Damascus vs Istanbul

Nick has shown flashes but Istanbul hasn't put a complete game together around him. Corey can match up with Nick and has the physicality to make every touch difficult. Damascus will need someone to step up on the glass and neutralize Muhanad Deeb, who could have a good game. If both teams struggle from three, as they have for most of the season, those extra possessions could be the difference.

If Damascus doesn’t make them pay from three, this game could be a building block for Istanbul’s defense. Nick can be a shot blocking presence for them but the perimeter defense has been too soft, leaving Nick’s man open when he steps up. Singer will look to get some easy points in transition if Istanbul continue to struggle getting back. Again, that could be the difference in a close game.

In a matchup where both teams have struggled to string together stretches of consistency, I think the paint presence of Muhanad Deeb will be the difference.

Istanbul by 4

Kabul vs Cairo

Kabul had a bad matchup against Islamabad last week but most teams aren’t built to win on the perimeter. In the halfcourt, Jay and Trey could have trouble creating space off contact, which will put some pressure on Omar Hussein to have a big shooting game. Cairo will get their highest quality looks in transition as a top tier athletic team against a bigger team that’s better in tight spaces.

Cairo has leaned on their offense to win games all season and Kabul won't change that formula. While they are prone to giving up some buckets at the rim with late rotations vs quick guards, Cairo has enough size to withstand an offense working through the low post. If he has the right matchup, Kabul will need Marwan or Saad to get to the basket off the dribble.

Cairo in the open floor will have an easier time generating good looks offensively.

Cairo by 8

Granada vs Amman

Granada’s defense is one of the most reliable in the league, and they won’t give up points by not getting back in transition. They’ll make sure nothing comes easy at the rim with Zain, but against a strong perimeter team with Mahdy and Adeeb, other defenders like Anas and Joey will have to step up. While Ali is always a game changer, Omar Sehwail can do a good enough job to keep him around his average.

At this point, Amman have proven that they will battle in the post and be physical in open space and on the glass. Granada won’t have success by just dumping it to Zain in the post, if they don’t threaten from elsewhere and feed him within the flow of the offense. Granada can play in different ways and this week, I think the best option is to be aggressive on the offensive glass.

Amman has proven that they will bring the same high level of play every week and while Granada is capable of matching it, I haven’t seen the same playoff fire in them in the regular season.

Amman by 3

Tripoli vs Jerusalem

Jerusalem, as we know, have a deep collection of talent offensively that makes it difficult to have good matchups across the board. However, Tripoli is uniquely suited to defend them with plenty of strong perimeter defenders and a paint presence in Mana. With AK likely on Mike, I think Mahrooz could be a size mismatch vs Elias or Moad but Khaled could give them some good minutes if they trust him.

With Mana taking a backseat and AK having a tough shooting game, Tripoli got a huge game from Elias, which shows yet another way they are able to win games. While Cairo couldn’t take advantage on the other end, Jerusalem may have a chance if they can repeat the gameplan and limit AK, Tripoli’s engine and center of attention.

Tripoli's depth and defensive toughness gives them the advantage over a Jerusalem team whose star power keeps it close.

Tripoli by 4

Islamabad vs Lahore

Lahore is fresh off an offensive explosion of 95 points, showing they are capable of consistent scoring with the right looks. While Islamabad will be comfortable defending the paint with big man Adam Charrkas, Lahore can’t shy away from playing through Adham and Aadil from start to finish and attempting to wear them out instead of bailing early like most teams do.

We know Islamabad is a nightmare to plan against defensively, so Lahore will have to pick their main focus. They have played zone for majority of the season which Islamabad is more than capable of ripping apart with strong passing and lights out shooting. I would prioritize preventing any dribble penetration and limiting the amount of uncontested looks even if they hit contested threes.

Lahore has not been consistent offensively, which makes it hard to pick against Islamabad. However, they are more than capable of coming out with a win, which would be a huge statement.

Islamabad by 4

GAME OF THE WEEK: Gaza vs Beirut

If you let Beirut play at the pace they like, Towfeek and Shafic will create tons of open looks. Fortunately for Gaza, they are more than capable of making the game physical, taking away the easy looks that have given Beirut a high floor offensively. Brandon will be a force in the paint, both against Khalid and in help. Beirut need some strong off ball movement to give Gaza some hesitation.

Gaza is willing to move the ball to look for a high quality shot, which can be effective if teams don’t apply pressure on the perimeter. Beirut doesn’t have the typical profile of a team who will limit Gaza’s looks on offense but we’ve seen them rise to the occasion against other top teams. Towfeek will have the task of guarding Omar, Gaza’s best shot maker.

Gaza's defense and physicality will bring Beirut’s level of play lower than it has been during their hot streak.

Gaza by 3

Dhaka vs Mombasa

Mombasa dropped their second game to Granada and will be looking to respond with a strong performance. Ali Hassan, Dean and Sal give Mombasa too many perimeter options that will have Dhaka spread out. With all that space, Will can certainly take over the game quickly. Dhaka should try and slow the game down and stay within reach to make a run late.

Dhaka has a lot of talent offensively and the key will be to stay locked in mentally. Mombasa may go up early but Dhaka can’t allow that to alter the quality of their shot selection. Over the course of the game, Ian, Tavian, Splash and Nabil will be able to score enough buckets to win. For Mombasa, Elias and Sal will have to provide enough defensive resistance to allow the offense to win the game.

Mombasa's depth on both ends is a level Dhaka hasn't been able to compete with all season.

Mombasa by 10