By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
As the clock ticks toward tip-off for a Game 4 at Arena Botevgrad, Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv finds itself navigating a profound injury crisis.
Facing a 2–1 deficit in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Playoffs, opposite Real Madrid, the Israeli side confirmed a depleted roster for Thursday evening’s must-win clash. The most significant blow comes from the backcourt, as Antonio Blakeney has been ruled out after sustaining a calf muscle tear. His absence leaves a massive void in the offensive engine at the worst possible moment, as the team coached by Dimitris Itoudis will have to find a way to replace his consistent production of 13.2 points per game averaged so far this season.
The infirmary is crowded beyond Blakeney. Collin Malcolm remains sidelined as he continues to struggle with a calf muscle strain that forced him to miss Game 3. Joining them on the injury list is Itay Segev, who is currently managing a painful back contusion. These absences further thin a rotation already reeling from long-term losses in Tomer Ginat following his knee surgery and Tyler Ennis, whose season ended prematurely in Round 20 due to an Achilles tear.
עדכון לגבי סגל הקבוצה למשחק הרביעי בסדרת הפלייאוף הערב (21:00) מול ריאל מדריד:
אנטוניו בלייקני סובל מקרע בשריר התאומים.
קולין מלקולם סובל ממתיחה בשריר התאומים.
איתי שגב סובל מחבלה בגב.שלושת השחקנים לא יעמדו לרשות הצוות המקצועי למשחק הערב.
נמשיך לעדכן במצבם.ים מדר וגיא פלטין… pic.twitter.com/WNdZuwUlAc
— Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) May 7, 2026
However, in perhaps a crucial boost to their depth, both Yam Madar and Guy Palatin have been cleared to play, after missing Game 3 due to hand injury and foot inflammation, respectively.
Madrid enters the contest with their own significant personnel loss, as they remain without defensive anchor Walter Tavares, following an MCL tear in the opening minutes of Game 1.
Sergio Scariolo’s side holds the series lead and remains one win away from securing a spot in the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad.