AP SPORTS PREVIEW

MEXICO CITY (Interstat) — The Diablos Rojos will host the Aguascalientes Panteras on Friday night in a Mexican LNBP matchup at the Arena Ciudad de México, with both teams seeking to build momentum after recent struggles.

Diablos Rojos (19-13) enter the game holding the better record, but they are coming off a 84-74 loss to Fuerza Regia on Nov. 10, 2025. In that defeat, forward Gael Bonilla, center Kriss Helmanis and small forward Michael Carrera were the most productive players for Diablos. The team has lost four of its last five games, including a 100-83 setback to Fuerza Regia on Nov. 7. However, Diablos have shown resilience at home, where they split a four-game series with Jal. Astros in late October, winning two of those contests.

Aguascalientes (13-14) arrives in Mexico City after a 104-94 loss to Fuerza Regia on Oct. 30. Small forwards Erik Thomas and Jonatan Machado, along with power forward Tyrone White, led the Panteras’ scoring in that game. The Panteras have dropped five of their last seven contests, including a three-game losing streak against Fuerza Regia in late October. Their most recent road win came Oct. 17, a 82-75 victory over Soles.

Historically, Diablos Rojos have held the edge in head-to-head meetings. In the two most recent matchups – both from September 2025 – Diablos Rojos won 97-91 at home and 90-87 on the road. The teams also met Thursday, but no score was reported at press time.

Key to Friday’s contest will be Aguascalientes’ ability to contain Diablos’ interior presence. Helmanis and Bonilla have combined for strong rebounding numbers, while Carrera provides perimeter scoring. The Panteras will rely on Thomas’ versatility and White’s inside-out game to generate offense.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time.