NBB Playoffs Preview: Pinheiros at Franca

FRANCA, Brazil (Interstat) — The top-seeded Franca will host Pinheiros on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Ginasio Pedro Murilla Fuentes in a pivotal NBB matchup.

Franca enters with a 45-14 record, while Pinheiros is 37-9. The teams split their two regular-season meetings, with Franca winning 95-81 at home on Jan. 10 and 87-69 on the road on Oct. 21, 2025.

Pinheiros guard David Sloan has been a consistent performer in recent games. In his last five outings, the shooting guard has averaged 14.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists. He posted 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists in an 88-76 win over Corinthians on May 26. Sloan also scored 17 points in an 84-98 loss at Corinthians on May 20 and had 11 points in a 95-65 win on May 18.

Franca forward George Lucas has been productive on both ends. In a 68-66 win over UNICEUB on May 28, he logged 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The small forward also recorded 14 points and seven rebounds in a 69-71 loss to UNICEUB on May 26. Lucas previously scored 35 points in a 93-95 loss to Mogi das Cruzes on May 5.

In Pinheiros’ most recent game, a 88-76 win over Corinthians on May 26, Betinho Nardi Duarte added 18 points and four rebounds, while Agapy Santos contributed six points and 10 rebounds.

Franca’s last game, a 68-66 win over UNICEUB on May 28, saw Lucas Dias Silva score 21 points with two rebounds, and Rafael Mineiro add nine points and four rebounds.

The teams will meet again Thursday, June 4, in Pinheiros.