In the first matchup Andi Obst and Vladimir Lucic were missing with elbow injujries as was Othello Hunter, and yes, it was the third game in five days after a EuroLeague double week against Baskonia (92-79 win) and at Fenerbahce (79-71 loss). The 96-68 Bayern Basketball loss in Ludwigsburg in mid-January is one of the rare BBL setbacks in the course of the past six months for the Munich team, along with a clear home loss against Hamburg.
On Sunday evening, the Swabians will be guests at the Audi Dome for the re-match. Ludwigsburg is now sixth in the easyCredit BBL standings after three recent losses and sport a 15-10 record while Bayern (18-6) have only lost twice since the first meeting in January (against Hamburg and with the last play against Berlin) and have solidified their spot at third place.
A playoff matchup in the works?
If things remain the same, 3 against 6 - they would meet again in the first round of the playoffs in May. It is not clear at the moment who will face Bayern as Ulm, Wuerzburg or Bamberg could also fall into the sixth place spot.
The Ludwigsburg guards sank 16 threes in the first matchup so the task for Sunday is clear. Prentiss Hubb (17.8 ppg, 6.3 apg) and Jhonathan Dunn (14.2 ppg) have not had a good March, but on a good day they can give the FCBB a run for their money with their clear talent. Eddy Edigin (4.8, 3.7 rpg), who once played for FCBB II (2017) has steadily improved his play and has carved out a fine role for himself.
Hubb and Dunn strong in recent win
In terms of personnel, Bayern will be almost unchanged from their lineup in the strong performance 45 hours ago against Monaco (84-81 loss). In any case, the inclusion of possible returnees such as Harris, Winston or Jaramaz is worth considering in view of the upcoming schedule. On Tuesday, Munich is already back in action at to face a hot Ulm team, before it continues just two days later on Thursday in the EuroLeague at third-place Real Madrid.
Last regular season home game vs Kaunas
Another date to remember: The last home game of the Euroleague this season will be on Friday, April 14th against Final Four host Kaunas from Lithuania.