The NBA 2024-25 season might be over, but basketball fever hasn’t cooled down. Now the focus shifts to Europe, where national teams are gearing up for the FIBA EuroBasket tournament, which tips off Aug. 27.
Before the real battles begin, countries are testing themselves in a series of friendlies, including an anticipated matchup between Greece and Israel. Here’s how to watch.
When and Where Is Greece vs. Israel?
The Hellenic Basketball Federation announced details for Greece’s preparation ahead of EuroBasket just days ago. Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland will co-host the tournament, prompting Greece to schedule several top-level exhibition games to prepare.
Greece and Israel will meet on August 10 at 1:30 p.m. ET in Limassol, Cyprus. This will be the first time the two teams will face each other in a summer friendly before the tournament.
Preparation games for FIBA EuroBasket 2025 🏆🏀
August 🔟
Germany 🇩🇪 vs Slovenia 🇸🇮
Bosnia 🇧🇦vs Montenegro 🇲🇪
Greece 🇬🇷 vs Israel 🇮🇱
Georgia 🇬🇪 vs Lithuania 🇱🇹
Cyprus 🇨🇾 vs Serbia🇷🇸
Poland 🇵🇱 vs Sweden🇸🇪— Fanzonebasket (@fanzonebasket) August 10, 2025
Fans worldwide can tune in through Courtside 1891, FIBA’s official streaming service. The service will also broadcast every EuroBasket game and additional exhibition contests.
A Look at the Players of the Game
Greece’s lone active NBA player on the roster is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last season, the Bucks star averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists and guided his team to a (48–34) record. Despite him averaging 33.0 points per game in the playoffs, Milwaukee’s campaign ended abruptly with a first-round exit to the Indiana Pacers.
GIANNIS GOES OFF, BUCKS CLINCH 5 SEED 🙌
32 PTS | 11 REB | 15 AST
His 4th triple-double in the last 5 games 🤯 pic.twitter.com/p6m75GAlTU
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2025
Israel, meanwhile, brings two NBA talents into the fold. Deni Avdija, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, posted 16.9 points per game last season, continuing his growth as a reliable scorer and playmaker.
Deni Avdija is underrated bro🔥pic.twitter.com/HfEHeGD58p
— ᴛʏʟᴇʀ (@blazersforreal) July 28, 2025
Joining him is Ben Saraf, the promising guard the Brooklyn Nets selected in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Play in This Game?
As much as fans would love to see Antetokounmpo in action, they might have to wait. The Greek Basketball Federation has confirmed that he will not suit up for this friendly, continuing a pattern from recent preparation games.
Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis explained that Antetokounmpo is “following a program we agreed on to be in the best shape for EuroBasket.” This is not an injury-related absence, but rather a strategic move.
However, Greece has been in fine form even without its biggest star. They recently notched back-to-back wins over Belgium (74–62) on Aug. 5 and (74–60) on Aug. 6, showcasing depth. With EuroBasket just weeks away, every friendly carries weight, not just for fine-tuning strategies but also for building chemistry.
