Maccabi beat Real Madrid 98-86 in overtime in a thrilling final last season but saw their coach David Blatt leave to take charge of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers in June.
Blatt's assistant Guy Goodes has since taken the helm and the change does not appear to have affected the play of the Israeli side, who secured a comfortable triumph to begin the tournament largely thanks to guards Jeremy Pargo (20 points) and MarQuez Haynes (15 points)
"I think we knew the importance of the game, the first game of the Euroleague at home," Goodes said.
"We wanted to start the right way. There were moments where we didn't play tough defence but in the end I am happy with the result."
While Maccabi emerged victorious there was disappointment for Galatasaray, who reached the quarter-finals last term, the Turkish team defeated 76-68 by Crvena Zvezda Telekom.
A double-double from centre Boban Marjanovic was the key to the Belgrade outfit's victory as he racked up 22 points and 10 rebounds to seal victory for the hosts.
Another of last year's quarter-finalists Olympiacos held off Valencia to emerge with a 71-68 win as three successful late free-throw attempts from Kostas Sloukas (14 points) settled an enthralling contest in the Greek side's favour.
Elsewhere, Anadolu Efes overcame UNICS 82-76 and Unicaja were 78-63 winners over Cedevita.