Tonight’s game at Belgrade Arena (8:45 p.m.) features the Euroleague’s lowest-scoring team against the one allowing the most points.
That is perhaps the simplest way to introduce the Round 10 matchup between Partizan and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Partizan enters the game after two consecutive Euroleague defeats, just as it begins a stretch of four straight home games, while the Israeli club arrives in Belgrade having lost five straight across all competitions, with growing frustration over its performances and results.
After defeating Crvena Zvezda in the Belgrade derby, a victory that restored confidence, Partizan had an opportunity to strengthen its position in the standings. However, the trip to ASVEL ended in a defeat that will linger as one of its biggest missed opportunities. Partizan held an 11-point lead late in the game (69-58) and appeared to have the situation under control, but the home side responded with a 17-2 run that completely turned the game around. Instead of closing out the contest comfortably, Partizan allowed ASVEL to take control and eventually win 82-75.
A few days later came another defeat, this time against Žalgiris in Kaunas (87-80). The Lithuanian side controlled more of the game than ASVEL had, although Partizan still managed to work its way back within striking distance.
Stop Carlik and Partizan Still Has Too Few Answers
In both games, Partizan’s offense began to struggle once opponents managed to contain Carlik Jones. Defenses increasingly focused on Partizan’s primary playmaker, trying to wear him down physically and limit the space he needs to use his speed and get past the first line of defense. When Jones lost his offensive rhythm, Partizan had too few reliable alternatives. That was particularly evident in Villeurbanne, where none of his teammates managed to take responsibility and stop the home team’s comeback.
Jones is tied for the Euroleague lead with 5.9 assists per game. Luca Vildoza has shown improvement recently, while newcomers Antonio Reeves and Robert Franks are expected to gradually shoulder a larger share of the offensive responsibilities. Partizan needs players willing to create their own scoring opportunities when opponents manage to limit Jones.
Partizan has also struggled badly with its shooting. The team is making just 30.4 percent of its three-point attempts, averaging only 6.9 made threes per game. Things are hardly better at the free-throw line, where its 67.4 percent accuracy is the worst in the competition. Maccabi, meanwhile, is allowing opponents to shoot 42.2 percent from three-point range. Belgrade side will have to find ways to take advantage of the space Maccabi’s defense gives up, while shooting considerably better than it has for much of the season.
Partizan, meanwhile, averages just 78.4 points per game, the fewest among the Euroleague’s 20 teams, and its offensive rating of 107.5 points per 100 possessions is better than only Baskonia’s. Maccabi sits at the opposite end of the defensive rankings. Kattash’s team allows 94.7 points per game and has a defensive rating of 127 points per 100 possessions, the worst mark in the Euroleague. Partizan’s defense, on the other hand, has been considerably better, allowing just 80.2 points per game.
Maccabi Arrives in Belgrade on a Five-Game Losing Streak
Maccabi has lost five consecutive games across all competitions, a stretch that has worsened the mood inside the team. Real Madrid won 113-99 at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, followed by a 93-90 domestic league defeat against Maccabi Rishon LeZion. Crvena Zvezda then thoroughly outplayed Oded Kattash’s team at Belgrade Arena, winning 100-78. Maccabi put up more resistance against Paris but still fell 99-94 in Belgrade.
The latest defeat came in the Israeli league, where Hapoel Tel Aviv comfortably beat Maccabi 105-87 in the city derby. Real Madrid had knocked down 21 three-pointers against Maccabi, while Hapoel made 19, including nine from Vasilije Micić.
Israeli media have increasingly reported on the poor atmosphere among Maccabi’s players and their lack of chemistry on the court. Oded Kattash is under pressure to improve the team’s energy as quickly as possible, although sporting director Claudio Coldebella has publicly backed the coach and stated that dismissing him is not currently an option. Coldebella has taken responsibility for the results and confirmed that the club is actively looking for backcourt reinforcements, particularly following the injury to Iffe Lundberg, who is expected to miss several weeks.
Daniel Theis Has Become Another Question Around Maccabi
While Maccabi searches for backcourt help, speculation continues to grow over the possible departure of Daniel Theis. The German international arrived during the summer as one of the club’s biggest signings, on a lucrative two-year contract, but has yet to live up to expectations. In seven Euroleague appearances, he has averaged 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds, and has recently fallen out of Kattash’s rotation. According to reports from Israel, Maccabi is considering parting ways with Theis if another club is willing to take on his financial obligations. Partizan has also been mentioned in speculation as a potential destination, although there has been no confirmation of any concrete negotiations. Ahead of the game in Belgrade, Kattash indicated that Theis would most likely be available against Partizan but declined to commit to how many minutes he might play.
Maccabi has struggled badly, but it still has considerable offensive talent. The Israeli team averages 86.7 points per game and shoots considerably better from three-point range than Partizan, at 37 percent. Jimmy Clark has been in good individual form, while former Partizan guard Yam Madar is one of the team’s key playmakers. That talent can be dangerous if the game turns into an up-tempo contest with plenty of possessions and open shots.
Four Home Games Could Define Partizan’s November
Tonight’s game carries additional importance for Partizan because of the schedule ahead. After playing so many road games early in the season, Partizan will now play four consecutive Euroleague games in front of its own fans. Maccabi is followed by Baskonia next Wednesday, with Valencia and Besiktas visiting Belgrade afterward. At 4-5, Partizan effectively needs to beat both Maccabi and Baskonia to keep pace with the teams beginning to separate themselves near the top of the standings.
Captain Vanja Marinković returned to the court against Cluj in the ABA League after a lengthy absence, providing some welcome news for Partizan ahead of its home stretch. However, the team’s injury situation is still far from ideal, with Derek Willis and Tonye Jekiri sidelined, while Joan Peñarroya also spoke of certain concerns following the team’s most recent domestic competition game.
Maccabi’s defense gives Partizan an opportunity to break out of its offensive slump, but it will need contributions beyond Carlik Jones when opponents manage to contain him. That support was missing late against ASVEL and during key stretches against Žalgiris.
