Casademont Zaragoza vs Bàsquet Girona

Prediction

• Casademont Zaragoza: 57%
• Bàsquet Girona: 43%

Pick: Casademont Zaragoza (Low confidence)

Match context

Zaragoza host Girona in Liga Endesa's sixth round with both clubs reported short of players. The league's own medical report lists three absentees for each side, so this is a depth contest. The early start leaves little time for late news to change anything.

Recent form

Zaragoza finished last season 30-35 and Girona 21-21 in the data available, and both ended last season on a run of one win in five. No reliable current-season results were found. The recent history points to two inconsistent sides.

How they attack and defend

Zaragoza scored 87.0 and conceded 88.8 per game last season, with the better effective shooting on offence (57.7%) than Girona (50.2%). Girona scored 84.3 and conceded 85.9. Zaragoza's offence is the stronger asset, while Girona's defence is slightly tighter.

Quarter patterns

Zaragoza were level in the first quarter (-0.3) and fourth quarter (0.0) last season, while Girona won firsts by 0.6 and lost fourths by 1.3. Neither side has a strong closing pattern. A close finish would not surprise.

Head to head

The previews describe the head-to-head as tied 4-4 over eight meetings. That points to no historical advantage for either club.

Key players and availability

Zaragoza are without Jilson Bango and Caleb Homesley, with Trae Bell-Haynes doubtful, which removes a lot of backcourt scoring. Girona lack Pep Busquets, Isaac Vázquez and Maxi Fjellerup. Whichever side's remaining guards find rhythm will probably decide the game.

The edge

The pick is Zaragoza at home, because their offence rated better last season and Girona lack three players. Confidence is low as Zaragoza are also missing key guards. It goes wrong if Bell-Haynes is out and Girona's defence turns Zaragoza's depleted rotation into turnovers.

Team news

• Bango and Homesley out, Bell-Haynes doubtful: Jilson Bango is out, Caleb Homesley is out with a left ankle sprain (about three weeks) and Trae Bell-Haynes is doubtful with a calf problem.
• Three Girona players absent: Pep Busquets, Isaac Vázquez and Maxi Fjellerup are listed as absent.