Kobe Storks vs Orange Vikings Ehime, Japan B2 League, Today Match Prediction

Teams Preview

Kobe Storks Preview

Kobe Storks are getting better with each game and they are giving a message to other teams with the performance. The hosts outplayed Nara 98-62 in the most recent game to extend their winning streak to season-high 13 games. Kobe have posted a season-best 46-5 in the Western Conference. They are the only team to cross 45 wins in the current season. The Storks would take on Ehime Orange Vikings next. With a 3-1 current season record, they would fancy their chances. 

With the win over Nara, the Storks also improved to 24-4 on the road this season. They are currently 23-1 at home arena and this is the best home record by any team across all basketball leagues in Japan. They shot 48% from the floor and 32% from the three-point line. Kobe averaged a second-best 87.4 points in the B2 League, while they allowed 73.6 points. They are 7th in the steals per game (6.9) and forcing season-lowest 9.4 turnovers per game. The hosts rank third in the field goals (45.7%) and fourth in the three-point shooting (33.2%). 

Four players reached double figures in the previous game. Yoeli Childs led the scoring with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Luke Maye went for 22 points and seven rebounds. Isaac Butts and Hachimura added 11 points each. If we look for an offensive threat for the next game, Yoeli Childs is right up there. He has scored 20 or more points in 15 of the last 16 games and averaged 20.9 points in the regular season. We back him to score 20 or more points in the home fixture.

Orange Vikings Ehime Preview

Ehime Orange Vikings head into the contest with a heartbreaking 88-89 loss to Shizuoka. Shaquille Hines made a three-pointer with 34 seconds left to make it a one-point game. However, they failed to cover chances in the final seconds. They also snapped their eight-game winning streak. The Orange Vikings are a different side since the international break as they went 10-4 through the last 14 games. They improved to 36-16 in the Western Conference and moved to second in the conference table. 

With the previous loss, Ehime also ended their five-game home winning streak. The Vikings will now play a two-game set against the league leaders on the road. Ehime have already dropped the regular-season series 1-3 against Kobe. The Vikings shot 47% from the floor and 33% from the three-point line. Ehime averaged 83.3 points in the regular season, while they allowed 79.4 points against the opposition. 

The Vikings are ranked second in the field goals (46%) and first in the assists per game (22.9). Ehime are leading in the blocks per game (3.7). Shaquille Hines led the scoring in the previous game with 29 points. Mitchell Watt also dropped 19 points and seven rebounds. If we figure out an offensive threat, Hines is always the right pick. The American forward has scored in double-digit in each of the last 15 games, including five consecutive 20-point performances. We back him to score 18 or more points in this fixture. 

Kobe Storks vs Orange Vikings Ehime Starting Lineups