Turkish Airlines Euroleague champions FC Barcelona Regal play host to Polish domestic champions Asseco Prokom Gdynia tonight in what is already a key game for both teams.
Barcelona grabbed a road win in Ljubljana and wants to get closer to the Top 16 with its first home win in Group D.
Despite a wild fourth-quarter rally, Prokom could not beat Galatasaray Medical Park and they arrive in Barcelona with the mission of getting a tough road win.
Barcelona have only lost one of their last 15 regular season home games and is the heavy favourite to win this encounter, but Prokom have a very physical team and will be ready to give its all at Palau Blaugrana.
CJ Wallace has had to return to the United States for personal reasons, so he may not be back in time to face Prokom, if he fails to return he will be replaced by Josep Perez or Ivan Garcia. Prokom have no injury problems ahead of the match with Barcelona.
Prokom have a solid point guard duo in Jerel Blassingame and Oliver Lafayette. Blassingame will test his quickness and creativity against Marcelinho Huertas, while Lafayette will see more playing time against defensive stopper Victor Sada.
Prokom must find the way to stop Juan Carlos Navarro and will turn to its defensive stoppers on the wings, Prezemyslaw Zamojski and Piote Szczkota.
At the same time, Chuck Eidson and Pete Mickeal must use their size, versatility and experience against Prokom star forward Alonzo Gee. The battle in the paint, however, will be the key to this game, as both teams have deep, versatile frontcourts.
