EuroLeague Round 32 tips as fifth-placed Hapoel host struggling Bologna

Hapoel Tel Aviv have won their last three EuroLeague games and sit fifth in the standings with a 19-11 record, firmly in the playoff picture during their debut top-flight campaign. Virtus Bologna arrive stuck at 13-18, having dropped a home game to Partizan just last week. The reverse fixture in December ended 79-74 in Hapoel's favour, and the Israeli side look even stronger now.

1. Competition: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Round 32
2. Venue: Arena 8888, Sofia, Bulgaria (relocated Hapoel home game)
3. Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
4. Start Time: 6:05 AM AEDT (Friday, March 20)

Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Virtus Bologna Form and Head to Head

These two met for the first time in Round 12, with Hapoel claiming a 79-74 victory in Bologna. Daniel Oturu dominated that night with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Vasilije Micic chipped in 12 points to help seal a comeback road win.

Hapoel's recent run has been impressive. They beat Barcelona 80-75 on the road, thumped Olimpia Milano 92-86, and followed that up with a comprehensive 93-82 win over Paris Basketball on March 17. That three-game winning streak came on the back of a tough five-game losing run, showing the team's resilience and ability to bounce back when it matters.

Bologna's form reads like a rollercoaster. They picked up a 104-94 derby win over Milan in Lega A on March 15, but lost their EuroLeague home game to Partizan 88-82 four days earlier. Real Madrid also rolled them in Round 28. Carsen Edwards remains their primary threat, capable of erupting on any given night after his 36-point explosion against ASVEL earlier this season.

Micic and Oturu Firing on All Cylinders for Hapoel

Former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic has been the engine room for coach Dimitris Itoudis's side, consistently delivering in the biggest moments. His 18-point haul against Milano showed his class under pressure, and the playmaker has built a devastating partnership with centre Daniel Oturu, who has been one of the competition's most improved big men this season.

Elijah Bryant rounds out Hapoel's big three, averaging 15.5 points and 6 rebounds per game to sit among the league's top performers. For Bologna, Carsen Edwards and Derrick Alston Jr. carry the offensive load, but Dusko Ivanovic's side have struggled for consistency on the road, where their record sits well below .500 for the campaign.

Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Virtus Bologna Betting Markets

The market has Hapoel Tel Aviv as favourites, and it is hard to argue given the form gap between these two. Head to our odds page at Sportsbet for the latest prices on this EuroLeague clash.

The totals market looks interesting given recent scoring trends. Hapoel have topped 80 points in each of their last four EuroLeague outings, while Bologna's Lega A Milan derby produced a combined 198 points.

Both teams can score in bunches, and with nothing to play for defensively from Bologna's perspective, this could turn into an open contest. The overs look well worth a look given the combined scoring rates.

Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Virtus Bologna Prediction: Our Pick

Hapoel look set to continue their winning streak, and the points should flow in this one.

The numbers stack up convincingly. Hapoel already proved they can beat this Bologna side when they won 79-74 on the road in December, and they have improved significantly since then, rattling off wins against Barcelona, Milano and Paris in recent weeks.

With Micic, Bryant and Oturu all in rhythm, Hapoel carry too many scoring threats for a Bologna outfit sitting at 13-18. The venue shift to Sofia removes true home-court advantage, but Hapoel's travelling support has been strong throughout this relocated stretch.

The totals angle is equally compelling. Hapoel have scored 80-plus in four straight, Bologna put up 104 against Milan in their last outing, and both teams play at a pace that invites high-scoring affairs. The only risk is Ivanovic slowing the game down to keep it competitive, but Bologna's defensive inconsistencies suggest they cannot sustain that for 40 minutes. Back Hapoel to get the job done, and expect plenty of points along the way.

Keep Reading

• Everything you need to know before betting on basketball
• The plus-minus stat and what it actually tells us
• Point guard to centre — every position on the court explained