In the midst of their intense playoff series in the EuroLeague Bayern doesn't only have a game to play in the BBL but it's the top duel against long-time rival Berlin. The Berliners, who are no longer involved in the top league after finishing 15th in the regular season will be guests at the Audi Dome on Sunday evening (25.4.) starting at 18:00. Game 3 with Olimpia Milan is then also scheduled for next Wednesday (0-2). MagentaSport will broadcast all FCBB games live.
After their return from Lombardy, head coach Andrea Trinchieri's team has Saturday to prepare for the game against Alba, which has one defeat less in the league (46-12 points) and is second in the standings immediately ahead of the hosts (46-14). The FCBB still have four BBL games to play before the playoffs here: in Goettingen, against Ulm and finally at first-place Ludwigsburg (52-4). Given the 85-72 loss in Berlin in January, one of Munich's few truly poor performances this season, Alba is currently in a good position for the better spot in the postseason.
Berlin ahead in the standings, but with a loss to Braunschweig
On Thursday evening the Berliners lost unexpectedly 87-82 at home, like Bayern two weeks ago, against Loewen Braunschweig despite a 14-point lead. Top scorer was Luke Sikma (19) ahead of Simone Fontecchio and Niels Giffey (11 each).
Double-digit point producers of a deep squad in the league are Swedish distance specialist Marcus Eriksson (12.3 ppg, 48% threes), Italian forward Fontecchio (11.2 ppg), Giffey (10.5), playmaker Peyton Siva (10.3), and Sikma (10.3). However, Maodo Lo (8.8), German champion with Bayern in 2019, as well as center Johannes Tiemann (8.3), Jayson Granger (8.1), and U.S. center Ben Lammers (7.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg) can also make their mark in a game.
New to coach Alejandro Garcia Reneses' lineup in recent weeks is seven-footer 24-year-old Christ Koumadje, who was previously under contract with Estudiantes Madrid and Saratov in Russia.
For Bayern, the natural question will be how their reserves play after the two playoff battles in Milan for the usually highly stimulating duel with their national rivals. They will be without Nick Weiler-Babb, who was injured in Milan and whose right foot remains immobilized for the time being due to a damaged tendon, and they are also still without convalescent Nihad Djedovic (knee).
It is the 54th edition of the German classic. Bayern leads 33-19 in the BBL (27-15), EuroLeague (3-0), EuroCup (1 win, 1 draw) and Cup (2-4).