Real Madrid-Dreamland Gran Canaria: Whites return to WiZink Center
Chus Mateo's side begin a run of five straight games in 11 days at home today (12:30 pm CET).
Real Madrid are back at the WiZink CENTER after two weeks away from home. The Whites host Dreamland Gran Canaria on matchday seven of the Liga Endesa, in what will be the first of five clashes in front of the home fans over the next 11 days (Virtus Bologna, Anadolu Efes, Hiopos Lleida and Alba Berlin). Madrid will be looking to preserve their unbeaten home record against a side with the same record in this competition (4-2).
Real Madrid have not played at the WiZink Center since 27 October, when they beat Baxi Manresa. Madrid are eager to do so. On home soil, they have won all six games they have played. Three of them in the league, where the average difference has been 18.3 points. Today, the Madridistas will take on a Dreamland Gran Canaria team that has alternated between wins and defeats in the last four games. On the road, they only won their opening game in Andorra. They also come straight from a midweek game and they lost on their home court against the Lithuanian side BC Wolves.
Chus Mateo's team, who recovered Ibaka last Thursday, will still be without Feliz, Garuba and Musa. Madrid will have to compensate for the losses with their collective strength, which is currently spearheaded in the league by Campazzo (18.5 in PIR) and Hezonja (17). The Canary Islanders have maintained a core of Albicy, Pelos, Shurna, Brussino and Salvó, but they have incorporated up to six new players. Among them are Tobey, Thomasson and former Madridista Alocén. The point guard from Zaragoza is performing at a high level. Homesley, one of the newcomers, is the offensive figurehead (12.8 points) in a team where the scoring is very evenly spread. Conditt IV brings intimidation in the paint.
If Llull steps onto the court, this will be his 1,100th game with Real Madrid and he will continue to extend the record he holds as the player who has worn the Madrid jersey the most times in history. Last season he surpassed Felipe Reyes and this season he also passed Rafa Rullán in terms of seasons at the club (19).