Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
Shandong Heroes by 13Here is a heads up before we dive in. On one end of the court, we have Jiangsu Dragons who have been struggling this season, occupying the 19th spot out of 25 in the CBA. On the other end, we have the Shandong Heroes who snatched the 5th position showing promise and consistency. It's like comparing apples and locomotives - not even in the same category.
Let's talk players for a moment. Dragons’ Archie Goodwin has been truly on fire compared to his compatriots with his last month stats showing 26.2 points per game, 6.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists. They also have James Thompson and Zexi Liu pitching in decent numbers but nothing beyond the realm of earthly possibilities.
Switch to Shandong Heroes land, Marquese Chriss and Jarmar Gulley are leading the charge with their latest stats showing 21.8 and 18.6 points respectively. My grandma watches their highlights before she hits the gym, that's how inspirational they are!
Past games between these teams have seen a lot of sweat, blood and possibly tears, mostly from the Dragons' side. They've been consistently outperformed by the Heroes and it's been as predictable as the sunrise mostly.
Add to it recent results, Dragons have less wins on their plate than a vegan at a barbecue. On the flip side, the Heroes haven't been invincible but they've shown stickiness, especially against teams like Zhejiang Golden Bulls and Guangzhou Loong Lions.
So, summing up all these pieces of the puzzle - the key players, the clash history, and recent form alongside their ranks in the standings. I'd say, only if Shandong's key players decide to play blindfolded, there's a chance for Jiangsu Dragons. But unless you're betting on a miracle on hardwood, it's safer to put your money on a Shandong win at this stage.
Albert’s Prediction: Shandong Heroes by 13.