Under normal circumstances, facing the league's bottom-ranked team, which has only secured five wins so far, would present an excellent opportunity for the black-and-whites to clinch a victory. This win could potentially re-engage them in the play-off race or, at the very least, virtually secure ninth place. However, the Bilbao team must set aside their European success to focus on an opponent currently in their best form of the season, having won three of their last five matches, including two consecutively.
The Granada squad is determined to remain in the Liga Endesa and will not be an easy opponent. After recovering several injured players and making various roster changes, including a new coach, Granada now boasts a strong rotation.
“"We won't be at 100% because when you win something, you have to celebrate it."
The physical condition of Surne Bilbao Basket is one of the main uncertainties following the intense exertion of the past week. Stefan Lazarevic will return to the team after being left out of the final, and his contribution will be crucial for the remainder of the season. The team's coach, however, sees his squad with “a good mentality” to tackle the final month of competition and live up to the “ambition and desire” expressed since their second FIBA Europe Cup triumph.
From Granada's side, their coach, Arturo Ruiz, anticipates “a very focused opponent trying to get into the top eight, which is a great success for them. Surne Bilbao arrives with great confidence and high motivation.” He has therefore urged his players to “raise their level, which is necessary to win away from home.” It is worth noting that the Granada team has yet to secure an away victory in their thirteen road games this season.
