By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A hand injury for Wenyen Gabriel shaped the latest setback for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.
The 27-year-old forward is considered doubtful to play for the Yellows versus Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Belgrade Arena on Friday.
After suffering a knee injury in the preseason and returning to action in early November, Gabriel made his way to nine games of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, including seven appearances in the starting lineup of Oded Kattash. However, he was limited to four minutes in the Round 16 fixture opposite Baskonia.
The international player with South Sudan and veteran of 166 NBA games had stitches in the locker room due to a cut in his hand and did not return to the game held in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Tuesday. From his exit during the first quarter at the top half of the two-game week to being labeled as questionable to play in Round 17 against Crvena Zvezda.
Introducing himself to Europe’s premier club continental competition, he averaged 5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest.
Besides Gabriel, Rafi Menco returned from Belgrade to Israel for personal reasons. Therefore, the 30-year-old forward is unavailable as well.
In addition, Jasiel Rivero remains on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
The remaining players are available as the team coached by Kattash meets the midway point of the 34-game schedule of the Regular Season. At 4-12, Maccabi is five games away from the Play-In Showdown zone.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net