Hapoel Tel-Aviv vs Hapoel Beer Sheva on 24 January
The upcoming Superleague showdown between Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Hapoel Beer Sheva on January 24th promises to be a gripping encounter. Both teams are positioned in the upper echelons of the league, with their respective playoff hopes riding heavily on this result. With Tel-Aviv’s balanced style of play and Beer Sheva’s fast-paced offense, this game will undoubtedly have high stakes and plenty of thrilling moments. But it’s not just about who comes out on top—it's about which team can impose their will on the game and exploit their opponent's weaknesses.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hapoel Tel-Aviv enters this contest in excellent form, having won four of their last five games. Their success is largely attributed to a robust half-court offense and a disciplined defensive setup. They rely on a mix of pick-and-rolls, isolation plays for their star players, and solid perimeter shooting to stretch the defense. On the defensive end, they excel at closing out on shooters and forcing turnovers through high-pressure ball denial. In terms of statistics, Tel-Aviv ranks in the top half of the league for field goal percentage (48.3%) and three-point shooting (35.6%). These numbers suggest that their offense is efficient, but not necessarily explosive—rather, they prefer to take their time and play within the flow of their system. The team’s rebounding is another key strength, especially on the offensive glass, where they average a league-leading 12.7 offensive rebounds per game. Key players such as forward Deni Avdija, who has been instrumental in both scoring and playmaking, will be pivotal in the game’s outcome. His ability to create mismatches in the post and stretch the floor with his shooting is a crucial asset. Meanwhile, center Johnathan Williams has been dominant in the paint, averaging 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, providing both defensive presence and finishing ability inside. However, Tel-Aviv will be without point guard Yovel Zoosman, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. This absence might force the team to adjust their offensive flow and place more responsibility on Avdija to handle the ball and facilitate the offense.
Hapoel Beer Sheva: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hapoel Beer Sheva, on the other hand, has been in strong form recently, winning four of their last five contests, with a particular emphasis on fast breaks and transition offense. Their offensive game revolves around pushing the tempo, looking to get easy baskets off turnovers or quick rebounds. Beer Sheva’s ball movement is among the best in the league, with the team averaging 25.1 assists per game, which ranks third in the Superleague. Their shooting efficiency, particularly from deep, has been stellar—ranking 2nd in the league for three-point percentage at 37.8%. Statistically, Beer Sheva excels in pace—averaging 101.4 points per game, the highest in the league. Their ability to score quickly and put pressure on defenses has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the league this season. They also have a solid defensive unit, although their defensive efficiency has been slightly lower than Tel-Aviv's, sitting just outside the top 5 in the league. Key players like point guard J’Covan Brown, who has been electric in pushing the pace and distributing the ball, are vital to their chances. Brown's speed and court vision allow him to break down defenses and create open looks for teammates. Forward Markel Starks has also been a revelation, averaging 21.3 points per game, with his ability to score from anywhere on the floor making him a constant threat. Beer Sheva will rely on their high tempo to exploit Tel-Aviv's defense, which can occasionally struggle against quick transitions. However, Beer Sheva faces a major concern with the injury of starting center Ziv Erez, who is out for the next couple of weeks due to a hamstring issue. Erez’s absence will leave a void in the paint, both on offense and defense. Without his rim protection and rebounding ability, the team will need to make adjustments, especially on the boards, where Tel-Aviv will look to capitalize.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five meetings, Hapoel Tel-Aviv has had the upper hand, winning four of those contests. The games have typically been hard-fought affairs, with Tel-Aviv’s defensive prowess often stifling Beer Sheva’s offensive flow. Their most recent encounter, back in November, saw Tel-Aviv take a 98-89 victory, where they controlled the tempo and limited Beer Sheva’s fast-break opportunities. However, it’s worth noting that Beer Sheva’s one victory in this stretch came in an overtime thriller, proving that when they are firing on all cylinders, they can be just as dangerous. Psychologically, the nature of these encounters is becoming a bit of a rivalry, with each team keen to prove their superiority in the Superleague. This will add an emotional layer to the match, especially with both teams looking to stay competitive in the title race. Beer Sheva, in particular, will be motivated to overcome their recent struggles against Tel-Aviv and prove they are capable of going toe-to-toe with the league’s best.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key matchup to watch will be in the paint, where the battle between Tel-Aviv’s Johnathan Williams and Beer Sheva’s Markel Starks will be pivotal. Williams’ rebounding ability and rim protection will be critical in stifling Beer Sheva’s fast break and limiting their second-chance opportunities. At the other end, Starks’ ability to score in a variety of ways will force Williams to play both defense and offense, demanding a complete performance from the Tel-Aviv center. Another crucial zone to monitor is the perimeter. With Zoosman absent, Tel-Aviv will need others to step up in terms of ball movement and perimeter shooting. Players like Jake Cohen and Jalen Adams will have to knock down open shots to maintain offensive balance. For Beer Sheva, the perimeter defense will need to be on point, as they cannot afford to give Tel-Aviv’s shooters room to get hot.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given both teams’ current forms and playing styles, expect a high-paced, intense game. Tel-Aviv will aim to slow things down, controlling the tempo through solid defense and half-court execution. They will look to punish Beer Sheva on the boards and keep them from getting easy transition baskets. On the other hand, Beer Sheva will try to push the pace and disrupt Tel-Aviv’s rhythm with quick breaks and outside shooting. The absence of Yovel Zoosman for Tel-Aviv will undoubtedly be felt, as they will lack their primary playmaker in the backcourt. This will make their offense more predictable and place additional pressure on their other guards to create offense. However, Tel-Aviv’s strong defensive scheme and rebounding advantage should be enough to control the game and keep Beer Sheva from exploiting their weaknesses. In terms of key metrics, look for Tel-Aviv to dominate the boards (especially offensive rebounds), while Beer Sheva will look to generate more assists and a higher number of fast-break points. The final result will likely hinge on whether Beer Sheva can execute their transition game and hit enough perimeter shots to offset Tel-Aviv’s superior defensive and rebounding efforts. Expect a narrow win for Hapoel Tel-Aviv, with a final scoreline of around 92-87, as they grind out a hard-fought victory.
Final Thoughts
This matchup will answer the critical question: Can Hapoel Tel-Aviv withstand the fast tempo of Hapoel Beer Sheva and still come away with a victory, or will Beer Sheva’s high-octane offense prove too much to handle on the road? The answer will likely determine who continues to lead the charge in the Superleague playoff race.
