HEIDELBERG, Germany (Interstat) — Heidelberg will host Essen on Friday at OSP Rhein-Neckar in a basketball matchup that pairs Heidelberg’s 1-1 record with Essen’s 0-1 mark. The game is set for OSP Rhein-Neckar in Heidelberg, Germany.

Heidelberg enters the game after an 83-75 victory at Tubingen in its most recent outing. The win evened Heidelberg’s early-season record. Heidelberg also has an 82-63 home loss to Oldenburg on its season ledger. The home side will look to build on its most recent performance and take advantage of playing at OSP Rhein-Neckar.

Essen will seek its first win after dropping its opener to Crailsheim 81-67. Crailsheim secured the 14-point result in Essen’s most recent game. Essen enters the contest looking to generate more offense and avoid an 0-2 start. The visiting side will try to keep pace with a Heidelberg team that has already tasted victory this season.

Heidelberg will play its second home game of the season. The team’s first home outing ended in an 82-63 loss to Oldenburg. Heidelberg then responded with an 83-75 road win at Tubingen. That victory gives Heidelberg a chance to enter Friday with momentum. Essen’s only game this season was a home loss to Crailsheim. Essen will now go on the road for the first time this season and will try to find a stronger rhythm.

The game gives Heidelberg a chance to move above .500 and protect its home court. Essen will aim to steady itself before a run of upcoming contests. Heidelberg’s schedule ahead includes road games at OrangeAcademy, PS Karlsruhe, Kirchheim, Bayreuth and Artland, along with home games against Wolmirstedt, Gottingen, Giessen, Crailsheim and Bremerhaven. Essen’s upcoming slate includes home games against Köln, PS Karlsruhe, Kirchheim, OrangeAcademy and Giessen, plus road games at Bremerhaven, Wolmirstedt, Gottingen, Tubingen and Bochum.

Heidelberg’s 1-1 start includes a loss to Oldenburg and a win at Tubingen. Essen’s 0-1 start includes a loss to Crailsheim. The game on Friday will be the first meeting between the teams this season. Both teams will use the matchup as an early test before their next stretch of games. Heidelberg will rely on its home setting and recent success, while Essen will look to respond after a difficult opener. The contest at OSP Rhein-Neckar is set to begin the next chapter for both clubs as they work through their schedules. Heidelberg has split its first two games, while Essen has played only one. The matchup offers both teams a chance to build early-season form.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Heidelberg 88, Essen 82.