Beijing vs Xinjiang Preview: Zhao Rui Continues to Sit Out, Beijing Aims for Home Win Streak

On the evening of October 22, the CBA regular season continues as Beijing hosts Xinjiang.

Beijing has performed exceptionally well in the new season so far, defeating Shanghai, Ningbo, Sichuan, and Guangzhou in a row to secure a four-game winning streak. They currently rank fourth in the league. Beijing averages 103.3 points per game, which places them in the lower half of the league in terms of scoring. However, their defensive performance is much stronger, with an average of only 90.8 points allowed per game, the lowest in the league. Their defensive efficiency is also excellent, allowing just 101.5 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, Beijing is very active in rebounding, averaging 52.5 rebounds per game, the best in the league, including 18.8 offensive rebounds, which greatly aids their second-chance scoring. However, Beijing’s three-point shooting has been poor, with a three-point percentage of only 33.3%, placing them in the lower middle of the league.

In the first four games, five Beijing players have averaged double-digit points. Among them, Jeremy averages 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, Omot 12 points, Zhang Cairan and Solomon 11.8 points each, and Chen Yingjun 10.8 points and 6 assists.

For Beijing, Zhou Qi’s continued absence has been a significant challenge. In the last game, although Beijing defeated Guangzhou 105-90, head coach Xu Limin was not satisfied with the team’s performance. He even stated at the post-game press conference that while Beijing has many star players, their effort and enthusiasm are lacking. In this game, despite having a paper advantage, Beijing had a tough time, trailing by 7 points at halftime. Although they regained control with a flurry of three-pointers in the third quarter, Xu Limin was still dissatisfied with the players’ execution on the court.

In this game, four Beijing players scored in double digits. Omot led the team with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist, Chen Yingjun contributed 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Solomon, starting for the first time, struggled with his shooting, making only 2 out of 9 shots for 5 points and 11 rebounds. One notable statistic is that Beijing, known for their rebounding, lost the rebound battle to Guangzhou in this game, the first time in the first four games. This anomaly likely contributed to Coach Xu’s emphasis on the team’s lack of effort post-game.

Xinjiang started the season strong, defeating Jiangsu, Shenzhen, and Beikong to win three consecutive games. However, they lost to Guangdong in their last game, missing out on a four-game winning streak and currently rank sixth in the league. Xinjiang has been very aggressive offensively, averaging 112.8 points per game, the third-highest in the league behind Liaoning and Zhejiang. Notably, they excel at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, averaging 20.8 free throws made per game. If they can improve their free-throw percentage, Xinjiang’s scoring could increase further. However, their defense needs improvement, as they allow 107 points per game, the second-highest among the top eight teams, only behind Nanjing. Additionally, Xinjiang struggles with controlling fouls, committing an average of 26.5 fouls per game.

This season, four Xinjiang players average double-digit points. Among them, Peterson scores 26.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, Lawson 21.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Qi Lin 16 points and 3.8 rebounds, and Li Yanzhe 11 points and 6 rebounds. Compared to Beijing, Xinjiang’s foreign players are more dominant scorers.

In their last game, Xinjiang lost to Guangdong 95-102, despite a strong start. In the final quarter, Xinjiang managed only 18 points and suffered a comeback defeat. In this game, five Xinjiang players scored in double digits, with Peterson coming off the bench to score 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, but it was in vain. Starting player Lawson struggled, hitting only 30% of his shots for 10 points and 10 rebounds, Hegins scored 11 points and 9 assists, and Qi Lin and Li Yanzhe combined for 30 points and 10 rebounds. Facing a well-rounded Guangdong team with Xu Jie’s breakout performance, Xinjiang’s loss was somewhat regrettable.

Last season, Xinjiang won both encounters against Beijing. However, times have changed. Beijing has improved their roster over the summer, while Xinjiang has seen significant losses in domestic talent, leading to a younger squad. It remains uncertain whether Zhou Qi will play, and Zhao Rui will miss the first five games due to physical testing requirements, with this being the fifth game. Can Beijing capitalize on their home advantage and secure a five-game winning streak to start the season? It’s worth watching.

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