García de Vitoria’s side have the chance to defeat one of the strongest teams in the competition and establish themselves as clear contenders for a top-eight finish in the ACB at the end of the season. It will be no easy task, however, as they have won just once at the Catalan club’s home in their entire history, back in 2010, when José Luis Abós was on the bench and Van Rossom scored a last-gasp basket.
Trae Bell-Haynes is unavailable due to discomfort in his left calf. Photo: ACB Photo/Esther Casas
Moreover, playing away from home appears to suit the Reds, as both of their road games have ended in victory, against La Laguna Tenerife and Leyma Coruña. This could therefore be their third consecutive win away from Zaragoza and would give them a 4-1 record, an impressive start after everything they have experienced in recent years.
Adding to this milestone is the fact that one of the team’s key players, Trae Bell-Haynes, will not be available in Barcelona. The Canadian point guard is suffering from a left-calf problem, and the club has opted to leave him out of this game as a precaution to aid his recovery. The rest of the squad, with the exception of Jilson Bango, is available to García de Vitoria.
A BARÇA SIDE WITH QUESTIONS
The Catalan side arrive after beating Armani Olimpia Milan in the EuroLeague on Thursday (81-89), but things have not gone entirely well in the ACB, where their record stands at 2-2 and they have yet to find their best form in domestic competition. However, Sekulic’s team have not lost at home during this period and have looked very assured in front of their fans, beating Leyma Coruña and Valencia Basket.
Although their best player, Kevin Punter, is not at his best, he is always a threat because of his outstanding quality. During this stretch, however, Tyrese Martin has emerged as a major figure, making an immediate impact at the club and averaging 13.2 points per game. Justin Robinson also adds to the equation, meaning that this outside trio could prove a major headache for García de Vitoria.
In the frontcourt, they have Balcerowski and Josh Nebo, two different but complementary centers depending on what Sekulic is looking for on the court. Barça have a very complete roster, but given their uncertain start, this is the moment to try to conquer their home court again and maintain this highly positive momentum.
