SHANGHAI SHARKS VS BEIJING DUCKS PREDICTION, ODDS, NEWS, H2H 4/16/24

The first stage of the CBA playoffs is nearing its conclusion, with just one duel remaining: a showdown between the 6th-seeded Shanghai Sharks and the 11th-seeded Beijing Ducks. The victor of this best-of-three clash will advance to face off against Zhejiang Chouzhou in the quarterfinals. Our analysis of the forthcoming 1/8 Playoff match is detailed in the article below.

Bookmakers are heavily favoring the home side, which comes as no surprise given the dominance of home teams in the 1/8 Finals and the Sharks’ superior performance in the regular season. The odds reflect this trend, with the Sharks boasting a 1.25 odds for a win, while the Ducks trail at 3.8 odds. The point spread stand is at +/- 8, with the total point margin set at 202 points.

SHANGHAI SHARKS VS BEIJING DUCKS Prediction and Free Picks

• Selection: Shanghai Sharks to win and cover the -8 point spread
• Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: 1xBet
• Stake: 3/10

Odds as of April 16th, 2024. Odds may now differ. 

The home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs proved to be a deciding factor, with only Guangzhou securing a win over Qingdao away from home in eight playoff matchups thus far.

The Sharks have protected the home court well this season with a record of 19-7 w/l during the regular season, equating to a solid 73% win rate. Moreover, their recent performance at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium has been particularly impressive, clinching victory in seven out of eight matches. Their only loss was against Zhejiang Chouzhou when the Sharks rotated the squad. So, we could easily speak about an eight-game winning streak. Conversely, the Ducks enter this pivotal game amidst a discouraging trend away from home. They have suffered defeats in three of their last four road matches, making them substantial underdogs for valid reasons.

Both teams decisively won their home games in the series despite the bookies and the basketball pundits favoring the Sharks heavily in both games. However, an incredible shooting night from the Ducks at their court was enough to orchestrate an upset. Still, replicating a 50% success rate from beyond the arc from the second game will undoubtedly pose an almost impossible challenge. Without another extraordinary performance of the same caliber, we highly doubt the Ducks chances. 

Based on the observed performance of both teams, we expect the Sharks to win comfortably, securing a spot in the quarterfinals vs Zhejiang Chouzhou.

SHANGHAI SHARKS VS BEIJING DUCKS GAME INFO

• Date: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
• Time: 13:35 (CEST)
• Arena: Shanghai Indoor Stadium
• Location: Shanghai

SHANGHAI SHARKS TEAM NEWS

Local media reports indicate that coach Liu Peng has faced significant backlash for sticking to his regular rotations despite the evident necessity for “something new.” The primary issue highlighted was his failure to adapt the team’s defensive strategy to counter Marcus Keene. The 28-year-old American scored a remarkable 37 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists while shooting 8/15 from beyond the arc. We expect a different defensive approach in this game, potentially blitzing and double-teaming Keene occasionally. 

BEIJING DUCKS TEAM NEWS

Two key foreign players, T.J. Leaf and Askia Booker, were sidelined for the previous game with the Sharks due to injuries, and it appears unlikely that they will recover in time for the crucial upcoming match. Despite their absence, the Ducks managed to secure a victory on their home court. That victory undoubtedly strengthens their confidence heading into the decisive matchup.

SHANGHAI SHARKS VS BEIJING DUCKS H2H

These teams met in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 playoffs when the Ducks were victorious. This season, both teams won their home games in the playoffs and the regular season as well. 

• Apr 14th, 2024 – Beijing Ducks vs Shanghai Sharks – 116:99
• Apr 11th, 2024 – Shanghai Sharks vs Beijing Ducks – 110:96
• Mar 20th, 2024 – Beijing Ducks vs Shanghai Sharks – 118:102
• Nov 5th, 2023 – Shanghai Sharks vs Beijing Ducks – 88:80

SAFER GAMBLING

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.