Zhejiang vs Shenzhen Leopards Prediction 16 May 2026
π In the opening game of the Chinese CBA playoff semi-finals, Zhejiang Lions are set to face Shenzhen Leopards. Both sides impressed over the course of the regular season, finishing third and fourth in the standings respectively. With the teams so evenly matched, this clash promises plenty of intrigue. Bookmakers are leaning toward the Lions for Game 1, largely due to their home-court advantage. But can the hosts live up to their billing as favourites? Letβs break down the matchup and offer a well-founded prediction.
Head-to-Head
πStatistical breakdown of previous official encounters between Zhejiang Lions and Shenzhen Leopards:
- The sides have faced off 34 times;
- Zhejiang have come out on top 19 times (including overtime), while Shenzhen have claimed 15 victories;
- The hosts average 98.21 points per game, with the visitors putting up 97.47;
- The average combined score stands at 195.68 points.
Their most recent head-to-head took place on 02 April 2026 at the Shenzhen Leopardsβ home court, where the hosts secured a 109-94 win.
Head-to-head statistics Zhejiang - Shenzhen Leopards
Zhejiang Guangsha Lions Team Overview
Zhejiang Lions head into this clash in impressive form, having won four of their last five games. Over their previous ten outings, they boast a solid record of six victories and four defeats, underlining the clubβs consistency across a longer stretch. For the season, the Lions average 91.5 points per game while conceding just 82.2 on average.
In their most recent ten-game span, offensive production has dipped slightly to 86.2 points per contest, but their defense remains stout, allowing only 81.5 points on average. On home court, Zhejiang typically dictate the tempo, executing efficiently from mid-range and beyond the arc, while their defense consistently applies pressure throughout the game. These strengths were on full display in the previous playoff round, as the Lions comfortably dispatched Shanxi Loongs in just two games.
Match Results: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions
Shenzhen Leopards Team Overview
Shenzhen Leopards are enjoying a high-scoring season, averaging 99.4 points per game, though their defense remains somewhat vulnerable, conceding an average of 94.1 points. Their recent form has been impressive: after dropping their first two games in the last five, they bounced back with three consecutive wins, signaling a strong recovery following a dip earlier in the month.
Over their last ten outings, the Leopards have claimed seven victories and suffered just three defeats. Their offense continues to push the pace, putting up 87.9 points on average, while their defense has allowed 83 points per contest. Notably, Shenzhen dominated the most recent head-to-head clash, cruising to a convincing 109-94 win. That result should give the franchise an extra boost of confidence-already running high after Shenzhen advanced past the Zhejiang Bulls in the previous knockout round.
Match Results: Shenzhen Leopards
Prediction for the 1st quarter
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters - 34;
- First quarter wins at home for the hosts - 8; for the visitors on the road - 6;
- Average total points in the first quarter: 46.76;
- Today's home team averages 23.82, while the visitors average 22.94.
First Quarter Stats: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (home) vs Shenzhen Leopards (away)
- Tournament matches played: 23 vs 22;
- Number of wins: 14 (60.87%) vs 12 (54.55%);
- Number of losses: 7 (30.43%) vs 7 (31.82%);
- Number of draws: 2 (8.7%) vs 3 (13.64%).
- Average points scored: 23.43 vs 25.5;
- Average points conceded: 21.35 vs 23.5.
Last 10 Matches (Overall):
- Number of wins: 2 vs 4;
- Number of losses: 7 vs 4;
- Number of draws: 1 vs 2;
- Average first quarter total: 44.4 (scored - 21, conceded - 23.4) vs 47 (scored - 24.5, conceded - 22.5).
- Zhejiang Guangsha Lions won the 1st quarter in 7 of last 8 games against Shenzhen Leopards.
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of matchups - 34;
- number of wins for the home team - 19, for the away team - 15.
Statistics: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions vs Shenzhen Leopards
- number of tournament matches played: 42 vs 42;
- number of wins: 35 (77.78%) vs 32 (72.73%);
- number of losses: 10 (22.22%) vs 12 (27.27%);
- number of wins at home for the home team: 21;
- number of away wins for the away team: 15.
Last 10 matches:
- number of wins: 6 vs 7;
- number of losses: 4 vs 3;
- number of home wins for the home team: 3;
- number of away wins for the away team: 4.
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 98.21, for the away team - 97.47;
- average total points in H2H matches - 195.68.
Statistics: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions vs Shenzhen Leopards
- average total in the tournament: 173.73 vs 193.52;
- average total points scored: 91.53 vs 99.41;
- average total points conceded: 82.2 vs 94.11;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 47.22 vs 52.57;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 43.44 vs 46.2;
- Zhejiang Guangsha Lions: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 94.09;
- Shenzhen Leopards: average total points scored away in the tournament - 97.68;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 86.2 (home - 97.2) vs 87.9 (away - 90).
- Shenzhen Leopards have scored over 90.5 points in 6 of last 7 away games.
β Editorβs Prediction
Both teams favour a high-tempo, offense-first approach, consistently pushing the pace and racking up possessions-something reflected in their above-league-average scoring stats this season. Shenzhen have shown they can maintain an aggressive tempo even when facing top-tier opposition. The hosts, meanwhile, boast excellent offensive chemistry and appear to be hitting peak physical condition, making them a real threat for any defence. All things considered, despite the high stakes, this match looks set to be a high-scoring affair, with the total likely to go over 187.5 points.No comments
Betting Tips: Zhejiang Guangsha Lions - Shenzhen Leopards
in 7 of last 8 games against Shenzhen Leopards.in 18 of last 19 games (Basketball League).in 11 of last 12 away games (Basketball League).in 20 of last 22 home games.
in 18 of last 19 games (Basketball League).in last 10 away games (Basketball League).
