Beijing Royal Fighters VS Shenzhen Leopards Prediction, Free Picks, Odds, H2H Analysis for 4/13/24

The first four games of the CBA 1/8 Finals playoffs have concluded, setting the stage for an exciting second leg. Among these matchups, the clash between the 7th-seeded Shenzhen Leopards and the 10th-seeded Beijing Royal Fighters proved to be the most tightly contested, resulting in a narrow 106-102 victory for the Leopards. Our Royal Fighters vs Leopards prediction is available in the article below!

With the 1/8 Finals operating on a best-of-three format, Shenzhen will advance to the Quarterfinals should they secure a victory in the upcoming away game. If they do so, they will face off against 2nd-seeded Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the best-of-five games.

Now, at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Beijing, the bookmakers are expecting another close match. The odds are set at 1.85 for each team, and the total point margin is set at 206.5 points – a point and a half higher than in the first leg. 

ROYAL FIGHTERS VS LEOPARDS Prediction and PICK

• Selection: Shenzhen Leopards to win
• Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: 1xBet 
• Stake: 4/10

Odds as of April 12th 2024. Odds may now differ.

As previously highlighted in our pre-game analysis, the Shenzhen Leopards hold a significant advantage in size and dominance in the paint, anchored by Sullinger. This advantage proved to be the key in their first matchup, as they outrebounded the Beijing Royal Fighters by 16 and earned 17 more free throw attempts. This aspect of their game is expected to remain a crucial factor in the upcoming contest, as the Royal Fighters lack the personnel to match up against their size advantage.

However, one aspect that could see a change is the Leopards’ 3-point shooting percentage, which was notably below their season average in the previous game, registering at 24% compared to their typical 35%. A potential improvement in this area could further bolster the Leopards’ chances.

While the Royal Fighters showcased a strong performance in the first game, offering a glimmer of hope for their supporters in the upcoming match, it’s important to note that their home-court advantage has not been a decisive factor throughout the regular season, evidenced by their 16-10 win/loss record at home, ranking 14th in the CBA. Additionally, they’ll likely need an exceptional shooting display to keep pace with the Leopards.

Even though the first game appeared to be close, we believe the Leopards are a better team overall with more offensive weapons and should secure another win.

ROYAL FIGHTERS VS LEOPARDS GAME INFO

• Date: Saturday, April 13th, 2024
• Time: 13:35 (CEST)
• Arena: Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium
• Location: Beijing

BEIJING ROYAL FIGHTERS TEAM NEWS

The Royal Fighters’ biggest problem is the injury of foreigner Grant Riller, who was the team’s best player in the last part of the regular season. The 27-year-old American averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 17.3 minutes per game but is ruled out for these playoffs due to an injury.

SHENZHEN LEOPARDS TEAM NEWS

The only injured player on the team should be Rong Zifeng. A guard, whose main job is on the defensive end, is still recovering from the injury and is not ready to play. This season, he played only ten games in the regular season, averaging six points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while playing 27.4 minutes. 

ROYAL FIGHTERS VS LEOPARDS H2H

These teams met twice in the regular season and once in the playoffs, with Shenzhen Leopards winning all three games.

• Apr 4th, 2024 – Shenzhen Leopards vs Beijing Royal Fighters – 106:102
• Jan 15th, 2024 – Beijing Royal Fighters vs Shenzhen Leopards – 91:111
• Oct 26th, 2023 – Shenzhen Leopards vs Beijing Royal Fighters – 115:104

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