By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lithuanian point guard Rokas Jokubaitis has been cleared to play by Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.
Recovering from a fractured thumb, he has been registered by the Yellows for Round 4 of Israel’s Winner League Regular Season and the away game versus Elitzur Briga Netanya on Saturday. Barring a setback, he will return to action and from there also be available for the upcoming double-game week of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
In addition, Wenyen Gabriel rejoined his teammates in Israel and will resume training over the next few days. The 27-year-old South Sudanese big was stuck to the injury list with knee issues since a setback late in the preseason schedule. Depending on his reaction during practice, he will be evaluated by the medical and coaching staff to potentially play in the two-game week.
In contrast, Israeli guard Tamir Blatt dealing with a hamstring tear remains sidelined, heading to the next domestic challenge and the EuroLeague games against Fenerbahce Beko in Zalgirio Arena on Tuesday and against Real Madrid in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Thursday.
At 2-3 following five outings in the 2024-25 installment of Europe’s premier club continental competition, Maccabi is half a game away from the spots leading to the Play-In Showdown and one game behind the direct tickets to the Playoffs. With plenty of room in the 34-game double-legged round-robin schedule to recover, head coach Oded Kattash opened up about incoming reinforcements after a losing effort opposite Zalgiris on Thursday evening.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net