By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Relocating the meeting of Anadolu Efes and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Euroleague Basketball set the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 26 affair in Riga. Latvia will host a EuroLeague contest for the first time in the modern era of Europe’s premier club continental competition.
The decision was announced on Friday.
Per the press release: “The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 26 game between Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, scheduled for February 8, will be played at Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia, instead of Istanbul as originally scheduled.
This decision has been taken considering Turkish and Israel government recommendations.”
At 9-13, the team based in Istanbul is two games away from the Play-In zone. After taking on AS Monaco in Sinan Erdem Dome today and looking for a third straight win, the double-game week schedule features an away fixture opposite Zalgiris and a home contest versus EA7 Emporio Armani Milan next Wednesday and Friday, respectively. Bouncing back from a sluggish start to the 2023-24 season, Erdem Can’s side hopes to sneak in the postseason.
With the Yellows playing home games behind closed doors in Belgrade and away games against Turkish clubs in neutral venues with fans in attendance, a 13-10 record lands them narrowly inside the top six spots leading to a direct ticket to the Playoffs. Before facing Efes, the team coached by Oded Kattash visits Real Madrid and Baskonia in a two-game week next Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net