BURGOS, Spain (Interstat)—Tizona will host Albacete on Friday at Polideportivo El Plantio in Burgos, Spain, with both teams seeking their first win of the season.

Albacete enters at 0-1 after a 95-69 home loss to Palencia in its most recent game. Jose Gonzalez led Albacete with 17 points in 25 minutes. Silvano Merlo added six points, three rebounds, seven assists and one block in 25 minutes, while Nicklaus Reid had nine points, two rebounds, two assists and one block in 26 minutes. Merlo is a player to watch for Albacete. His seven assists in the opener showed his ability to create scoring chances for teammates, and he will need to help guide the visiting offense against Tizona. Gonzalez’s scoring touch and Reid’s all-around contributions also give Albacete options as it tries to rebound from the opening defeat.

Tizona is also 0-1 after falling 91-71 at Ourense in its most recent game. Chris Czerapowicz is a player to watch for Tizona. He recorded 12 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes at Ourense, finishing as one of the team’s most productive players. Aleksandre Phevadze added eight points, eight rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes, and Ander Urdiain scored 16 points with two rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes. Czerapowicz’s rebounding and scoring presence could be important for the home side as it looks to establish an early rhythm. Phevadze and Urdiain also provided support in the loss.

Albacete’s most recent defeat came despite a strong scoring performance from Gonzalez, who needed only 25 minutes to post 17 points. Merlo complemented him with seven assists, and Reid added nine points. The visiting team will need those three to remain productive if it hopes to keep pace. Tizona’s most recent loss included a double-figures scoring effort from Urdiain and a near double-double from Czerapowicz, who finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Phevadze came close to a double-double as well with eight points and eight rebounds. That balance could help Tizona at home.

The game at Polideportivo El Plantio gives Tizona a home setting for its second contest of the season. Albacete will aim to use its backcourt play and balanced scoring to secure a road result. Both teams are looking to avoid an 0-2 start and build momentum before their next games. Albacete will host Coto Cordoba CB next, while Tizona will visit Granada next.

Interstat’s game simulator is projecting a final score of Tizona 88, Albacete 82. The projection gives the home team the advantage in Burgos.