Shanghai Jiushi is considered a top contender for the CBA 2025-26 season championship, characterized by a top-tier roster and efficient offense. However, they have notable weaknesses in defense and team cohesion. Their current record stands at 2 wins and 2 losses, ranking them 8th as of December 24th. A look at their performance reveals that they've defeated Changbaishan and Jiangsu, while losing to Tongxi and Guangsha. They average 95.8 points scored and 94 points conceded per game, with a league-leading 52.2% field goal percentage, indicating a weaker defensive efficiency. Team cohesion is being accelerated through increased training for pick-and-rolls with Zhang Zhenlin, Wang Zhelin, and Goodwin, as well as enhanced off-ball movement and passing plays. Shanghai Jiushi's offensive strengths include a top-tier shooting percentage, balanced inside and outside game, and a deep roster allowing for multiple lineup combinations. However, they struggle with excessive turnovers (15 per game) and a poor free-throw percentage of only 63%, impacting their stability in crucial moments. Their defensive shortcomings include conceding approximately 122 points per 100 possessions, ranking them 16th in the league. They have poor help defense, significant vulnerabilities in pick-and-roll defense, and inconsistent rebounding. The defensive impact of Whiteside has not yet been fully realized. Key factors to consider include the integration of new players (Zhang Zhenlin, Goodwin, and Fogg), which is estimated to be 70-80% complete. This lack of full cohesion can lead to fluctuations in rhythm, reducing their margin for error against strong teams. Recommendation: Over 183.5 points.