Olympiacos Edges Hapoel Tel Aviv to Clinch Home-Court Advantage for EuroLeague Playoffs

Olympiacos Piraeus secured a pivotal victory on the road Thursday, defeating Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv 89-85 in a high-stakes Round 37 clash. The result, finalized at Arena Sofia on April 9, 2026, serves as a cornerstone for the Greek powerhouse as they solidify their positioning heading into the postseason.

The win marks the completion of a perfect double-round week for Olympiacos, a stretch of dominance that ensures the club maintains home-court advantage for the upcoming EuroLeague Playoffs. In a league where the venue can dictate the momentum of a series, securing the right to host critical games in Piraeus is a massive tactical win.

The Defining Performance: Micic Leads the Way

While the final score suggests a tight contest, the game was anchored by the poise and production of Vasilije Micic. Identified as the top player of the match, Micic provided the veteran leadership and scoring punch necessary to navigate a hostile atmosphere at Arena Sofia.

Hapoel Tel Aviv fought valiantly to keep the game within reach, pushing the score to 85-89 by the final buzzer. However, Olympiacos’ ability to execute in the closing moments proved the difference. The four-point margin reflects a game of runs, but the Greek side’s consistency during the double-round week has been the overarching story of their current form.

For those following the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, this matchup underscores the growing competitiveness of Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, though they ultimately fell short against an Olympiacos squad operating at peak efficiency.

Playoff Implications and Standings

The victory is about more than just a single win in the standings. By outlasting Hapoel, Olympiacos has effectively removed a layer of uncertainty regarding their playoff seeding. Home-court advantage in the EuroLeague is often the deciding factor in best-of-five series, reducing travel fatigue and leveraging the intense support of the Piraeus faithful.

This Round 37 result caps off a critical phase of the normal season. For Hapoel, the loss is a setback, but the competitive nature of the game suggests they remain a formidable opponent for any team in the bracket.

With the normal season winding down, the focus now shifts entirely to the playoff brackets. Olympiacos enters the next phase with significant momentum and the psychological edge of knowing their home floor is protected.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the league will be the official release of the playoff matchups and the schedule for the first round of the postseason. Fans can follow official updates via the EuroLeague official website.

Do you think home-court advantage will be the deciding factor in this year’s playoffs? Let us know your predictions in the comments.