Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
Shanxi Loongs by 15Ladies and gentlemen, we've got what might just qualify as a David versus Goliath clash in the offing. Yes, folks, it's the Ningbo Rockets taking on the Shanxi Loongs in the upcoming Chinese Basketball Association grudge match. I've been nosing around some data and there are quite a few nuggets of interest here.
Ningbo Rockets have the likes of ball meteorites Jordan Howard and Nick Rakocevic on their roster. Of course, their statistics for the last month would have you believe they've been on an extended vacation, but word on the street is they've been playing at a level that's through the roof this season. They sure are an interesting paradox.
On the other hand, the Shanxi Loongs, backed by the power figures, Brandon Goodwin and Shuai Yuan, have been sizzling on the court. Shanxi seems charged and in form, with Goodwin rallying up an impressive average of 41 points per game in the last month. Xiao Bai’s actions speak louder than words they say, and Goodwin is out there proving it right.
Looking back at those old history books, the past matchups between these two have seen the Shanxi Loongs just edging out the Rockets. So we know that the Rockets are in for a rocky ride, pun very much intended. The going gets even harder when you consider current league standings as well. While the Loongs are roaring at position 5, the Rockets lag behind at number 15 in the CBA. You don't have to be a math whiz to recognize that's a considerable gap.
If we go by recent games, Ningbo's results wouldn't have them feeling rainbows and butterflies, with some pretty prominent losses against Tianjin Pioneers and Zhejiang Golden Bulls. Conversely, those Loongs have been producing some fiery finishes, shaking off the competition from Guangdong Southern Tigers and Nanjing Monkey Kings.
In conclusion, while I support the idea of rooting for the underdog, I must strongly advise against that notion this time. The rockets have lifted off, but it seems Shanxi Loongs are already on the moon. So, without lining my words with silver, here's:
Albert’s Prediction: Shanxi Loongs by 15