The Guangdong team is set for a decisive showdown against Beijing tonight in a single-elimination game that will determine which side advances to the next round. Both teams are considered top title contenders this season, with heavy investments from their management, making this a do-or-die battle. Despite playing on the road, Guangdong has received encouraging news. Their core players—Xu Jie, Hu Mingxuan, and imports Quin and Sallier—have been performing at a high level. More importantly, sharpshooter Zhang Haojia has regained his confidence after hitting a crucial three-pointer that not only sealed a victory over Beijing but also seemed to revive his career. That clutch shot is expected to boost his perimeter shooting going forward.
Meanwhile, fans are buzzing with speculation that former Guangdong star Zhao Rui could become an “insider” helping his old team. After Guangdong’s win in the previous game, Zhao Rui was visibly happy, and some fans even suggested he wanted to celebrate inside the Guangdong locker room. During postgame interviews, head coach Du Feng remarked that Zhao Rui was someone he personally developed, fueling rumors that Zhao Rui might intentionally underperform to aid Guangdong’s advancement.