Match Previews - Page 2

High-Post Playmaking: 28 PnR initiated per game; Jokic-Murray PnR 1.43 PPP. Oct 27 vs Wolves: 8 made 3PT from this tactic. Fastbreak: 20.2 PPG (1st league); Jokic long passes 83% success. Oct 25 vs Clippers: 26 fastbreak points, net +18. Paint Dominance: 58.5 PPG inside (1st league); Jokic & Gordon 47% of paint scoring. Oct 29 vs Kings: Blazers allowed 45 points in paint.

Kawhi Leonard (16.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG) isn’t fully at peak form, but has played ~32 minutes in the last 3 games. Team found alternatives with Harden as primary ball-handler + Powell attacking, ensuring offensive stability. Harden (21 PPG, 9.2 APG) & Zubac (18 PPG, 12.5 RPG) pick-and-roll duo creates 1.38 points per possession.

SJK is a mid-to-upper table team in the Finnish league. While they are slightly weaker overall than Inter Turku, they can still pose a threat against stronger sides. Currently, SJK has 16 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, accumulating 54 points and ranking 4th in the Championship Group. Their attack has been potent, scoring 62 goals, but defensively, they have conceded 46 goals, showing vulnerabilities that need attention.

TPS’s home advantage and attacking versatility give them a slight edge, while HJK’s recent slump may continue unless they find rhythm quickly. Expect a competitive game with goals from both sides possible.

Al-Raed is a mid-table team in the Saudi Pro League, consistently maintaining stable performance in recent years with minor fluctuations in league ranking. This season, the team has recorded 3 wins and 3 losses, earning 9 points and sitting 9th in the league. Their attack has been fairly strong, scoring 10 goals in 6 matches, but defensive issues are evident, having conceded 8 goals.

Overreliance on Stars: 56% of possessions initiated by Edwards or Gobert, limiting variety. On October 25, when outscored 40–31 in the 3rd quarter, Finch took 10 minutes to adjust, losing 9 points in that span.

Core Health Concerns: Kevin Durant (missed one week in April due to injury) remains questionable. He averages 26.6 PPG, 6 RPG, and 4.2 APG this season and posted a 26-8-7 triple-double against the Grizzlies on Feb. 26. Bradley Beal is also doubtful after missing the last seven games; his 17.3 PPG and 3.6 APG may be absent from the perimeter.

1️⃣ 76ers’ Two-Way Dominance vs. Injury Concerns The Philadelphia 76ers have opened the season 3–0, averaging 126 points (4th in the league) while allowing just 108.3 (3rd). Their offensive and defensive balance has been elite:

The Milwaukee Bucks have averaged 115.2 points per game (12th in the league) while allowing 112.6 points (10th) this season, but they are now facing a devastating injury storm:

1. Thunder’s Home Dominance and Health Advantage The Oklahoma City Thunder have opened the season 4–0, averaging 127.7 points (2nd in the league) while allowing 113.5 points (15th) — a display of elite offensive efficiency.

The Golden State Warriors opened the season 3–1, averaging 125 points per game (5th in the league) but posting a defensive efficiency of 118.7 (24th) — a clear sign of “offense over defense.”

Starting left-back Angeliño is sidelined with bronchitis until early November. He has made 5 starts this season, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists, with unmatched two-way ability. His replacement, Spinazzola, while experienced, is 18% slower and has been dribbled past 7 times in the last 3 league games, with only a 52% success rate defending crosses.