On December 31st at 19:35, the ninth round of the CBA regular season features a New Year's Eve highlight match, with Liaoning BenSteel hosting Shanghai Sharks. This encounter presents a contrast in fortunes and holds potential significance with underlying narratives. Liaoning, currently on a three-game losing streak, has slipped to seventh place. They are missing key player Zhao Jiwei due to injury and also without Wells. The offensive burden falls on Brown and Fu Hao, while their interior rotation is slightly stretched due to Han Dejun's retirement. Shanghai, in contrast, has secured four consecutive victories, topping the standings. The dynamic duo of Goodwin (averaging 18.6 points and 7.5 assists) and Lofton are in excellent form. Zhang Zhenlin, who transferred to Shanghai, will face his former team. Prediction: Liaoning BenSteel