Shanghai Sharks vs Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin, CBA 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

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Shanghai Sharks Preview

Shanghai Sharks are unstoppable in the CBA 2025/26 and they are proving it with each game. The Sharks defeated Shandong 96-68 in Game 2 to make a 2-0 lead in the quarterfinal series. They are back to home arena to sweep the series and book their place in the CBA semifinals. The hosts earlier defeated Shandong 84-79 in Game 1. Shanghai extended their winning streak to 25 matches in the league. Meanwhile, they are unbeaten from the last 29 games across all competitions. 

The Sharks posted a 38-4 in the regular season and clear favourites to win the title this year. The hosts shot 51% from the floor and 19% from the three-point line. They averaged a season-high 99.7 points and allowed 83.4 points per game. They ranked first in the field goals (52.7%) and three-point shooting (38.8%). They are second in blocks per game (4.0) and first in rebounds per game (43.1). Shanghai are just one win away to make it into the top four in the CBA playoffs. 

The Sharks are forcing 11.8 turnovers per game. The hosts have overcome the Heroes nine out of the last ten games. They hold a 5-0 record against the Heroes in the ongoing season. Kenneth Lofton Jr led the offense in the previous victory with 20 points and nine rebounds. Tianrong and Zhenlin added 14 points each. Goodwin could be a player to watch out for in home game. The former NBA guard averaged 15.9 points in the regular season. We back him to score 15 or more points in the home fixture.

Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin Preview

Shandong Heroes head into the contest with yet another loss in the CBA quarterfinal series. They looked clueless against the Shanghai Sharks in the second of a five-game series. With a 2-0 deficit in the series, it will be an elimination game for them. After losing the away game, Shandong expected a turnaround in the home game but managed only 68 points against Shanghai’s tight defense. If they manage to force Game 4, they will get one more home game. It was their seventh loss in the last ten games. 

Shandong had a roller-coaster ride in the regular season but pulled off a playoff qualification. With a 24-18 record in the regular season, they finished eighth in the CBA standings. They will take on the Sharks again in Game 3 on the road. Shandong already lost to the league leaders five times in the current season. With a 1-9 record in the last ten games against Shanghai, the Heroes would eye a surprise victory. They averaged 92.6 points and allowed 89.7 points in the regular season. 

Shandong didn’t cross 20 marks in any quarter during the last game. They connected only eight three-pointers out of 26 and also went 35% from the floor. Chen Linjian led the offense with 21 points, while Keyontae Johnson dropped 15 points. Marquese Chriss could be an offensive threat in the road game. The American forward averaged 19.5 points in the ongoing season. He dropped a season-high 42-point performance in the regular season. We back him to score 15 or more points against the Sharks. 

Shanghai Sharks vs Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin Starting Lineups