Shengelia remains one of the most consistent players during this decisive phase of the season.
/ FCB
The Liga Endesa is reaching the climax of the regular season, with playoff positions being decided. Xavi Pascual’s Barça is fully immersed in the fight to finish as high as possible in the table.
The Blaugrana, currently sitting in fourth place with 21 wins and 9 losses, cannot afford any slip-ups in these final regular-season games. That is especially true this Wednesday when they visit Covirán Granada, a team fighting for its last chance to stay in the league. Pascual is aware they face a very tough match against a Granada side that remains alive after three consecutive victories, though their situation is critical. A win for Barça on Wednesday (7:30 PM local time) in Granada would send the hosts into the relegation zone.
Barça must capitalize on Juan Núñez, who has shown clear improvement in recent games.
/ FCB
No room for error
Barça must focus on their goal: securing another win and putting more pressure on the teams ahead of them. They are tied with Valencia Basket (21-9), but a key duel awaits against Pedro Martínez’s squad, which is also fighting for a spot in the Final Four against Panathinaikos. If Barça beats Valencia, they would overtake them in the standings, though they would then need UCAM Murcia (second place, 22-8) to slip up in one of their remaining regular-season games.
Willy and Fall must continue playing at a high level to cover for Vesely’s absence.
/ FCB
In this tight race, a defeat in Granada would leave Barça with very few chances to climb the standings. Therefore, all focus is on not giving the Nazarí side any opportunity and securing a win, which they would then need to follow up on Sunday with a visit to another tough opponent, La Laguna Tenerife.
No letting the guard down
The tension in the standings forces Barça not to take any breather. The team will come out concentrated, just as they have in recent matches, seeking collective contributions – a formula that has worked well for the coach and which he hopes will continue in Granada.
Dani González could get another opportunity against Covirán Granada.
/ FCB
Barça continues to deal with many injury problems. In addition to Will Clyburn’s absence, Jan Vesely remains sidelined – he announced his intention to retire at the end of the season on Tuesday – along with Tomas Satoransky and young Nikola Kusturica, who is recovering from an ankle sprain sustained in the U18 Spanish Championship final. The latest loss came in the match against San Pablo Burgos, with point guard Juani Marcos getting injured, though he is expected to be available. Nico Laprovittola is closer to returning but not yet ready.
Pascual is counting on the effectiveness of Shengelia and Punter, along with Juan Núñez, who has already shown he is regaining his form at great speed. With Vesely out, Youssoupha Fall and Willy have gained more prominence and have raised their level of play. To cover the absences, Pascual has once again called up Dani González and Sayon Keita.