Fukushima Firebonds vs Shinshu Brave Warriors, Japan B2 League, Today Match Prediction

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Fukushima Firebonds Preview

Fukushima head into the contest with a 74-79 loss to Shinshu, the conference leaders. It was their fourth loss in five games. The hosts will be locking horns against Shinsu for the final time on Saturday. Fukushima have posted a 18-6 record. The hosts managed eight points in the final quarter and Shinshu availed this opportunity. They had the biggest lead of 17 points but still, dropped the game. Fukushima outscored Shinshu 27-16 in the opening quarter. 

The Fire Bonds are comfortably sitting at the second spot of the Eastern Conference with a 34-14 record. Fukushima now have the third most number of victories (34) in the league. Fukushima were shooting 36% from the floor and 28% from the three-point line. They rank third in the scoring average (86.0) and first in assists per (22.6). The hosts are third in three-points made per game (9.8) and second in rebounds per game (42.7). 

Three players reached double figures for Fukushima in the last game. Kenny Manigault scored a game-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. Jack Nunge dropped 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Diouf Banba went for 10 points. Jack Nunge could be an offensive threat in the home fixture. The American forward has crossed the 20-point mark 21 times in the ongoing season and averaged 17.2 points. We back him to break another 20-point mark in the home game.

Shinshu Brave Warriors Preview

The Shinshu Brave Warriors would be relieved after a comeback win over Fukushima. The conference leaders were trailing by 17 points but they pulled off a comeback in the fourth quarter through a 20-8 surge. The Brave Warriors extended their winning streak to seven matches. Shinshu now took a 3-2 lead in the season-series with the final game to be played on Saturday. Shinshu  improved to 38-10 in the Eastern Conference. They have already qualified for the postseason as confirmed top-seed in the conference. 

Shinshu went 17-7 on the road this season. The leaders are 7-3 against Fukushima in the last ten games. The Brave Warriors have allowed 71.1 points per game in the regular season which is the lowest in the league. Shinshu are averaging 82.8 points and 21.0 assists in the regular season. They are third in blocks per game (3.3) and rebounds per game (42.6). Shinshu are shooting 44.6% from the floor and 35.6% from the three-point line. 

Three players reached double figures for Shinshu in the last game. Mike Daum continued his best form with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Akitoshi Oguri added 12 points. Wayne Marshall dropped 11 points and eight rebounds. Mike Daum should be an offensive threat in this fixture. The center averaged 18.3 points in the regular season and crossed 20-point mark seven out of the last nine games. We back Daum to score 15 or more points in the upcoming fixture against Fukushima. 

Fukushima Firebonds vs Shinshu Brave Warriors Starting Lineups