Both games feature a contest between interior answers and pressure on the first pass. A scorer who survives that pressure still needs teammates to finish the next action. Rebounds and separate outside shooters should determine whether an early lead holds through the second half.
Hokkaido scored inside through Tominaga, Bolden and Harrar in its latest game despite almost no three-point return. San-en's main rotation played its latest game, yet turnovers and an incomplete defensive stop kept its scorers from controlling it. Hokkaido's interior follow-up and steals provide a way to answer San-en's free throws and multiple scorers. I expect the game to remain tight into the later possessions. That's why I'm siding with Levanga Hokkaido to stay close at home.
KCC can attack through King and Long, with Hoon and Ung supplying outside answers. Fubon can meet that paint attack with Todorovic and Pickett, then use Chen's first carry to find Chou and Hung away from the basket. Mbaye's return is an expectation rather than confirmed minutes, so the recent Chen, Todorovic and outside roles carry the argument. KCC's own first-carry losses and still developing zone give Fubon possessions to answer an early lead. That's why I'm siding with Fubon Braves to stay close.
