Two early-season basketball games where the recent margins say more than the standings. In both, one side has a clearer run of results behind it, but neither match looks like a blowout.
Suwon KT against Wonju DB: Wonju is the higher-scoring side, averaging about 93 for and 89 against over six official games, with a positive points difference. KT sits well below that with a negative margin over seven games, and its last three games were defeats by 13, 20 and 16 points while conceding between 82 and 96. Wonju's imports and its habit of forcing turnovers meet a KT defence that has been leaking, and Wonju also won its most recent game by 26. KT can still win if its threes fall the way they did against LG, and the head-to-head is level, so this should be close for a while. No absences are recorded for either team, but lineups are not out. That's why I'm siding with Wonju to win or stay ahead by a small margin on the road.
Ryukyu against Gunma: Ryukyu has the bigger point difference over nine official games, a strong home record, and a volume three-point attack. Gunma is the shorter side but lost its last two, including giving up a 27-16 lead at Utsunomiya. Gunma won here on the last meeting by living at the free-throw line, and Ryukyu's big home wins did come against weaker opposition, so I expect a tight game decided in the fourth quarter. No current absence news for either side. That's why I'm siding with Ryukyu at home, taking the cushion of the handicap rather than needing the outright win.
