The CBA playoffs have shifted to a best-of-five format for the semifinals, with the Shanghai Sharks taking on the Beijing Ducks. Game 1 is set for May 15 at 19:35, and it will be broadcast live. This marks the seventh playoff meeting between the two teams in CBA history, with each side having won three times previously. A closer look at the starting five reveals clear strengths and weaknesses.
At center, Beijing relies on Zhou Qi, who showed renewed determination in the series against Guangdong, even refusing to rest when the coach tried to substitute him. His biggest critique has been inconsistent effort, but now he seems fully engaged. On the Shanghai side, Wang Zhelin brings comparable size and physicality. While Zhou Qi may have the edge in stamina, Wang can match him physically and will look to wear him down over the course of the game.
At power forward, the matchup between Zeng Fanbo and Zhang Zhenlin is a key talking point. Both are rising stars for the Chinese national team and have delivered explosive performances against Guangdong. Zeng’s athleticism, basketball IQ, and touch make him a top domestic talent. Zhang will need to use his length and speed to contain Shanghai’s Lofton. In the frontcourt reserves, Beijing has McGee, Spellman, Fan Ziming, and Qiu Tian, while Shanghai counters with Whiteside, Yan Pengfei, Li Hongquan, and Lofton. Both teams have depth, but Beijing’s imports have shown questionable attitude issues.
At small forward, Beijing fields Lei Meng, Zhang Cairen, and Zhai Xiaochuan against Shanghai’s Liu Zheng. Beijing has more options on the wing. In the backcourt, the guard positions blend together: Beijing’s Chen Yingjun, Zhao Rui, and Jemaine (likely a foreign guard) lead a deep group that also includes Fang Shuo. Shanghai counters with Ferguson, Goodwin, and Li Tianrong. Of course, these are just paper comparisons; actual game performance will tell the true story.
Shanghai boasts impressive bench depth with no glaring weaknesses, allowing for seamless rotations. Beijing, on the other hand, has a star-studded roster but lacks players who can consistently deliver in clutch moments. Imports McGee and Spellman have displayed a lackadaisical attitude during coach Xu Limin’s instructions.
The two imports resemble the classic “no-thought, no-happiness” duo—McGee as the absent-minded one and Spellman as the perpetually unhappy one. McGee was initially energetic but seems to have been influenced by Spellman, whose game has become increasingly irrational. How McGee will perform against Whiteside remains to be seen. With at least three games in the semifinals, Game 1 will be a crucial test for both teams.
