SAO PAULO (Interstat) — The top two teams in the Brazilian NBB collide Thursday when league-leading Pinheiros visits Paulistano at Ginasio Antonio Prado Junior.

Pinheiros (32-8) carries a 32-8 record into the matchup, while Paulistano (26-12) looks to defend its home floor in a series that has already produced two nail-biters this season.

The teams last met Monday, with Pinheiros prevailing 101-92 in overtime on its home court. That result extended Pinheiros’ winning streak to three games, all against playoff-bound opponents. Paulistano, meanwhile, saw a three-game winning streak snapped in that contest.

Pinheiros guard David Sloan has been the engine of his team’s offense, averaging 21.7 points and 5.0 assists over his last six games. In Monday’s overtime win over Paulistano, Sloan logged 34 minutes, scoring 27 points with two rebounds and eight assists. He also posted 20 points and five assists in an April 21 win over Ulbra, and he had 16 points and eight assists in an April 26 victory at Ulbra.

Paulistano forward Kaleb Hunter has been equally productive, averaging 17.3 points and 4.7 rebounds over his last six outings. He matched Sloan’s 27-point output in Monday’s loss, adding nine rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes. Hunter also scored 21 points in an April 9 win at Corinthians and had 15 points and four assists in an April 24 win at Bauru.

Thursday’s game marks the third meeting between the clubs this season. Paulistano won the first matchup 81-76 on Nov. 6, 2025, behind a balanced attack. Pinheiros then took the rematch 80-68 on Feb. 19, 2026, before Monday’s overtime thriller.

Pinheiros enters the game with momentum from a 94-88 overtime win at Ulbra on April 26 and an 88-79 victory at Ulbra two days earlier. Its only loss in the last seven games came April 10 at Sao Jose, 76-75. Paulistano has been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over its last six games. After Monday’s defeat, the team had beaten Bauru 71-62 on April 29 but had lost 84-70 at Mogi das Cruzes on April 15.

The game tips off at 8 p.m. local time.