On January 17th, Beijing time, the 32nd round of the CBA regular season kicks off. The league's scheduling for this round is somewhat perplexing, with seven matches taking place simultaneously tonight. Several of these matchups are crucial for determining the top eight and even the top four rankings, making for a crowded slate of key battles. Below is a detailed schedule and live broadcast preview for today's games!
Shanxi hosts Shanghai in a direct confrontation between two dark horses of the season. This is their first meeting of the season, with Shanxi currently firmly in second place in the league. Shanghai's 16-game winning streak was ended by Liaoning in the last round, but the absence of Lofton was also one of the reasons for their loss. Shanghai will undoubtedly fight hard to avoid consecutive defeats, while Shanxi, playing at home, cannot afford to lose. The outcome of this match is truly unpredictable. The game will be simulcast by CCTV5, Five Star Sports, and Migu Sports, with a start time of 19:35.
Qingdao faces Beijing at home, another focal matchup as both teams are ranked within the top eight and have very close points tallies. This is their first encounter of the season, and both sides want to seize the initiative and secure an opening victory, which could provide a psychological advantage should they meet again in the playoffs. It is likely that Zhou Qi of the Beijing team will continue to be absent, and whether Zeng Fanbo and Chen Yingjun will play remains to be determined, giving Qingdao the edge in terms of complete lineup. The game will be simulcast by Beijing Radio and Migu Sports, starting at 19:35.
Ningbo hosts Liaoning, a match where the outcome seems relatively certain. As the first of Liaoning's three consecutive away games, facing a relatively weaker Ningbo team, they will naturally strive for a stable victory while also achieving training objectives. A highlight of the match is Liaoning's new foreign player, Weber, who is expected to get more playing time, and his performance is something to look forward to. The game starts at 19:35 and will be live on Migu Sports.
Beikong hosts Jiangsu, their third meeting of the season. Beikong won both previous encounters, so the outcome of this match seems relatively predictable. Beikong, initially touted as having championship potential at the beginning of the season, currently has an unsatisfactory record and is not ranked in the top eight. Tonight presents a good opportunity to score points, especially since Jiangsu has only won five games and is ranked second-to-last in the league. The game starts at 19:35 and will be live on Migu Sports.
Tianjin hosts Zhejiang, a rematch from earlier in the season. In their first meeting, Zhejiang defeated Tianjin 112-103. Zhejiang has recently suffered consecutive losses due to injuries to key players, and this match offers them a chance to halt their slump with a victory. However, Tianjin is known as the "three-point army," and their outside shooting often allows them to pull off surprising wins, making tonight's matchup highly anticipated. The game starts at 19:35 and will be live on Migu Sports.
Nanjing hosts Shandong, another focal matchup. Nanjing has slipped to 11th place, and their recent upset loss to Shenzhen means another defeat would seriously hinder their chances of securing a playoff spot. Shandong, on the other hand, has secured two consecutive victories before the game and aims to consolidate their ranking back in the top four, ensuring that this match will be a tough battle. The game starts at 19:35 and will be live on Migu Sports.
Shenzhen hosts Jilin, a home game that is also a focal matchup. The two teams are currently in a positional battle, with Shenzhen just one win behind Jilin, and both are striving to qualify for the playoffs. In their first meeting this season, Jilin narrowly won by 3 points at home. Now, playing away in Shenzhen, it's uncertain who will come out on top. The game starts at 19:35 and will be simulcast by Guangdong Sports and Migu Sports.
