CBA Clash: Liaoning's Resilience Tested Against High-Flying Shanghai in a New Year's Eve Showdown – Key Matchup Insights and Player Spotlight

On December 31st at 19:35, the CBA regular season's ninth round presents a New Year's Eve feature: Liaoning BenGang hosts Shanghai Jiusai. This matchup highlights a contrast in form and carries potential storylines. Liaoning, recently on a three-game losing streak, has slipped to seventh in the standings. Key players Zhao Jiwei and Wells are sidelined, placing the offensive burden on Brown and Fu Hao. The interior rotation is also slightly strained following Han Dejun's retirement. Meanwhile, Shanghai boasts a four-game winning streak, currently leading the league. Goodwin (averaging 18.6 points and 7.5 assists) and Lofton form a potent inside-out duo. Additionally, Zhang Zhenlin, who transferred to Shanghai, will face his former team. Recommendation: Liaoning BenGang.