The Stakes

The Fitness First Würzburg Baskets (4th place, 13-8 wins) and the NINERS Chemnitz (10th place, 10-11 wins) are both aiming for a postseason berth. Würzburg currently holds a stronger position, but remains only one win ahead of seventh place, which would require participation in the play-in tournament. Both clubs urgently need a win.

Recent Form

Prior to the FIBA window, Chemnitz had secured three consecutive wins against Weißenfels, Trier and Heidelberg. Würzburg also recorded wins against the bottom two teams in the league, Heidelberg and Braunschweig.

FIBA Window Recap

Several players from both teams participated in international competition during the FIBA window. Marcus Carr and David Muenkat represented Canada, with Carr scoring 35 points, nine assists, and four rebounds against Puerto Rico in a 96-85 victory. NINERS Center Kevin Yebo led the Ivory Coast to three wins, averaging 11.7 points and 6.3 rebounds. Nike Sibands contributed solid numbers for Uganda (16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists) despite losing three games. Yordan Minchev had a win and a loss with Bulgaria. Defendant Mushidi also saw action for the German national team.

Key Matchup

Although the frontcourt battles between Chemnitz’s Kevin Yebo and Amadou Sow and Würzburg’s Eddy Edigin and Charles Thompson will be important, the duel between MVP candidate Marcus Carr and Corey Davis is expected to be crucial.

First Leg Recap

In mid-December, Würzburg defeated Chemnitz 86-67, taking a commanding 27-13 lead in the first quarter. Chemnitz committed 17 turnovers, while Würzburg had only nine. The NINERS relied heavily on the trio of Corey Davis, Kevin Yebo, and Amadou Sow, who accounted for 56 of the team’s 67 points.

Team Updates

Chemnitz has already utilized its allotment of four mid-season player additions, with Gavin Schilling, Jordan Schakel, Aher Uguak, and Eric Washington joining the team. Würzburg added Ryan Schwieger in January as an injury replacement, leaving them with the potential to add another player before the end of March.

Statistical Insights

• Chemnitz attempts a league-high 32.3 three-pointers per game (33.7% accuracy).
• Würzburg attempts the second-fewest three-pointers (24.9, 32.4% accuracy) and the fewest field goal attempts overall (61.4 per game).

Coaching Spotlight

Rodrigo Pastore, the current coach of Chemnitz, was named BBL Coach of the Year in 2023/24. Now Filipovski has been a contender for the award in recent years.

Familiar Faces

Würzburg’s Eddy Edigin previously played for Chemnitz last season before moving to Weißenfels. Defendant Mushidi and Johnathan Stove also have history with each other from the 2023/24 season.

Milestone Watch

Eddy Edigin is 27 points away from reaching 1,000 career points in the BBL.

Head-to-Head Record

After twelve games, both teams have six wins each.

Quote

“He played his last international match on September 9th, 2019 at the World Cup in China – 20 points in a 76-82 loss to Canada.”

fiba.basketball

Broadcast Information

The game will be broadcast live on Dyn starting at 7:45 PM here. Florian von Stackelberg will provide commentary.