Bayern Munich have dropped to 16th with a 2-5 record after a heavy home defeat to Dubai Basketball (91:109). Barcelona, by contrast, have won twice in a row — against Olimpia Milano in the EuroLeague (89:81) and Zaragoza in the Spanish league — and sit ninth with a 4-3 record. Barcelona are slight favourites for this match, having won 16 of their 23 head-to-head meetings, including a victory in Munich last season (75:74).
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are in crisis. In the last round, Dubai Basketball swept them aside on their own court, leading by 27 points at half-time. Bayern Munich's main problem is their defence: they concede an average of 94.1 points per game in the EuroLeague, the second-worst figure in the competition. The only bright spot is Duane Washington, who averages 16.8 points off the bench, the sixth-highest figure in the league. However, without a coherent defensive system, even Washington's individual bursts cannot prevent heavy defeats. Bayern Munich have lost all three of their previous EuroLeague home games, against opponents who are hardly among the strongest: Dubai Basketball, Virtus Bologna and Partizan.
Barcelona
Despite their reputation for inconsistency, Barcelona head into this match on a two-game winning streak. Offensive rebounding was the key to their success in Milan: they grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and turned them into 26 points. Kevin Punter led the scoring in that game with 17 points, while Josh Nebo, the former Olimpia Milano centre, added important points around the basket. Player availability is improving: Joel Parra and Justin Robinson were rested ahead of the Bayern Munich match, while Justin Minaya will not play after being sidelined with an adductor injury. Yoan Makoundou is the only absentee.
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona Prediction
Bayern Munich have lost all three of their home games in this season's EuroLeague, each by a substantial margin. Their defence has been woeful, while Barcelona are on the up after two consecutive wins. The head-to-head record also favours Barcelona. They may be inconsistent, but against the worst defence in the competition, they have all the tools to at least cover a positive handicap.
