Back Home: Hapoel Hosts Hapoel Be'er Sheva Tonight

After opening the league season with a win and maintaining a perfect record in the EuroCup, Hapoel returns home for its first game of the season at Pais Arena against Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona (20:15, Sport 5PLUS). Also tonight: the unveiling of our Memorial Stand. Everything you need to know ahead of the game >>

We've been waiting for this moment. After weeks of preparation, away games, flights and long journeys, we're finally coming home. Tonight (Saturday, 20:15, live on Sport 5PLUS), we'll take the court at Pais Arena for the first time this league season as we host Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona in Round 2. Following a strong start to the domestic campaign and three wins from three games in the EuroCup, Saša Obradovi?'s team will look to carry that momentum into its first game in front of the home crowd. But beyond the points and the standings, there's something special about the first home game of the season. Seeing the stands fill up again, hearing your voices and bringing back the atmosphere that only we can create together.

It's not too late to join us! Get your tickets here!

We head into tonight's game on the back of a successful week, which began last Sunday in Holon. We opened our league campaign with an impressive 92-69 road victory, delivering a strong team performance, particularly in the second half. After a relatively close first half, we raised our defensive intensity, took control of the boards and pulled away to secure a convincing win. Jaleen Smith and Kenny Lofton Jr. led the scoring with 15 points each, Dušan Mileti? recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Ethan Burg and Nimrod Levi contributed 12 points apiece. Beyond the numbers, it was a game in which we received valuable contributions from several players, highlighting the depth and versatility of our roster this season.

From there, we moved on to our next challenge, this time on the European stage. On Wednesday, we traveled to Burgos for our third EuroCup game and came away with a dramatic 85-84 victory, keeping our perfect 3-0 record intact. Unlike the game in Holon, this time we faced a determined opponent that kept fighting until the final seconds. Kenny led the way with 28 points, a performance that later earned him EuroCup Round 3 MVP honors, while Shake Milton knocked down a crucial three-pointer in the closing minutes. After a tense finish, we managed to hold on and secure another important road win. Now, following two consecutive away games in the space of four days, we're back at Pais Arena looking to extend our winning streak and remain unbeaten in domestic competition.

EuroCup Round 3 MVP. Kenny Lofton Jr.

Tonight's opponents, Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Dimona, opened their league campaign with an 82-95 home defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv and will be looking for their first win of the season. We're already familiar with the team from the Negev, having faced them just a month ago in the Winner Cup, a game that ended in our favor. Our home record against Be'er Sheva is also on our side, but every game presents a new challenge. After a demanding week and a tough battle in Spain, we'll be looking to bring the same defensive intensity, teamwork and energy that have characterized our recent performances, and open our home campaign with a victory.

A familiar opponent. Shake Milton against Be'er Sheva

And now, to something far more important than basketball: During tonight's game, we will unveil our Memorial Stand, a special tribute honoring 46 Hapoel supporters who lost their lives in Israel's wars and acts of terrorism. The stand will become a permanent part of Pais Arena, reminding us at every home game of those who can no longer be with us in the stands, but who will forever remain part of the Hapoel family. We invite all our supporters to arrive early, take their seats and join us for this meaningful moment. Your presence means more than ever tonight.

After all the preparations, journeys and games away from home, it's finally time to return to where we belong. A new season, a new team, and the same incredible red crowd that has always been there for us. We can't wait to see you at Pais Arena.