Can Dubai Basketball maintain perfect record against Spartak Office Shoes?
A familiar opponent awaits the reigning AdmiralBet ABA League champions on Sunday afternoon, as Dubai Basketball welcome Spartak Office Shoes to Coca-Cola Arena in a clash that brings back memories of last season's Playoffs.
(Photo: Dubai Basketball)
AdmiralBet ABA League 2026/27, Round 8, Sunday, 15 November 2026
DUBAI BASKETBALL – SPARTAK OFFICE SHOES
Where? Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
When? 10:00 CET (13:00 local time)
Story of the Game: A familiar opponent awaits the reigning AdmiralBet ABA League champions on Sunday afternoon, as Dubai Basketball welcome Spartak Office Shoes to Coca-Cola Arena in a clash that brings back memories of last season's Playoffs.
The two teams met in the 2025/26 Quarter-Finals, when Dubai secured a 2:0 series victory on their way to winning their first-ever ABA League championship. The defending champions have actually won all four previous encounters against Spartak, making this another opportunity to extend their perfect head-to-head record. On top of that, Dubai Basketball enter the contest determined to continue their strong ABA campaign as they opened the new season with a perfect 6-0 score.
For Spartak Office Shoes, this is an opportunity to finally overcome an opponent that has caused them plenty of problems in recent seasons. The Subotica side will need an excellent performance on both ends of the floor to challenge the defending champions, but the visitors have already demonstrated that they can compete with strong opponents. Spartak Office Shoes have won the previous two games in the league and they arrive in Dubai with a 4-2 record.
Match-up in Focus: Mfiondu Kabengele against Dalibor Ilić!
Two powerful big men will be looking to make their presence felt in the paint, and their performances could have a major influence on Sunday's outcome.
Kabengele remains one of Dubai's most important weapons, combining physical strength, rebounding ability and efficiency around the basket. He reached double digits in scoring in 4 out of 5 games he played in this season.
On the other side, Ilić is coming off an excellent double-double performance against Zadar, when he recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds and a game-high valuation of 22, helping Spartak secure a convincing 67:51 victory.
Head-to-head score in ABA: In total 4:0; At Dubai Basketball home court 2:0.
