Advanced Preview: Johnson vs. Arnsk in Hefei – Hefei’s Struggles Continue as They Face Another Defeat

On June 30, the NBL regular season continues with Anhui Wenyi hosting Hefei Fengfeng Junmao.

Anhui Wenyi has had a solid start to the season, boasting a 5-1 record and sitting second in the league standings. In their previous match against Wuhan, Anhui held off a late surge to secure a 112-107 away victory, extending their winning streak to two games. Star import Johnson was instrumental, scoring 35 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists on an impressive 22-of-16 shooting. Domestic players also contributed, with Yang Wenbo scoring 13 points and Xue Fowen adding 15.

As the defending champions, Anhui has shown strong form early on, losing only narrowly to Jiangsu. Otherwise, they could have been unbeaten. The team has excelled from beyond the arc, leading the league with a 41.5% three-point shooting percentage, thanks to Johnson’s presence in the paint, which opens up opportunities for perimeter players. Additionally, Anhui is dominant on the boards, averaging 39 rebounds per game, limiting opponents’ second-chance opportunities.

In contrast, Hefei Fengfeng Junmao has struggled mightily, remaining winless at 0-6 and sitting at the bottom of the standings. In their last game against Guangxi, Hefei nearly staged a comeback in the fourth quarter but fell short, missing out on their first victory. Arnsk, the team’s import, had a strong outing with a double-double of 32 points and 13 rebounds. His performance against Johnson will likely determine the outcome of this match; if he is overpowered, Hefei will find it challenging to secure a win.

Hefei’s struggles this season can be attributed to significant roster changes, including the arrival of their first foreign head coach, Murray, and a younger lineup. The team is still in the process of gelling. However, Hefei has been commendable in limiting turnovers, averaging just 11.8 per game, even better than some top teams.

This is the second meeting between the two sides this season, with Anhui securing a convincing 111-93 victory in their first encounter. Psychologically, Anhui holds the advantage, and considering recent form, they are favorites to win again. Hefei, unfortunately, seems unlikely to notch their first win of the season.