Xinjiang Flying Tigers vs Guangzhou Long Lions, CBA 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Teams Preview

Xinjiang Flying Tigers Preview

Xinjiang enter this home game ranked 16th with a 2–5 record, and they need a response quickly to avoid slipping further in the early standings. Their latest result was a 95–77 loss at Zhejiang Chouzhou on December 28, continuing a run where results have not matched the scoring talent in the squad. Returning to Hongshan Arena, Xinjiang’s biggest opportunity is to use home energy to sharpen defense and improve their offensive flow.

The last five shown in your screenshot are 1–4: Xinjiang lost to Zhejiang Chouzhou 95–77, lost 89–85 to Beijing on December 26, lost 97–79 at Qingdao on December 24, lost 92–86 to Jilin on December 20, and beat Beijing Royal Fighters 105–95 on December 18. Those results show Xinjiang have had enough offense to stay near opponents in several games, but have repeatedly conceded around 90 or more. Against a Guangzhou team that has also traded in high-scoring outcomes, the early defensive tone could decide whether Xinjiang can finally turn close stretches into a win.

From the table totals, Xinjiang have scored 615 points and allowed 670 across 7 games, which equals 87.9 points scored per game and 95.7 points allowed per game. That defensive number is the clearest issue, and it explains why Xinjiang’s record lags despite a solid scoring rate. If Xinjiang can even slightly lower Guangzhou’s efficiency—especially in transition—they give themselves a realistic path to winning at home.

Guangzhou Long Lions Preview

Guangzhou arrive in Ürümqi sitting 9th with a 3–3 record, positioned right in the league’s early mid-table cluster. Their latest outing was a 87–74 win over Jilin on December 28, a strong defensive performance compared to some of their recent higher-scoring losses. This trip gives Guangzhou a chance to bank a road win against a lower-ranked opponent and stabilize their form.

In the last five shown, Guangzhou are 2–3: they beat Jilin 87–74 and beat Jiangsu Dragons 93–86, but lost 97–94 to Guangdong on December 19, lost 93–85 to Guangdong on December 23, and lost 97–84 to Fujian on December 26. The pattern is clear—Guangzhou have been competitive against elite opposition, but they have also been vulnerable defensively when games speed up. If they can carry over the discipline from the Jilin win, they can force Xinjiang into tougher half-court possessions.

The standings table shows Guangzhou have scored 524 points and allowed 513 across 6 games, translating to 87.3 points scored per game and 85.5 points allowed per game. That defensive rate is significantly better than Xinjiang’s 95.7 allowed, and it shapes Guangzhou as the more reliable two-way team heading into this matchup. If Guangzhou keep Xinjiang closer to the low-to-mid 80s, they put themselves in strong position to take this one late.

Xinjiang Flying Tigers vs Guangzhou Long Lions Starting Lineups