Preview of Friday’s Bulgarian NBL Basketball Game

SHUMEN, Bulgaria (Interstat) — A matchup of struggling teams seeking a rare victory will take place Friday when Shumen hosts Levski Sofia in Bulgarian National Basketball League action at Arena Shumen.

Both clubs enter with difficult season records. The visiting Levski Sofia sits at 3-15 across all competitions, while the home side Shumen is 2-16. Their last meeting resulted in a 93-80 road win for Levski Sofia on Nov. 17, 2025.

The game features two key players capable of impactful performances. For Levski Sofia, guard Stoyan Kaynarov is coming off a season-high 25-point effort in a 84-77 loss to Botev 2012 on Feb. 16. Kaynarov’s scoring punch will be vital for a team that has lost two straight.

Shumen will rely on forward Jalen Barr, who nearly recorded a triple-double in his last outing. On Feb. 14, Barr posted 21 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists in a narrow 91-86 road loss to Minyor. His all-around play has been a consistent bright spot for Shumen during a season with few wins.

Levski Sofia’s most recent result was the seven-point home loss to Botev 2012, where Cadarian Raines added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists alongside Kaynarov’s outburst. The team has allowed an average of 99.3 points in its last three games.

Shumen fell 101-83 to Balkan on Feb. 7 before the close loss to Minyor. In the Minyor game, Kostadin Lazarov contributed 23 points, but defensive consistency remains an issue. Shumen has conceded 90 or more points in eight of its last ten contests.

With only pride and positioning at stake this late in a challenging season, both teams will look to build momentum. Levski Sofia aims to sweep the season series, while Shumen seeks to defend its home court and snap a two-game skid.

Tip-off is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Arena Shumen.