Dejan Radonjic: 'Hollins travels with us, but his chances to help us are small' / News - Basketnews.com

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Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade travel to Tel Aviv, where they will face Maccabi Playtika in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 2.

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade / Schedule

Fenerbahce Istanbul Crvena Zvezda Belgrade61-57 Maccabi Tel Aviv Crvena Zvezda BelgradeThu18:05

Last week the Red and Whites fought hard with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul despite having serious rotation troubles.

They defeated Buducnost VOLI Podgorica on Monday in the Adriatic League game, where Ognjen Dobric and Dejan Davidovac returned on the floor.

Regardless of the proven duo comeback (Davidovac has not played since the tournament in Munich, Dobric missed 3 months of basketball), Crvena Zvezda are still significantly weakened.

Belgrade club will be missing Branko Lazic (starts training in 7-10 days) and Aaron White.

Moreover, Austin Hollins sustained a minor injury in the last week's match in Turkey and did not play on Monday. Stefan Lazarevic suffered a severe fall against Buducnost.

"The situation in which we are preparing for this match is similar to before the game with Buducnost," said bench boss Dejan Radonjic.

"Austin Hollins travels with us, but the chances are small that he will help us. We have another 24 hours, but those possibilities are not great. Lazarevic recovered well. Maik Zirbes is still in isolation, while Aaron White is out. Lazic is doing certain exercises, the other players are fine.

A difficult match awaits us. Maccabi, led by Scottie Wilbekin, brought reinforcements of exceptional quality, they also signed new players who should compensate for Ante Zizic's injury. They have a great experience and a good team, which started with a victory.

According to the announcements, a full gym is waiting for us. That support is a significant impulse for them. Maccabi is an athletically good team that runs well, therefore we have to compensate for the weaknesses we have in order to be competitive in this game," finished the Montenegrin coach.

Zvezda point guard Nate Walters emphasized the special atmosphere in Menora Mivtachim Arena.

"A difficult schedule at the beginning of the season. We will have a game in a place where it is not easy to play. They have a good atmosphere, fans who are with the team and who give them a lot of energy," Walters said.

"We have to play good defense and reduce the number of lost balls to a minimum. That is the basis. They have a lot of great players, but everything starts from Wilbekin. We have to make his job as difficult as possible, without easy and open shots," added the American athlete.

Crvena Zvezda compete against Maccabi on October 7 in Tel Aviv.

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