Shanghai Sharks vs Beijing Ducks Prediction, Free Picks, Odds, H2H - 4/11/24

On the opening day of the CBA playoffs, the favored teams asserted their dominance, with the Shenzhen Leopards triumphing over the Beijing Royal Fighters 106-102 and the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions prevailing over the Shanxi Loongs with a score of 107-97. As the playoffs enter their second day, one highly anticipated matchup is set between the Shanghai Sharks and the Beijing Ducks.

This clash harks back to the 2017/18 and 2018/19 playoffs, where the Ducks emerged victorious, eliminating the Sharks. However, basketball pundits are now suggesting that the Ducks’ core lineup may be showing signs of age, evident in their 11th-place finish in the regular season standings. Conversely, the 6th-seeded Sharks have found their rhythm after early-season struggles, showcasing the potential to upset a team that has bested them in past playoff encounters.

Consistent with the trend in previous CBA playoff games, the oddsmakers are tipping the scales in favor of the home team. The Sharks enter the game as favorites with odds of 1.55 for a victory, while the Ducks trail with odds set at 2.35. The point spread is currently set at +/- 3.5, with the total points projected at 201.5.

SHARKS VS DUCKS PREDICTION and Free Pick

• Selection: Shanghai Sharks to win and cover the -3.5 AH spread
• Odds: 1.86
• Bookmaker: GGBET
• Stake: 6/10

Odds are as of April 11th, 2024. Odds may now differ. 

The Shanghai Sharks find themselves heading into the playoffs after a tough stretch, dropping consecutive games against Zhejiang Chouzhou and Shenzhen Leopards. However, there were speculations that the Sharks wanted the 6th seed instead of the 5th to avoid playing Guangdong in the quarter-finals. But before those losses, the Sharks played well, winning ten of 12 games. Notably, they boast an impressive record of 19 victories in 26 games (73%).

On the other hand, the Beijing Ducks, three-time champions, have had a rollercoaster season marked by fluctuations in performance, and at one point, it even looked like they could miss the playoffs. The team is ranked around the middle of the table both in offensive and defensive efficiency, and we believe they lack the offensive firepower to compete with the best teams in China. 

In facing the Sharks, the Ducks face significant challenges, particularly in containing the dominant presence of center Wang Zhelin, the last season’s regular-season MVP, and managing the physicality and explosiveness of players like Bacon and Bledsoe. 

Still, the Sharks are a team without too much 3-point firepower, and the Ducks will have to fill in the paint to stop easy baskets and gamble on open threes. Should the Sharks deliver a strong performance from beyond the arc, they stand poised to secure a victory and keep the home-court advantage without too much trouble.

SHARKS VS DUCKS GAME INFO

• Date: Thursday, April 11th, 2024
• Time: 13:35 (CEST)
• Arena: Shanghai Indoor Stadium
• Location: Shanghai

SHANGHAI SHARKS TEAM NEWS

With Dai Hao’s return from injury, the Shanghai Sharks are poised to receive a significant boost for the playoffs. The 22-year-old guard’s defensive prowess makes him a formidable force on the court, and his presence is sure to instill added confidence in the team as they enter the postseason.

Meanwhile, as the regular season drew to a close, the CBA unveiled its individual awards, with Li Hongquan claiming the title of Most Improved Player. Li’s contributions have been vital to the Sharks’ success, averaging 10.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Notably, his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, boasting a 39.2% success rate, fills a crucial gap for the team, addressing their occasional inconsistency in three-point shooting throughout the season.

BEIJING DUCKS TEAM NEWS

Ahead of the playoffs, on the afternoon of April 8th, the Shanghai Sharks’ general manager, Zhang Yunsong, convened a crucial meeting aimed at bolstering the team’s morale. Following the gathering, team captain Zhai Xiaochuan addressed the media, affirming the squad’s unwavering mental fortitude and determination to persevere until the very end. Despite the upcoming challenge of playing their first game on the road, Zhai expressed confidence and resoluteness in the team’s abilities.

SHARKS VS DUCKS H2H

The last time the Ducks secured a win at Shanghai against the Sharks was back on April 3rd, 2021, more than three years ago. In the two h2h duels this season, both teams won their home game, covering the spread as well:

• Mar 20th, 2024 – Beijing Ducks vs Shanghai Sharks – 118:102
• Nov 5th, 2023 – Shanghai Sharks vs Shanghai Sharks – 88:80

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