Guangxia vs. Guangzhou Preview: Guangzhou Sees Major Roster Changes & Struggles to Secure a Win in Preseason; Guangxia Aims to End Losing Streak

On October 4, the CBA preseason games continue in Yueyang, Hunan, with Guangxia facing Guangzhou.

Guangxia finished fifth in the league last season with a record of 33 wins and 19 losses, advancing to the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated Shanxi 2-1 but lost to Guangdong 1-3 in the quarterfinals, ending their playoff run. During the off-season, Guangxia successfully renewed contracts with key players such as Sun Minghui, Hu Jinqiu, and Zhao Yan. They also traded Li Jinxiao’s loan for the fourth pick in the CBA draft, using it to select Lin Bingsheng. In terms of foreign players, Guangxia brought in Barry Brown, Nathan Knight, and Carlton. However, besides Li Jinxiao, Zhao Jiayi was loaned to Qingdao. Overall, Guangxia’s men’s basketball team has improved, indicating their ambition for better results in the new season.

Guangxia has retained its core lineup, although there were no significant domestic player additions. Therefore, the performance of the three foreign players will be crucial for Guangxia’s breakthrough this season.

Guangxia’s preseason performance has been mediocre, with only one win and three losses in four games. In their latest match, they lost 69-94 to Beijing. The team fell behind early in the game, with only three players scoring in double digits. Zhu Junlong scored 11 points, foreign player Brown contributed 16 points and 2 rebounds (6 out of 17 shooting), while another foreign player Knight struggled, scoring just 4 points and grabbing 6 rebounds on 1 out of 8 shooting. Zhao Jiaren, coming off the bench, led the team with 18 points and 2 rebounds. Against a well-rounded Beijing team, Guangxia had no chance to win. Additionally, Hu Jinqiu suffered an injury during the game, requiring stitches for a broken eyebrow.

The foreign players for Guangxia lack consistency. Knight had a double-double of 27 points and 20 rebounds against Jilin but scored only 5 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in the previous game. Guangxia lost both matches. It is clear that the foreign players need more time to integrate into the team based on their preseason performances.

Guangzhou finished tenth last season with a record of 29 wins and 23 losses, advancing to the playoffs. They swept Qingdao 2-0 in the first round but lost to Xinjiang 1-3 in the quarterfinals, failing to reach the semifinals.

During the off-season, Guangzhou underwent significant roster changes, retaining few players from last season’s starting lineup. Head coach Guo Shiqiang stepped down, and key players like Chen Yingjun and Zhu Zhenming were traded away. With Li Yanzhe joining Xinjiang last season, Guangzhou’s former core lineup is almost completely dismantled. Even Cui Yongxi, who was highly anticipated, is pursuing his dream in the NBA. However, Guangzhou has confirmed a trio of foreign players—William Douglas, Crawford, and Warren—and signed young Yu Mitie. The addition of Guo Ailun makes the team more intriguing. After the shake-up, Guangzhou’s future remains uncertain and needs time to unfold.

In four preseason games, Guangzhou has yet to secure a win. In their latest match, they lost 92-99 to Fujian. Four players scored in double digits, including Jiao Poqiao, who had an excellent performance with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. Yu Mitie contributed 11 points and 4 rebounds, while foreign player Warren scored 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist. Despite their efforts, Guangzhou could not overcome Fujian’s multi-faceted attack.

Given the extensive roster changes, it will be challenging for Guangzhou to maintain their performance from last season. Historically, both teams have had mixed results when facing each other. However, considering their recent form, Guangzhou’s chances of ending their four-game losing streak are slim.