Liaoning VS Shandong Preview: Yang Ming Leads a Depleted Squad with “Grim Prospects”; Qiu Biao Aims for a Winning Start

On October 2nd, the second stage of the CBA preseason games continues, with Liaoning’s men’s basketball team facing off against Shandong. Given the current squad configurations and overall strength, Liaoning is at a disadvantage due to Zhao Jiwei and Zhang Zhenlin not passing the physical tests, leaving their two key players unable to participate. In contrast, Shandong has a complete lineup, giving Liaoning no expected advantage in their first game.

Liaoning’s men’s basketball team activated two foreign players, Sha Yueke and A Qiu’er, during the first stage of the preseason games. However, their competitive form and level of integration could only be described as adequate. Perhaps this was also due to Yang Ming’s deliberate control over their usage. But with the goal of winning the championship, both players need to prove themselves further, demonstrating their ability to create advantages independently when facing playoff teams. Han Dezhu and Li Xiaoxu still play indispensable roles within the team, whether it’s interior defense or rebounding. Due to other young players not yet being capable of carrying the load on their own, even in the preseason, Yang Ming had the two veterans play significant minutes. While they maintained good competitive form, given their age, they might get some rest during the regular season. For young big men like Zhang Chenzhifeng and Liu Yanyu, it’s time to step up and take on more responsibility.

Facing a fully intact Shandong men’s basketball team in this game, if Liaoning wants to win, their foreign players need to show convincing performances, and the young players must shoulder the responsibilities on both ends of the court. Consistent three-point shooting from Zhao Lvyu, and proper ball handling from Li Huyi and Zhang Junhao are needed to fill the void left by Zhao Jiwei.

Shandong’s men’s basketball team is one of the most complete lineups in the preseason games. Since Qiu Biao took over, he has focused on rigorous training, achieving good results. In the first stage of the preseason, they convincingly defeated Zhejiang and Jiangsu, showcasing a high level of form. As none of their domestic players participated in the national team training camp and their foreign players were confirmed early, focusing on team chemistry, Shandong is well ahead of other teams in preparing for the new season.

Facing defending champions Liaoning, this game likely holds special significance for Qiu Biao. After systematic training, how the team will perform in terms of chemistry and how the core players will fare against a championship team are likely key areas of observation.

>>”>More predictions for this game can be found here>>>