NLB MATCH OF THE ROUND: Cibona host Zadar

AdmiralBet ABA League Round 25, Saturday, 8 April 2023:

CIBONA – ZADAR 

Where? Dražen Petrović Arena, Zagreb

When? 17:00

Story of the game: In the opening game of the Saturday’s AdmiralBet ABA League schedule, Cibona will be hosting Zadar at home in their Dražen Petrović Arena in Zagreb.

And how more exciting could the clash of two traditional arch rivals get, than the way that it currently is – with both of them fighting for one of two Playoffs spots still available!

While Zadar are on a 10:14 record after 24 rounds just above the edge of the Playoffs Zone, Cibona are just beneath it with a record of 9:15. So it is clear how much wining in this game would mean to each of the two squads.

Winning means strengthening their position in the Playoffs Race, while defeat might be fatal for their dream of reaching the Top 8 when the peak of the season starts.

And while Cibona have won 2 of their last 5 games and Zadar 5 and while Cibona have lost their last game and Zadar their last 3, it have been the Wolves of Zagreb, that have prevailed in the first mutual encounter of the two squads this season, beating the Dalmatians on the road in Višnjik with the final score of 68:75.

Derby games are always unpredictable and we expect this one to be no different this time. Who will prevail?

Tune in on Saturday and find out!

Match-up in focus: It’s Lovro Mazalin vs. Luka Božić! While there’s no secret regarding the fact that Luka Božić is currently the most efficient player of the league, leading Zadar in scoring, rebounding and passing with an average of 22.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists, Lovro Mazalin has demonstrated his vast talent lately, as he became the Week 23 with a valuation of 45 and he is currently the top scorer and rebounder of Cibona with 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Who will reign in the battle of two excellent swingmen this time and lead their respective squads to the win?

Head-to-head score in the regional league: In total 20:21; In Zagreb 14:6.