Bambitious Nara vs Fukushima Firebonds, Japan B2 League, Today Match Prediction

Teams Preview

Bambitious Nara Preview

Bambitious Nara tied the regular-season series with Yamagata following a 60-79 loss. It was their second successive loss against the East's struggling side. Nara now fell to 14-33 in the Western Conference. They are already out of the playoffs race. Nara were outscored 12-24 in the final quarter which proved costly. They conceded a biggest lead of 23 points. They will be back home for a two-game set against Fukushima. Nara dropped both games in the current season against the Eastern side. 

Nara went 10-15 at home this season. They beat Aomori to snap a losing skid at their home arena. Nara allowed 81.5 points per game in the regular season and averaged 72.4 points. Nara are forcing 12.9 turnovers per game on average. They rank seventh in field goals (43.9%) and fifth in three-point shooting (33.1%). The hosts would eye to tie the series and find a winning momentum after a disappointing defeat to the Wyverns. Meanwhile, their poor record against the Eastern Conference sides is a big concern.

Only one player reached double figures for Nara in the last game. Viacheslav Petrov dropped a double-double with 17 points and a season-high 17 rebounds. Ryota Kobayashi was the second best scorer with eight points. If we look for an offensive threat, we would still pick Brakefield if he returns from the injury. In his absence, Petrov is the best player. He averaged 11 points and scored in double-digit in each of the last seven games. We back him to score 15 or more points in the upcoming fixture.

Fukushima Firebonds Preview

Fukushima head into the contest with a 69-61 victory against the Shinshu Brave Warriors. This victory have them a lot of confidence and they improved to a 35-14 record. The hosts outplayed the conference leaders 16-5 in the final quarter to clinch the game. The Fire Bonds are now comfortably sitting at the second spot of the Eastern Conference with the third most number of victories (34) in the league. Their next assignment is against Nara, whom they defeated twice in the ongoing season. 

Fukushima were shooting 35% from the floor and 20% from the three-point line. They rank third in the scoring average (85.7) and second in assists per (22.3). The hosts are third in three-points made per game (14.8) and second in rebounds per game (43). The Fire Bonds are averaging 8.4 steals per game and 2.3 blocks per game. They are forcing 11 turnovers per game. The visitors allowed less than 30% in three-point shooting, best among all teams. 

Three players reached double figures for Fukushima in the last game. Kenny Manigault dropped another double-double with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Jack Nunge added 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Tsukasa Nakano chipped in with 10 points. Jack Nunge could be an offensive threat in the road fixture. The American forward has crossed the 20-point mark 21 times in the current season and averaged 17.2 points. We back him to score 15 or more points in the upcoming game.

Bambitious Nara vs Fukushima Firebonds Starting Lineups