Before we get things started, we must take a moment to remember our brothers and sisters suffering around the world. Day in and day out, the atrocities committed against the Muslim world go unnoticed and are swept under the rug. We all are aware of the situation happening in Palestine but I urge everyone to become well- versed on the matter and on other current events taking place. We must equip ourselves with the knowledge to defend the truth, even in these dark times. Take time to read up on the recent history of the Muslim countries, why we find ourselves in such a bleak situation, and how we can use this to correct our personal goals and endeavors.

On to more trivial matters, we are back for Week 8 and the postseason is right around the corner. Although records may not show, the Crystal Ball believes that this season is up in the air, and an argument can be made for most teams to make a deep run into the postseason tournament, and maybe go all the way. Let’s get into this weeks action.

Nablus - Bethlehem:

After overhearing part of the podcast, it seems that Bethlehem will be without Ahmad Chaabane this week. That leads to Adam Daoud being the primary defender on Ali Hassan. Bethlehem is a smoothly operating offensive team and they use their speed to run teams off the court. This week, they have a Mana issue but they also have an issue where the team they are playing could possibly run with them. Although Nablus may be one piece short of Bethlehem in terms of depth, Ali Hassan and Omar Mana may be the only duo that overshadow the talent of Shafic and Mahdy. The way these teams game plan to stop the opposite duo will be key in this game. I think Ali Hassan may take the role of guarding Mahdy with Mana playing strong safety in the paint and being ready to close out on Ali Sufian, who comes off a perfect shooting performance. I think this game is closer than meets the eye, especially with Ahmad out.

Nablus by 3

Al-Balah - Qalqilya:

Qalqilya is undefeated no more but they are still right at the top of the league and feel that they lost that game more than Yaffa won it, shoutout Russell Westbrook. Coming into this week, they will face Al-Balah who have now reloaded and put together nice pieces around Hassan. Elias and Idris now have Ishaq and Hassan Farhat to round out their starting 5. Although it’s a nice starting 5, I think Qalqilya doesn’t get enough credit for their mobility around the court. They may not have a real big, but Shahzaib, Ish and Deep do a great job of helping Omar Sehwail down low. The key for this team moving forward is what version of Kareem Ahmed they will get in their future games. If he can lock in and provide scoring and stout defense, they have the most complete starting 5. It is a somewhat big IF tho. Either way, this game will be gritty in my opinion, and I think Qalqilya won’t allow themselves to lose two in a row.

Qalqilya by 4

Al-Quds - Qibya:

Not having Farhad is a big loss for Qibya which was noticeable last week. However, when he’s there, they have a puncher's chance if they are disciplined enough to work it out. Al-Quds has been lackluster as the season has progressed and they were stifled by a zone last week, which is surprising because Zain does well in breaking down zones. They may be lacking significant and confident shooters on the outside, which has been my big reason as to why they have been slow on offense. I think this game comes down to Mahrooz and Moayad because they could really put their imprint on the game as they may have favorable matchups. Both must stay as aggressive as possible with Zain having his hands full keeping up with Farhad on both sides. Then again, Mahrooz may take up the Farhad assignment, and let Zain sit help. There are mismatches on both sides of the court and the exploitation of such matchups will be huge. I think Qibya can muscle this one out, but they won’t because I think they are lacking something intangible. Al-Quds will be consistent throughout the game and probably keep a decent distance as the game goes on.

Al-Quds by 7

Al-Bireh - Khan Yunis:

Both teams come off of a tough loss last week, and both were uncharacteristic. I think Al-Bireh was the more disappointing one though. When the trade was made, it seemed that all the issues had been ironed out. The more this team plays, the less chemistry they have shown. It will be an uphill climb from here on out with a lot of guys that are talented but I’m sure they can figure things out. So far, they’ve been too ball dominant and it has led to a lot of stagnant, quick offensive possessions. Do that too often and Khan Yunis will exploit that easily. That is the key here more than the specific matchups. If Khan Yunis is without Chaarkas, I’d really like to see Capone do what we know he can. We knock other players for their passiveness and I think Capone has been going through the motions for many of the games he has played. Rather than taking what is presented to him, I believe he can force his way and carve what he wants on the offensive side. This doesn’t have to be with the ball either. Regardless, this is a solid matchup and will be competitive if Al-Bireh can play team basketball. The Crystal Ball doesn’t think so.

Khan Yunis by 8

Safad - Al-Wehdat:

Safad may use this win as motivation for taking the next step and becoming a competitive team in this season. They have the personnel, but they have not gelled well enough to be consistent. Last week they took advantage of a shorthanded Qibya team, which should help their confidence. However, Al-Wehdat also looked good and got a much needed win against Nablus, staving them off. I think Al-Wehdat is a big team but Safad matches up pretty well with them. Raza must be more aggressive, and I think Jake could also offer more on both sides of the ball. If Al-Wehdat starts the game strong and keeps their foot on the gas, I think they have more consistent options to get them a needed bucket. However, their lack of awareness or will could lead to Safad gaining confidence and getting hot. I think Deeb and Malik Zubi are two big keys for Safad grabbing a win in this one. However, I will stay on the safe side and choose Al-Wehdat.

Al-Wehdat by 2

Yaffa - Ramallah:

Well, last game of the week and quite possibly matchup of the week. Ramallah has lost two games this season by one possession, so they are as close to 7-0 as anyone in the league. Yaffa had luck on their side and Musa took advantage of some lapses in defense to propel them to a victory. This week will be a different matchup for Yaffa as Ramallah cancels out one of Yaffas strengths in rebounding or size. Ramallah also has two strong and capable guards that will give the Yaffa guards a lot to deal with and will test their resolve. This game may come down to which team hits key shots, makes the extra effort on defense and comes with a better defensive scheme. Ramallah played some zone last week, so it will be interesting to see if they do the same this week and leave Yaffas streaky shooters with a bit of space. This game will show a lot about both teams and may come down to the wire. An unsung hero from either side may be a big difference in a game like this.

Yaffa by 1

As always, this ain’t Lonzo Ball, this ain’t Lavar Ball, this is the Crystal Ball