Shandong VS Xinjiang Preview: Qiu Biao and Multiple Players Face Their Former Team; Can Shandong Defeat Their Tough Opponent?

At 19:35 on October 30, the CBA regular season continues with Shandong Men’s Basketball Team hosting Xinjiang Men’s Basketball Team. Shandong lost to Liaoning in their last game, missing out on a four-game winning streak. With a record of 4 wins and 3 losses, they currently rank 11th. Under the leadership of new head coach Qiu Biao, the Shandong team has undergone significant changes and demonstrated a different level of competitiveness compared to previous seasons. Their victories over tough opponents Zhejiang and Shenzhen were particularly strong, boosting the team’s confidence. Shandong averages 107.4 points per game, ranking 8th in the league, while their average points allowed is 105.7, placing them in the middle of the pack. Shandong is known for their aggressive play, leading the league with 13.1 steals per game. They also lead in fouls, committing an average of 29.7 per game, nearly 2 more than the second-highest team, highlighting their distinct style of play. Shandong currently has three foreign players, with Gale and Wiginton performing consistently well. Gale averages 22.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.5 steals, with a shooting percentage over 50%, making him a versatile player. Wiginton averages 22.6 points and 5.1 assists. However, the other foreign player, Chris, has struggled, averaging only 13.1 points and 7.6 rebounds, and may be at risk of being cut if he doesn’t improve soon. Among the domestic players, Gao Shiyang and Chen Peidong both score in double digits, with Gao Shiyang scoring 43 points in a game against Shenzhen, showing good form. Xinjiang has a new head coach this season, with young coach Liu Wei taking the helm. After seven rounds, Xinjiang has a record of 5 wins and 2 losses, ranking 8th. Xinjiang averages 110.4 points per game, the second-highest in the league after Shanxi, and allows 105 points per game. Xinjiang leads in several key statistics, including rebounds, assists, and steals. Their top scorer, Peterson, averages 24.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Lawson averages 20 points and 9.3 rebounds. The other foreign player, Higginbotham, averages 7.6 points and 6.9 assists, and all three foreigners have shown strong individual skills. Among the domestic players, Qi Lin averages 15.7 points, and Li Yanzhe averages 10.6 points. Captain Adbushalamu and Zhao Rui returned to action in the last game, and Xinjiang’s roster is becoming more complete. One of the highlights of this game is the return to face former teams. Shandong head coach Qiu Biao was Xinjiang’s head coach last season, and players like Yu Dehao, Wiginton, Mi Aili, and Sun Tonglin have all played for Xinjiang before. Historically, the two teams have met 49 times, with Shandong winning only 19 of those games. Xinjiang has been a tough opponent for Shandong. This season, Shandong has already defeated two tough opponents, Zhejiang Chouzhou and Shenzhen. It remains to be seen whether Shandong can defeat another tough opponent this time.