC | Ironi Kiryat Ata vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv | 66-101 | W |
Hapoel Tel-Aviv’s perfect record underscores their offensive firepower, averaging over 95 points per game across these outings. The road win over Anadolu Efes highlights their resilience in comebacks, erasing an early deficit with sharp perimeter shooting. Domestic leagues have served as tune-ups, boosting confidence against varied defenses. No losses mean they’re entering this derby unbeaten, a rare streak for newcomers to the Euroleague. This form positions them as confident underdogs with momentum on their side.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Results
Maccabi Tel Aviv, perennial Euroleague contenders, are grappling with early-season hiccups after a disappointing 11-23 finish last year. Roster tweaks and integration issues have hampered their start, but their pedigree suggests a rebound is imminent. Coach Oded Kattash is under pressure to ignite the spark against a surging rival.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 03/10/25 | EUR | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Paris | 94-101 | L |
| 30/09/25 | EUR | Anadolu Efes vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 85-78 | L |
| 26/09/25 | LC | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Hapoel Jerusalem | 69-79 | L |
| 24/09/25 | LC | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Ironi Kiryat Ata | 93-91 | W |
| 12/06/25 | SL | Hapoel Jerusalem vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 77-74 | L |
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s skid reveals defensive lapses, conceding an average of 88 points in losses while struggling with turnovers. The narrow preseason win offers a glimmer, but Euroleague defeats to Paris and Efes expose integration woes among new additions. Their attack relies heavily on star power, yet consistency eludes them in crunch time. This rough patch tests their depth, especially on a neutral floor. Breaking the slide here could be the catalyst for a mid-season surge.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Head-to-Head
The Tel Aviv derby carries decades of bad blood, with these clashes often turning into grudge matches full of intensity and controversy. Historically, Maccabi holds the edge in European settings, but recent domestic tilts show Hapoel gaining ground. These encounters typically feature low-scoring, physical battles decided by free throws and rebounds.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 02/03/25 | SL | Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 76-70 |
| 10/02/25 | CUP | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv | 95-93 |
| 08/12/24 | SL | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv | 97-79 |
| 17/06/24 | SL | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv | 82-74 |
| 15/06/24 | SL | Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 85-67 |
Recent head-to-heads tilt slightly toward Maccabi with three wins in five, but Hapoel’s latest victory signals shifting tides. These games average under 170 total points, emphasizing grind-it-out defense. The cup thriller highlights late-game drama, a hallmark of the rivalry. Neutral venue might dilute home-court fire, favoring the hotter hand. Overall, expect a tight affair where experience meets current form.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
The starting lineups for the Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv clash in the Euroleague on October 8, 2025, are pivotal to understanding how this derby might unfold. Both teams are expected to field their strongest available players, with Hapoel leveraging their balanced roster and Maccabi banking on experienced veterans to halt their early-season slide. The table below outlines the projected starting fives, highlighting key positional matchups that could shape the game.
| Hapoel Tel-Aviv Player | Position | Maccabi Tel Aviv Player | Position |
| Malcolm | Point Guard | Hoard | Point Guard |
| Wainwright | Shooting Guard | Brissett | Shooting Guard |
| Oturu | Center | Leaf | Center |
| Bryant | Small Forward | Dowtin | Small Forward |
| Micic | Power Forward | Clark | Power Forward |
Key Factors to Watch in the Derby
This Euroleague derby transcends standings, pitting two Israeli powerhouses in a cauldron of rivalry and redemption. With Hapoel chasing respectability in their debut season and Maccabi desperate to halt a slump, every possession counts. Factors like injuries and streaks could swing the momentum, making this more than a routine round-three tilt. Bettors and fans alike should zero in on these elements for informed views.
- Hapoel’s Winning Streak: Undefeated in five, including Euroleague upsets over Barcelona and Efes, fueling confidence;
- Maccabi’s Losing Run: Four defeats in five, exposing defensive frailties and poor shooting efficiency;
- Injury Concerns for Maccabi: Lonnie Walker IV’s heel issue from the Efes loss remains uncertain, potentially sidelining a key scorer;
- Hapoel’s Key Player Form: Johnathan Motley dominates inside, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds in recent wins;
- Rivalry Intensity: Domestic success for Hapoel last season adds psychological edge over Maccabi’s inconsistencies;
- Neutral Venue Impact: Sofia’s floor removes home bias, but travel fatigue could hit Maccabi harder after back-to-back losses;
- No Major Hapoel Injuries: Full roster availability allows coach Itoudis to deploy versatile lineups effectively;
- Maccabi’s Rebound Woes: Allowing 40+ boards per game lately, vulnerable to Hapoel’s aggressive glass work;
- Recent Successes: Hapoel’s EuroCup title last year boosts morale; Maccabi’s pedigree demands quick turnaround;
- No Scandals Reported: Clean slates for both, focusing play on-court without off-field distractions.
Free Tips on Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match prediction demands a sharp focus on data-driven insights to uncover betting value in this Euroleague derby. By diving into the teams’ recent performances and historical clashes, bettors can identify patterns that might tilt the scales. Below are key tips tailored to this matchup, grounded in statistics and strategic considerations, to guide your Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv betting tips.
- Head-to-Head Scoring Trends: Recent clashes between Hapoel and Maccabi average under 170 points, suggesting a low-scoring, defensive battle—consider betting on the under for total points.
- Player-Specific Impact: Hapoel’s perimeter shooters, hitting 42% from three in recent games, could exploit Maccabi’s weaker outside defense, making bets on Hapoel’s three-point makes appealing.
- Referee Tendencies: Euroleague refs in neutral venues often call tighter games; expect more stoppages, favoring bets on higher free-throw attempts for both sides.
- Pitch Surface Adaptation: Arena 8888’s artificial turf may speed up play, potentially benefiting Hapoel’s fast-break style over Maccabi’s slower, half-court approach.
- Schedule Fatigue: Maccabi’s congested early-season fixtures, with three games in six days, could lead to tired legs, giving Hapoel an edge in late-game stamina.
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Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Match Prediction 2025
In our Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv prediction today, we back Hapoel to edge a thrilling derby, winning 88-82. Their blistering form five straight victories, including dismantling Barcelona 103-87 contrasts Maccabi’s turmoil, with four losses in five amid integration struggles. Hapoel’s balanced attack, led by Motley’s interior dominance and sharp three-point shooting (42% lately), exploits Maccabi’s rebounding deficiencies and Walker’s potential absence. Maccabi’s talent shines in spots, but early-season rust and a 16th-place finish last year suggest vulnerability. On neutral ground, Hapoel’s momentum trumps Maccabi’s pedigree, especially in a rivalry where recent H2H favors the underdog’s grit. The Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Maccabi Tel Aviv odds list Hapoel at +150, offering value against Maccabi’s -180 favoritism, ignoring the form gap. This pick aligns with trends: Hapoel covers in 80% of wins, while Maccabi fails to in losses. Expect a physical, under-170 total affair, but Hapoel’s depth seals it.
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Hapoel Tel-Aviv | 1.29 |
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