Real Madrid-Baskonia: three games this week at the WiZink Center
The Euroleague leaders play the first of this week's double-header against Spanish teams (8:45pm CET).
Tonight marks the start of an intense week for Real Madrid at the WiZink Center, which is gearing up to host three games in six days. Today, Baskonia come to town in the first of a Euroleague double-header against Spanish opponents. On Thursday, the team take on Valencia Basket, before hosting Bilbao Basket in the league on Sunday. Chus Mateo's boys are looking for a sixth successive win in European competition.
Our team took the Euroleague top spot last week with victory at Asvel as Olympiacos fell to defeat in Milan. Level on wins with the Greek side and Barça, but having played one game fewer, today marks the start of eight games, plus the postponed fixture against Anadolu, in which to defend their place at the summit. Tonight's rival also sits in a playoff place and will be hoping to stay there after what has been an impressive season. Chus Mateo's team come into the match on a five-match winning streak, their second best run this term, while the Vitoria outfit smashed Valencia Basket last time out to bring an end to two losses on the bounce.
Our team took the Euroleague top spot last week with victory at Asvel as Olympiacos fell to defeat in Milan. Level on wins with the Greek side and Barça, but having played one game fewer, today marks the start of eight games, plus the postponed fixture against Anadolu, in which to defend their place at the summit. Tonight's rival also sits in a playoff place and will be hoping to stay there after what has been an impressive season. Chus Mateo's team come into the match on a five-match winning streak, their second best run this term, while the Vitoria outfit smashed Valencia Basket last time out to bring an end to two losses on the bounce.
Games between these two teams tend to be high-scoring. Baskonia boast the second best offense in the competition 86.4, while we follow close behind 84.2. In defense, we hold the edge, conceding 76.9 to our opponents' 83.2 per game, so that is sure to be decisive factor in the result. Joan Peñarroya's team revolve around their three-point shooting they attempt and score more than any other and the counter-attack. Their rebound isn't bad either, so it will be a tough test for our squad, who top the league in this area. The small guys Howard and Thompson keep their team ticking offer in offense, while Musa, Deck and Tavares are the madridistas biggest threat, although the center will miss out after he picked up an injury against Asvel.
WiZink Center to play its part
The Palacio is set to be a crucial factor for our boys in the closing stretch of the Regular Season. Of our nine remaining games, five will come a home. A court where we have won the last 9 across the League and Euroleague - and one where remaining unbeaten would guarantee a strong finish in the table heading into the playoffs. Of course, we still face three tough away days at Anadolu Efes, Partizan and Maccabi, all of whom are playing to finish in the top eight. Tonight, Baskonia's first visit to the WiZink Center this season.
WiZink Center to play its part
The Palacio is set to be a crucial factor for our boys in the closing stretch of the Regular Season. Of our nine remaining games, five will come a home. A court where we have won the last 9 across the League and Euroleague - and one where remaining unbeaten would guarantee a strong finish in the table heading into the playoffs. Of course, we still face three tough away days at Anadolu Efes, Partizan and Maccabi, all of whom are playing to finish in the top eight. Tonight, Baskonia's first visit to the WiZink Center this season.