On January 10th, Beijing time, the 29th round of the CBA regular season will feature six matches, with major teams such as Liaoning, Guangdong, Guangsha, Xinjiang, and Shanxi all in action. Among these, the top-of-the-table clash between Guangsha and Shanxi has become the focus of this round. However, it is regrettable that this crucial match between Guangsha and Shanxi did not receive the favor of CCTV. In this round, only one game has been confirmed for broadcast by CCTV Sports Channel, which will be the match between Liaoning and Beikong, to be aired during prime time.
The 29th round of matches has been divided into two days, on the 10th and 11th. Compared to the games on the following day, these six matches are undoubtedly more attractive. The most anticipated is undoubtedly the battle between Guangsha and Shanxi. Both teams have had outstanding records this season, with Guangsha at the top with 24 wins and 4 losses, while Shanxi ranks second with 21 wins and 6 losses. This round can also be seen as a battle for the top spot. Whether in terms of entertainment value or the intensity of the competition, this match is the most suspenseful of the round.
This season, Guangsha and Shanxi have faced each other once, with Guangsha defeating Shanxi, currently leading the head-to-head record 1-0. This time, Guangsha returns home to face the season's first dark horse. Can they continue their previous magic? It should be noted that Guangsha has not lost at home this season, with a current home record of 15 wins and 0 losses. Shanxi, on the other hand, is known for its frequent comebacks, having staged seven double-digit comebacks this season. The only drawback is that CCTV did not broadcast this key match.
Defending champion Liaoning will host Beikong in this round. Liaoning currently stands fifth in the standings with 19 wins and 9 losses, while Beikong is tenth with 15 wins and 12 losses. Although there is a significant difference in ranking, the actual strength between the two teams is not that different. Especially after Zhang Zhenlin's injury, the gap between the two teams has become even smaller. It seems reasonable for CCTV to choose this match for broadcast. For Liaoning, winning this match will put pressure on Han Dejun inside, and it remains to be seen whether he can withstand the onslaught of Salinger, Shen Zijie, and Zou Yuchen, the three centers.
The 11-time champions will face Qingdao at home in this round. Guangdong's recent form has been good; after losing to Liaoning, they have successively defeated Shandong, Shenzhen, and Tianjin, achieving a three-game winning streak. Facing Qingdao in this round, this is the opponent that ended their losing streak and secured their first win of the season. Although Guangdong is playing at home, they still need to be wary of Qingdao. After all, Qingdao's current strength is also good, and their ranking is ahead of Guangdong. It is uncertain whether Guangdong can confidently defeat their opponents in this match.
In addition to these three matches, although there is little suspense in the game between Xinjiang and Fujian, Fujian's recent form has been good, so let's see if they can cause trouble for Xinjiang. Jiangsu against Tongxi is also a match that appears to have little suspense but could potentially be an upset. Also, Shanghai will face Guangzhou at home, and they are very likely to continue their winning streak and aim for 15 consecutive victories.