The teams come into this match in contrasting moods: the hosts claimed their first win of the season by thrashing Maccabi Tel Aviv 109:93, while Barcelona lost 87:94 to Dubai Basketball after opening with an 89:82 win over Anadolu Efes. This is Barcelona's second away game in a row, and the first ended in defeat.
Besiktas JK
Besiktas JK have returned to the EuroLeague and are gradually adjusting to its high tempo. They narrowly lost 94:96 to Valencia Basket in the opening round, but thrashed Maccabi Tel Aviv 109:93 in the second, shooting an exceptional 60.7% from the field. Six players scored more than 10 points, and the attack, led by forward Brown, scored at least 25 points in every quarter. The hosts' main problem is defence: they have conceded at least 93 points in each of their two games. Their injury situation is also poor: Jeffries broke his left arm in the opening round and underwent surgery, and he is not expected back soon.
Barcelona
Barcelona opened with an 89:82 home win over Anadolu Efes but then lost 87:94 away to Dubai Basketball. They play at a high tempo with an attacking style, averaging 88 points per game, while Kevin Punter has emerged as their leading player early in the season with an average of 22 points per game. The visitors' main problem is a spate of injuries among their new signings: three important rotation players — Tosan Evbuomwan, Makoundou and starting centre Josh Nebo — remain out. Their weakened frontcourt and fatigue from the flight from the United Arab Emirates will significantly reduce their defensive strength.
Besiktas JK vs Barcelona Prediction
Besiktas JK have gained momentum from their emphatic win over Maccabi Tel Aviv and will look to dictate the game at home. Barcelona have struggled away from home (9-10 in the previous campaign) and come into this match with a shortened rotation because of injuries to three players. Given the Turkish club's high shooting percentage from long range and Barcelona's shortage of frontcourt players, the hosts have an excellent chance of winning.
