SAO JOSE DOS PINHAIS, Brazil (Interstat) — The top-tier Pinheiros squad looks to rebound from a rare loss when it visits the inconsistent Sao Jose team in a Brazilian Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) clash Friday at Ginásio Lineu de Moura.

Pinheiros (27-7), which sits near the top of the league table, is coming off a 74-69 road defeat against Corinthians on April 4. That loss snapped a three-game winning streak. Sao Jose (18-14) has dropped two straight, including a 90-78 loss at UNICEUB on April 7.

The matchup features a compelling duel between standout forwards. Pinheiros is led by Agapy Santos, who is averaging a double-double in recent outings. He dominated in the loss to Corinthians with 15 points and 14 rebounds. For Sao Jose, guard Adyel Borges has been on an offensive tear, scoring 20 or more points in three of his last four games, including a 31-point performance against Pato Basquete on March 18.

The teams last met on Dec. 23, 2025, with Pinheiros securing a 98-83 home victory. Sao Jose will aim to leverage its home court to reverse that result and improve its playoff positioning.

Pinheiros has been formidable on both ends of the floor, boasting victories over contenders like Minas and Flamengo this season. Their depth, with contributors like David Sloan and Yan Barbosa, presents a significant challenge. Sao Jose’s success likely hinges on Borges continuing his high-scoring form and getting support from Malcolm Miller and Luis dos Santos Salvador to offset Pinheiros’ balanced attack.

Friday’s contest tips off at 8 p.m. local time (2300 GMT). Pinheiros’ next game is April 16 against Pato Basquete. Sao Jose travels to face Caxias Do Sul on April 15.