PREVIEW: CANCUN EL CALOR AT LOBOS PLATEADOS

MEXICO CITY (Interstat) — The Lobos Plateados open their 2026 LNBP season Thursday night when they host Cancun El Calor, a team trying to snap a three-game losing streak. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. local time.

Lobos Plateados enter the game with a 0-0 record after an offseason that saw them finish 2024 with an 86-91 overtime loss at Fuerza Regia on Aug. 16, 2024. The Lobos have not played a competitive game since that defeat nearly two years ago, making Thursday’s contest their first action under a new campaign.

Cancun El Calor (8-13) comes in struggling. The visitors lost 71-65 at home to Xalapa on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, their third straight defeat. In that game, forward Martin Fernandez, point guard Gregory Vargas and shooting guard Jimond Ivey led the team in scoring, though specific point totals were not immediately available.

The slide follows a narrow 70-69 victory at Xalapa on Friday, Oct. 3, but Cancun had dropped its previous two games before that — a 83-52 blowout loss at Xalapa on Oct. 2, and an 84-83 home defeat to Diablos Rojos on Sept. 27. The team has shown signs of offensive firepower, scoring 93 points in a win at Gambusinos on Sept. 20, but consistency has been an issue. Cancun has alternated wins and losses over its last six games, with two victories — the 93-88 win at Gambusinos and a 92-90 win at Dorados on Sept. 8 — marred by four defeats in that stretch.

Cancun’s overall season record reflects a team fighting for a playoff spot. The El Calor roster features experienced veterans in Fernandez, who provides a scoring punch from the small forward position, Vargas directing the offense, and Ivey giving energy on the wing. Their ability to contain Lobos Plateados’ transition game will be critical.

Lobos Plateados, meanwhile, will rely on a largely untested lineup playing its first game under the bright lights of a home opener. The team’s last competitive action came in August 2024, so rust could be a factor. However, the Lobos have had months to prepare and will look to establish an early tempo against a Cancun squad that has allowed 83 or more points in four of its last six outings.

Thursday’s matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. For Cancun, a win would snap its losing streak and improve its road record. For Lobos Plateados, a victory would provide a strong start to their campaign and set the tone for the rest of the season.