Nagasaki Velca vs Shimane Prediction 23 September 2026
🏀 In the opening round of Japan’s B.League, Nagasaki Velca host Shimane Susanoo Magic. The home side are clear favourites, entering the new campaign as reigning national champions. However, Nagasaki were unable to keep their core roster intact over the summer, giving visiting fans hope that their team can put up a real fight against the titleholders. We’ll soon find out how this clash unfolds.
Head-to-Head
📊 These two teams have faced off 10 times in official competition. The hosts have come out on top in 6 games, while the visitors have claimed victory in 4 encounters. Their most recent head-to-head took place on 22 April 2026 on Nagasaki Velca’s home court, ending in a commanding 106-74 win for the home side.
Head-to-head statistics Nagasaki Velca - Shimane
Nagasaki Velca Team Overview
The major headline that reshapes the outlook for this season: Nagasaki have lost two key attacking players - Johnson, last season’s top scorer, and Hyeonjun, the playoff finals MVP -both departed the club this summer. That leaves a significant void in a squad whose title run owed much to their offensive output. Still, it’s not all doom and gloom for the franchise: they’ve managed to retain the rest of their core roster and brought in an equally experienced head coach in Vickerman, who spent a decade in Australia’s league - a competition on par with Japan’s in terms of quality. On top of that, Randolph has been signed as Johnson’s replacement.
Match Results: Nagasaki Velca
Shimane Susanoo Magic Team Overview
Shimane Susanoo Magic enter their second season under head coach Bozic, and the squad should look more cohesive and consistent than they did a year ago. With their reliable captain Kay anchoring both the forward and center positions, Shimane have a strong presence in the paint. Improved team chemistry and targeted summer signings - Dennis, Heath, Alu Holi, and Inoue - could be the missing pieces that help them reach the playoffs, something they missed out on last season. It will also be intriguing to see how their defense has evolved, after conceding an average of 82.2 points per game in the spring.
Match Results: Shimane Susanoo Magic
Prediction for the 1st quarter
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters: 10;
- First quarter wins at home for the hosts: 5; for the visitors on the road: 2;
- Average total points in the first quarter: 38.7;
- Today's home team averages 20.1 points, while the visitors average 18.6.
- Nagasaki Velca won the 1st quarter in 11 of last 12 games (B.League).
- Nagasaki Velca won the 1st quarter in 9 of last 10 home games (B.League).
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
Nagasaki enter the season opener as the more talented and deeper side, with home-court advantage further tipping the scales in their favor. However, it remains to be seen how the team will cope without Johnson and Henchzhun, and whether they can quickly adjust to a new head coach. Given both teams’ lack of game rhythm, we’re unlikely to see offensive fireworks, with plenty of missed shots expected. Fitness levels are also far from peak at this stage, making it unrealistic to expect a high tempo for the full 40 minutes. Our pick: under 166.5 total points.
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Betting Tips: Nagasaki Velca - Shimane Susanoo Magic
in 11 of last 12 games (B.League).in 9 of last 10 home games (B.League).in 8 of last 9 games against Shimane Susanoo Magic (B.League).in last 7 away games against Nagasaki Velca (B.League).in 6 of last 7 away games against Nagasaki Velca (B.League).
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