Matchday 31 of the EuroLeague features an important clash in Munich between FC Bayern Munich Basketball and Anadolu Efes S.K., two teams facing the encounter with the need to win and improve their standings position.
The German side arrives with a record of 13-17 and keeps its options alive to move closer to the play-in positions. Bayern strengthened its aspirations last week with a notable victory on the road against KK Crvena zvezda, a win that restored confidence to the team.
In that game, Xavier Rathan-Mayes' contribution was important, scoring 13 points and playing a key role in the game's development. Bayern hopes to repeat a solid performance to continue moving closer to the postseason qualification zone.
On the visiting side, Efes arrives with a record of 9-21 and with the intention to react after an unexpected home defeat against last-place ASVEL Basket. In that game, the Turkish side suffered especially with ball control, committing 20 turnovers, an aspect it will try to correct in this new matchup.
The head-to-head record between both teams this season favors Efes. In the game played in November, the Istanbul side won 74-72 thanks to 26 points from Isaia Cordinier.
However, Bayern faces the encounter with confidence after having strung together three consecutive home victories, a streak it will try to extend to continue taking steps toward qualifying for the play-in in this decisive stretch of the EuroLeague regular season.