Not enough can be said about this clash of titans between the Qingdao Eagles and the Shanghai Sharks. Let's crunch the numbers, shall we?
The Qingdao Eagles are flying high with the dynamic duo of Myles Powell and Ruize Wang who cooked up last season with averages of 25.5 and 17.6 points per game respectively. Don't forget the ever-reliable operation cleanup, Akil Mitchell, who bounced around with an impressive 10.4 rebounds per game last season.
The Shanghai Sharks, on the other hand, are banking on their own pair of ace performers. Devante Wilson has been blitzing the court last month averaging 22.0 points and 11.0 rebounds, earning his paychecks there. And then we have Zhelin Wang, who is far from a slouch with 19.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season.
Looking at past encounters, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Remember 'The Sharks' managed to outscore 'The Eagles' 106-94 last go around in March this year - a game that surely keeps the Qingdao coach awake at night.
Records speak volumes too. The Shanghai Sharks are having a rocky start this season with a disappointing 0-1 while Qingdao Eagles set a positive tone starting with a win.
But let's face it, the league standings say it all. Qingdao nestles comfortably in the middle of the pack at 9 while Shanghai is sinking fast at 17. Not where any self-respecting Shark wants to be.
Albert’s Prediction: Qingdao Eagles by 7