<p>Zalgiris already know they can beat the high-flying Israeli side, having stunned Hapoel 93-80 in Tel-Aviv in late December. Now the Lithuanian giants welcome them to Zalgirio Arena, one of European basketball's most hostile environments, with both teams navigating contrasting form lines heading into Round 28.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>EuroLeague Regular Season (Round 28)</li> <li><strong>Venue:</strong> Zalgirio Arena, Kaunas, Lithuania</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, February 13, 2026</li> <li><strong>Start Time: </strong>5:00 AM AEDT (Friday)</li> </ul> <h2>Zalgiris vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>The head-to-head ledger is brief but emphatic. Zalgiris' 93-80 victory in December represents the only EuroLeague meeting between these clubs, given this is Hapoel's maiden campaign in Europe's top tier after their 2025 EuroCup triumph.</p> <p>Zalgiris are 6-4 in their last ten games, with that sequence including a commanding 104-87 demolition of Monaco at home. Hapoel currently sit third in the standings at 16-10 but are enduring a difficult stretch, having lost four straight games.</p> <p>Their most recent defeat came at home, with an 104-99 overtime loss to Valencia on February 5. Earlier, they were outscored 25-6 in the fourth quarter at Red Star Belgrade after leading 69-62 through three, eventually losing 87-75. Their 114-89 thrashing of Baskonia demonstrated their scoring power remains potent.</p> <h2>Williams-Goss Absence Tests Zalgiris Depth</h2> <p>Coach Kazys Maksvytis must navigate without guard Nigel Williams-Goss, who remains sidelined with a calf strain suffered in mid-January. The playmaker's absence puts additional pressure on Zalgiris' supporting cast, though their recent performances suggest depth is not an issue.</p> <p>Hapoel coach Stefanos Dedas has former EuroLeague MVP Vasilije Micic orchestrating his offence. The Serbian guard has been the catalyst for their impressive campaign, though forward Tomer Ginat is confirmed out with a bone bruise on his knee, having missed the last several weeks. Both sides enter with full weeks of preparation, eliminating fatigue as a factor.</p> <h2>Zalgiris vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv Betting Markets</h2> <p>The moneyline market prices this as a competitive affair, with Zalgiris' home court advantage balanced against Hapoel's superior league position. For the latest Zalgiris vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv odds and markets, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>Totals betting presents an intriguing proposition. While their December meeting produced 173 points and both teams average north of 86 PPG, Hapoel's road struggles and the significance of this fixture could produce a more measured, tactical contest. Player props on Micic and Zalgiris' leading scorers offer additional avenues for punters seeking alternatives to match outcomes.</p> <h2>Zalgiris vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>Zalgiris look capable of completing the double over Hapoel, while a tighter, more controlled contest should keep the total under 170.5 points.</p> <p>The December result was no fluke. Zalgiris imposed themselves physically on Hapoel that night, and the Zalgirio Arena factor only amplifies their chances.</p> <p>This 15,415-seat venue has been voted the EuroLeague's best arena by competing GMs, and its atmosphere regularly unsettles visiting teams. Hapoel's fourth quarter collapse against Red Star exposed their composure issues on the road.</p> <p>The unders angle makes sense given the stakes. Both coaches understand the tactical implications of this matchup, and Hapoel cannot afford to engage in the shootout they produced against Baskonia.</p> <p>Expect a more grinding affair where possessions are valued, defensive intensity rises for the television audience, and the final margin reflects the competitive nature of late-season EuroLeague basketball. Zalgiris' home court should prove the difference.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-the-nba">Everything you need to know before betting on basketball</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/nba-overtime-rules-explained">What happens when 48 minutes isn't enough?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nba/nba-news/nba-plus-minus-explained">The plus-minus stat and what it actually tells us</a></li> </ul>