Hosts riding high. Prediction for the Dubai Basketball vs Barcelona game
Dubai Basketball
FC Barcelona
Dubai and Barcelona will meet on Tuesday, September 29, in the second round of the EuroLeague regular season. The game will be played at Coca-Cola Arena, with tip-off at 18:00 Central European Time. I am backing a winner in this matchup.
H2H and statistical facts
- Dubai have lost two of their three games this season.
- Barcelona have lost their last two away games in the EuroLeague regular season.
- The Catalans have won three of their four games in the new campaign across all competitions.
- The teams have met twice, trading home victories.
Dubai Basketball
Dubai Basketball sensationally opened their second EuroLeague season with a win over Real Madrid. Xavi Pascual's team trailed by six points at halftime but managed to turn the game around after the break and eventually prevailed 78:77. Dwayne Bacon was the hosts' standout performer with 24 points, while McKinley Wright added 12.
For Dubai, this was more than just a successful start — it was a statement of intent after a historic previous season. The team won the ABA League, claiming the first trophy in club history. The roster was significantly strengthened over the summer, while experienced coach Xavi Pascual took charge, which should help Dubai adapt to the considerably higher level of competition in the EuroLeague.
On the domestic scene, Dubai are also entering the season as the reigning ABA League champions. However, the start of the new campaign was unusual due to organizational issues surrounding the competition: the opening round of the ABA League regular season was postponed. As a result, the EuroLeague clash with Real Madrid effectively became the team's first official test of the season.
Now Dubai have another major advantage — home court. Coca-Cola Arena has already witnessed a historic victory over Real Madrid, and the passionate support from the stands could play a significant role against Barcelona as well.
Barcelona
Barcelona launched their European campaign with an impressive win over Anadolu Efes. The Catalans trailed by 15 points during the game but completely changed its course to secure an 89:82 victory. Their comeback at home was particularly impressive, as the team showed character and the ability to stay focused even after suffering a major setback.
At the same time, Barcelona's start to the season has been mixed. Before the EuroLeague got underway, the Catalans lost 87:101 to Joventut in the Spanish Super Cup final. As a result, Aleksandar Sekulic's team missed out on the first trophy of the season, but just a few days later responded with a convincing EuroLeague victory.
Barcelona made a much stronger start in the Spanish league. In the opening round of Liga Endesa, the Catalans crushed newcomers Leyma Coruña 119:101. Olek Balcerowski played a major role in the victory, scoring 21 points. However, Barcelona only put the game beyond doubt in the final quarter.
Barcelona have therefore already played several official games and are gradually finding their rhythm. The team can switch very quickly from difficult stretches to powerful scoring runs, as they showed brilliantly against Efes, but they head into the clash with Dubai as underdogs.
What should you bet on?
This game promises to be high-scoring and closely contested. Dubai gained a huge emotional boost from their win over Real Madrid and will be playing at home again, but Barcelona have already shown that they can overcome difficult situations and possess far more experience in European competition. In my view, the Catalans should impose their style and compete for the win. Prediction — Barcelona to win with a +10-point handicap.
