ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Galatasaray will open its Turkish BSL season Saturday against Cayirova at Abdi Ipekci Arena, with both teams entering the matchup at 0-0. Cayirova will be the visiting team, while Galatasaray will be the home team.

Cayirova comes in after an 81-65 road win over Yeni Mamak in its most recent result. That victory gave Cayirova a positive note to build from, though rosters and form can change significantly between seasons. Cayirova will play in a building that traditionally offers a difficult environment for opponents. The road setting adds an early challenge for a team seeking its first win of the new campaign.

Galatasaray’s most recent result was a 71-68 loss at Besiktas. The home side will look to begin the new campaign with a better result in front of its fans. Galatasaray will try to use familiar surroundings and an early home date to set the tone. Both teams are 0-0, so the early standings offer little separation.

Cayirova’s early schedule includes a home game against Bahcesehir Kol., followed by visits from Fenerbache Koleji, Bursaspor and Bordo, and road games at Pinar, Besiktas, Denizli Basket and Korfez Basket. Esenler and Aliağa Petkim also are set to visit Cayirova in the coming weeks. The stretch will give Cayirova a chance to establish its identity in league play.

Galatasaray’s upcoming slate features a road game at Pinar, a trip to Cibona, and a home matchup with Bursaspor. Galatasaray also is scheduled to visit Besiktas and Denizli Basket, while Strasbourg, Bordo and Esenler are set to come to Galatasaray. A road game at Legia Warszawa and a trip to Korfez Basket round out the listed upcoming contests. The schedule mixes domestic league play with other competitions, making depth and rotation management important.

The matchup at Abdi Ipekci Arena will be an early measuring stick for both programs. Cayirova will try to carry over the scoring form from its most recent result, while Galatasaray will aim to use home-court advantage and avoid a slow start. Galatasaray will be playing at home for the first time this season, while Cayirova will begin on the road. The home team will try to control the tempo early and use its crowd. Cayirova will aim to stay composed and keep the game close into the second half. An opening-night win would give either side an early boost in the league table. The game is part of the Turkish BSL schedule and is set for Saturday.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Cayirova 85, Galatasaray 82. Interstat’s ELO system gives Galatasaray a 77.8 percent probability to win.