No Hard Feelings to Anyone I Might Diss In These Predictions
Excuse Any Grammar Mistakes Please
CORDOBA vs. Istanbul: Cordoba is a strong team, they have some solid scorers. Problem is their defense though (currently 23rd), they definitely need to slow the tempo on offense so that they can save that energy and turn it into defense. Last week proved that against Timbuktu. Istanbul is having a rough season to start, I believe they can bounce back though. Mahmoud showed up for the first time last week and scored 28 out of their 44 points on 44% shooting, and that type of scorer can be a major help when all their players show up. I believe they would've won if all their players showed up, but no real evaluation can be made when their team has yet to play at full strength.
ISLAMABAD vs. Timbuktu: Timbuktu got Muj, and that changes everything for them. Didn't expect them to beat Cordoba regardless, but there's Muj for you. Timbuktu can score, but they are 19th defensively, and in the first three games, Islamabad has been very consistent offensively sitting at 5th. Difference between last Saturday vs this Saturday for Timbuktu though is they're versing the 3rd best defensive team statistically, rather than the 23rd.
MOMBASA vs. Lahore: Pete is huge, and proved he can score easily on Saturday. You can say they lost because Raza didn't show up, but this team is consistent and is scary. Lahore has some work to do, they have talent. Moayad needs to be the force he was last season, and Hosam needs to play smart. Moayad and Hosam should be working together on offense attacking the paint. Then there's Mana, I can't wait to see Mana vs Pete. If Lahore plays the way they're supposed to, this game will come down to Mana vs Pete.
SARAJEVO vs. Sana'a: I honestly haven't watched mush of these two teams, so all I can say is based off stats. Sarajevo win by blowout.
BAGHDAD vs. Jakarta: If ED's not showing up again, Jakarta is going to break before the 40 mins are up. They'll definitely put up a good fight, but Baghdad would prevail. Tim Brown and Amir are really nice scorers and have a nice supporting cast, but they need to play well to win this one.
GRANADA vs. Delhi: Granada are the defending champs, and Delhi is a talented, but inexperienced team. Delhi needs to pass the ball more and find the perfect shot, but that's only if Ahmad Splash isn't really feeling it. Granada's job is simple, face-guard Ahmad Splash and box out Deeb, and that win is easily guaranteed.
CAIRO vs. Beirut: Beirut is amazing, and so can Cairo if ALL their players show up. Popal with Goldberg is really scary, but we all know Beirut doesn't care who they're versing, they want the win more than anyone. This game is really hard to predict, I even want to say this is a toss-up, possible game of the week.
ALEXANDRIA vs. Fez: Where to begin, Fez knows somethings wrong, and we need some changes asap. They rush their shots, and each play as if they're the only players on the court. Elias can run their offense, give it to Hamza on the cut and dish it to either Ali or Talha at the perimeter and there's Omar with the boxout and rebound if the shot is off. There's too much ISO, they play with a streetball mentality. No player on their team has the talent to play like that. Haven't watched Alexandria but they get their first win this week.
KAZAN vs. Tehran: My man Malik Zubi put it perfectly. Refer to his prediction cuz I agree.
DHAKA vs. Kabul: My GAME OF THE WEEK. Ohhh I can' wait for this one. Kabul's main scorers are Abdelhadi and Hamza Ahmad, while the entirety of the Dhaka team seems pretty reliable when it comes to scoring. I know Abdelhadi will show up, but this is Hamza's real test, I'm honestly scared to find out what this kid turns into. I want to say Kabul wins, but there're too many assets on a full Dhaka team.
MECCA vs. Riyadh: Another really good game, if Riyadh scores well then they definitely have a shot. Mecca needs their fulls squad in this one. No one on Mecca has been very consistent, if #20 steps it up they can be a really scary team though. How each team plays defensively may be the deciding factor.
SUBA vs. Jerusalem: Suba is looking to have a similar season as last season, and this week won't change that. Jerusalem needs some help, maybe they change my mind though. Big O seemed to be "scouting" them last week, don't want to speak too soon, but new addition coming soon?? (I mean the whole team is made up of Abbassi's so idk)