Valencia Basket visits a good-streak Hiopos Lleida

Valencia Basket’s men’s team will return to Lleida a little over twenty years after their last visit to the city, to face Hiopos Lleida for the first time as visitors (Sunday 20th, 12:30 PM, Barris Nord, M+ Deportes 2) in a Round 28 clash of the Liga Endesa.

The "Taronja" team will have its first chance to secure a Playoff berth for the 19th consecutive season in this game, although they do not depend solely on themselves. In addition to winning on a court known for having one of the best atmospheres in the competition, they would also need a defeat from one of their rivals to clinch a postseason spot this weekend.

Although there are no previous matchups at this rival’s court, Valencia Basket won the first leg game by 107-92 and had an even record (two wins and two losses) in their previous visits to Lleida against the city's former acb team.

This game will feature a head-to-head between the two highest-rated guards in the Liga Endesa since the start of March: Valencia’s Jean Montero, averaging 23.1 efficiency credits, and Hiopos Lleida’s James Batemon, who has posted 21.3 credits since he arrived in the Liga Endesa.

Point guard Chris Jones began reintegrating into training with his teammates this week, so long-term injured player Ethan Happ remains the only player ruled out for this game.

Valencia Basket sits third in the Liga Endesa standings with a 20-7 record.

Rosters

REFEREES: Emilio Pérez Pizarro - Sergio Manuel - Roberto Lucas