Week 4 is here; just like that, we’re already nearing the season's halfway point.

While some teams have hit their stride early, others are still trying to figure out how to play together. Could this be the week they finally turn the corner? We’re about to find out.

As always, before we jump into the matchups, let's keep our hearts and duas with the people of Palestine and all those across the Ummah facing hardship. May Allah grant them strength, victory, and relief.

Let’s get into some predictions !!

Jerusalem (0-3) vs Gaza (0-3)

On one side, we have Gaza, led by early MVP candidate Mahdy and arguably the best team in the league right now. On the other side, we’ve got Jerusalem, who unfortunately can be labeled as one of the worst teams to start the season.
Don’t get me wrong, this team doesn’t look bad on paper at all. They’ve got legit talent. But through the first three weeks, we haven’t seen them play a game where everyone’s shown up, not just physically, but figuratively …. Each week, at least one starter has been missing. So, we’ll cut them some slack for now. That being said, they’re expected to have their full squad this week.

As mentioned in last week’s preview, shooting/scoring is still a major concern, and with the trade deadline now passed, someone will need to step up and fill that void from within.

Meanwhile, Gaza has looked sharp to start the year, most recently erasing a 15+ point deficit to stay undefeated. Raza had his best game of the season and is emerging as the X-factor for this team. Muntsair also played a big role in the comeback, and Khaled did an excellent job creating for others and pushing the tempo.
While Jerusalem does have multiple players who can attempt to guard Mahdy, their lack of perimeter shooting and scoring is going to hurt, especially against a Gaza squad that is #1 in that category.

Gaza by 9

Baysan (3-0) Vs Areeha (3-0)

To start, I’ve got to give credit where it’s due: I did not expect Areeha to be playing this well. Even with Muj missing time early on, I didn’t really see the vision, but they’ve proven me wrong. They currently boast the best defense in the league, and offensively, everyone knows their role. Nick and Fursan have been leading the charge, while the OG Big O, even at his age, continues to be a near walking double-double.
On the Baysan side, they’ve been impressive in their own right. While their defense ranks around the middle of the pack, they’ve made up for it with consistent scoring and elite rebounding. Aadil and Sal form a strong frontcourt duo, though I’d love to see Sal used more like he was back in the summer season with Ramallah, where he thrived in a more dynamic role.

Adeeb has continued to struggle from the field, and that’s something Baysan will need to tighten up if they want to keep pace later in the season.
For now, though, they’re winning and that’s what matters most. That said, I’m giving the edge to Baysan in this one. Areeha has been great to start, but they haven't played a squad this well on O.

Baysan by 5

Haifa (1-2) Vs Rafah (1-2)

Not gonna lie, I thought we were in for another one-point heartbreak from Haifa.
They played solid overall, but the biggest improvement came on the defensive end, something that had been a concern early in the season. On the flip side, though, the offense was a bit shaky. Outside of Anas, they didn’t look too sharp. But when your 1A and 1B are Capone and Zubi, you’ll usually be fine.

Khalied had a decent game, and Nabil getting into early foul trouble is probably what kept the game closer than it needed to be. Newly acquired Medo looks like he’s going to be the one doing all the dirty work — and honestly, that’s exactly what this team needed.
On the other side, Safad also picked up their first win last week. While Hassan was out, the one-week rental, Towfeek came up clutch. Hashem Ahmad looks like a great addition, and both Jojo and Zubidi bounced back with solid performances. Oh, and they just added Habi, which tells you what kind of identity they’re going for: gritty, fast, and physical.

Don’t let their records fool you; both of these teams are way better than their standings suggest. They’re finally getting their rhythm, and this one should be a tough, scrappy battle.
Instead of another one-point loss, I think Haifa pulls this one out by one — and I’m calling it now: Capone has his best game of the season.
Haifa by 1.

Bir Seb’a (3-0) vs Sheikh Jarrah 0-3)

I thought Sheikh Jarrah had that last game in the bag; it was a tough, heartbreaking loss. Now they’ve got another strong opponent lined up, and they’ll need to play their best basketball to bounce back.
Mahrooz is going to have to be dominant in this one. I’m hoping to see him take over. At the very least, he should be putting up 17–18 shots a game. He’s way too talented to only be getting up 12 attempts.

On the flip side, Bir Seb’a might be cooking something up. I’m not sure if it’s confirmed yet, but there’s talk of a potential trade in the works that could make this team even better. It’s one of those under-the-radar deals that might catch people off guard, but if you have a chance to improve, you take it.

If it does go through, it’ll be interesting to see how the new piece fits in. The good news is that Ahmad and Lil O are incredibly adaptable — they complement just about anyone they play with. They don’t need a ton of touches, and they make everyone around them better.

Trade or not, I’m giving Bir Seb’a the edge this week. They’re a fun team to watch, they’ve been locked in defensively, and let’s not forget — Lil O just went off in Central, so he’s coming into this one hot!!

Bir Seb’a by 7

Yaffa (1-2) Vs Jenin (0-3)

Jenin has been pretty sloppy to start the season.
They haven’t looked great on either side of the ball and will need to seriously step it up heading into this matchup.

On the other hand, Yaffa made a solid move by adding Iddris, who had a decent debut. More importantly, he’s exactly what this squad needed — a floor spacer who takes pressure off Amir, especially when he’s looking to drive and kick. Even without Omar last week, Yaffa looked strong. Raj had his best game of the season, and if he can continue that level of play, he could easily become the team’s reliable second option.

As for Jenin, we’re still waiting on their frontcourt to break out. I’m sure they are too. They don’t stand much of a chance in any game unless they get 18+ points from both guards, along with a solid outing from Ammer Koyas.
Unfortunately, I think Jenin stays winless this week — their defense continues to be just as concerning as their offense…….

Yaffa by 8

Khan Yunis (1-2) Vs Deir Al-Balah (3-0)

Big Moose vs Mana!!!!

I’ve been a little disappointed with how this Khan Yunis squad has started the season. Sitting at 1–2, both of their losses have come by small margins — but I’m still confident they’ll be just fine, especially when you’ve got a Top 3 player in the league leading the way.
They’ve been the best 3-point shooting team so far, while also leading the league in assists and, more importantly, rebounding, which matters a ton when you’re going up against someone like Mana.
They were without Moayad last week, which left Musa carrying the entire load. Another clear-cut MVP candidate, but even he can’t do it all on his own.
On the Deir Al-Balah side, with Mana already mentioned, they arguably have the most complete starting five in the league. Ehsan has been phenomenal to start the season and is proving to be a legit three-level scorer. Elias is having his best season yet, and Amir is quietly averaging 10+ points per game while shooting over 40% from three!
To me, this is easily the Game of the Week. It’s going to be high scoring, but with Balah having a little more versatility when it comes to scoring, they'll ultimately take this one.

Al Balah by 4

Safad (1-2) vs Nazareth(1-2)

After a trade that struck the MB world by surprise Safad is looking to get back into the win column after back-to-back losses. Not sure trading away a player of Shahzaib’s caliber will result in an instant win but getting back Islam Abbassi and Hassan Farhat may boost team morale.

Nazareth on the other side are facing problems of their own with Shafic pulling a Dennis Rodman and taking vacations in between games, hoping to come back rejuvenated and youthful again.
Nazareth has the two best players on the court and I think wins this game.
Nazareth by 9

Another week of predictions in the books, hope y'all enjoy, and until the next time, BrokenOne out!
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#StriveForAchiness