A Spanish derby will see Barcelona (6-2) attempt to bounce back from Wednesday's dismal loss at Baskonia and extend its 100% home record. Visiting Valencia (5-3) is facing its second "clásico" opponent of the week after a narrow home loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Dario Brizuela, Barcelona: 'We want to feel the support of our fans'
Seasons
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Former Barca big man Brandon Davies will return to Palau Blaugrana after a remarkable 18-point first quarter against Real, and his duel with the equally exciting Jan Vesely will be a highlight of this matchup. Vesely had enjoyed a great season until Wednesday night, when he was held to just 2 points and 1 rebound, so he'll be eager to return to his usual high standards. The same applies to Jabari Parker, who also scored just 2 points in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach
"There's not much time for anything. We can analyze and see what we did not do well, but we have to clean up our minds and get ready for a difficult game. We are eager to play at home again. Valencia is a team we know well. They are very athletic, intense and they built a great team. We played against them not long ago. I expect we will play a good game here at Palau."
Alex Mumbru, Valencia head coach
"It is a complicated game, as all the road one in the EuroLeague. We play against a team that, since we last played them, has Laprovittola back so they will be more offensive. We will have to play good defense if we want to compete in such a tough road game. They also come from a painful loss against Baskonia and I am sure they will want to pick up the pieces and move on as soon as possible. This game was already difficult, but this defeat will make it even harder for us."
Dario Brizuela, Barcelona player
"We are fortunate that after such a bad game we play soon. We are hungry to play against Valencia, because we lost to them in the Spanish League. I expect an athletic opponent, they try to play fastbreak, which hurt us a lot. We have to watch for the low post also. The team is eager to play and that is good, and playing at home is always better. We want to feel the support of our fans and make them enjoy the game."
Brandon Davies, Valencia player
"It is a complicated challenge for us. We play in a court where it is very hard to play as a visitor. We come from a loss to Real Madrid in a game that was decided by one basket, and I hope we can get back to the winning track in Barcelona. They also suffered a defeat to Baskonia, but they are always a tough opponent at Palau Blaugrana. When you lose you want to come back and play harder and win as soon as possible. Both teams are in the same situation."