Two road-versus-home matches in Korea and Japan where the stronger, steadier side has a clear working edge, but neither looks like a blowout. Both are about who controls the close minutes.
Goyang Sono against LG Sakers: Goyang has won four straight, is unbeaten at home in the recent sample, and shoots better overall and much better from the free-throw line. Its imports carry the scoring and the third quarter is its strongest stretch. LG swings wildly, with big wins and heavy losses, and relies on Marey's offensive rebounding for extra possessions. Nothing is reported on absences for either side and rest is level. I expect a close first half and Goyang edging away after the break, so I'm siding with Goyang at home.
Shimane against Sendai: Sendai is 8-3 with seven straight wins, scores around 87 a game, and is built around Jarrett Culver's scoring. Shimane is missing its big man McAdoo along with Kitagawa and Iio, has a negative recent margin and is only 2-2 at home. Shimane's route is a hot three-point night, but that is variance rather than a structural edge. Sendai's margins have been modest, so this is a win read rather than a big-margin read. That's why I'm siding with Sendai on the road.
