Hapoel Netehanel Holon - Trapani Shark Preview & Where to Watch

• → Game to take place at Arena SamElyon, Samokov (Bulgaria) on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 18:45 Local Time (EET)
• → Form check: Holon beat Bursaspor in the BCL (Zalmanson 23) but were routed by Hapoel Tel Aviv domestically; Trapani upset Tenerife on the road in Europe, then fell to Varese in Serie A.
• → Context: Play-ins opener at a neutral site. Holon have won four straight BCL games vs Italian teams; Trapani’s road games in Europe have all been tight.

One-and-done battle, shot-makers on cue

Holon lean on perimeter decision-making and first-shot efficiency rather than volume on the glass. Derrick Walton Jr. is their metronome, dishing out 6.8 assists per game, whilst Jordan McRae is the Israeli's main scoring option. Idan Zalmanson’s touch inside forces help without bogging down tempo. They don’t chase many second chances in the BCL (bottom three in second-chance scoring), so spacing, turnover control, and free-throw pressure are the levers.

Rebound discipline and road poise

Trapani’s defensive board work travels: they’ve allowed the fewest second-chance points per game in the competition (tied with Rytas) and have already banked two BCL road wins, each decided by six or fewer. J.D. Notae has been a live-wire away from home (24+ in both BCL road outings with nine total threes). The Georgia native has been struggling with flu, and missed Trapani's last game against Varese, at a time where the Sicilians have also lost Timmy Allen to PAOK. Will the Squali be able to shake off organizational challenges and hit the road with a statement?

What could swing it

• Possession economy: Holon’s first-shot quality vs Trapani’s elite box-outs. If the visitors keep it one-and-done, they dictate tempo.
• Guard heaters: Notae’s road scoring runs vs Walton/McRae’s control; a single hot stretch may flip a quarter.
• Foul math on the interior: If Zalmanson draws early whistles, Holon get to their substitution rhythm and the stripe; if not, Trapani can stay small and quick on the perimeter.

Stakes

Game 1 leverage in a best-of-three. Holon want a neutral-court hold to avoid a must-win in Sicily; Trapani are chasing another statement road result to tilt the series toward the Round of 16.

How to watch Hapoel Netanel Holon vs Trapani Shark

Watch Hapoel Netanel Holon vs Trapani Shark live from Arena SamElyon on Courtside 1891 — free with a Courtside 1891 Plus account.