TRUTNOV, Czech Republic (Interstat) — DSK will be the visiting team against Lokomotiva on Friday in a women’s professional basketball game at Trutnov in the Czech Republic. Both teams enter with 3-4 records, giving the matchup a chance to create separation in the early part of the season. Lokomotiva will have the home court, while DSK will look to answer after dropping the most recent head-to-head meeting.

DSK has shown scoring punch in recent games, including a 93-55 win at Basket Ostrava. Karoline Striplin is the player to watch for DSK. She has been productive across her recent games, scoring in double figures in each of her last four games and reaching 23 points in the Ostrava win. She also scored 18 points against Slovanka, 21 in a narrow loss at Brandys nad Labem and 10 against KP Brno. Striplin’s ability to score inside and on the move gives DSK a consistent offensive option. Mia Heide and Katerina Bartonova also contributed in the Ostrava win, with Heide recording a double-double and Bartonova adding points, rebounds and assists.

Lokomotiva counters with Nacole Johnson Jayla, who has been a central part of its attack. Johnson Jayla scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a loss at Basket Ostrava, and she has posted several strong performances this season. She scored 27 points against Brandys nad Labem, 21 against USK Prague and 14 at Ostrava. Her scoring and rebounding make her a key focus for DSK’s defense. Lokomotiva also owns an 86-72 win over DSK in the most recent meeting between the teams, a result that could provide confidence at home.

Both teams have had uneven stretches. DSK’s season has included a 104-50 win over Slovanka and a 71-70 home victory against KP Brno, along with a 100-97 overtime loss at Brandys nad Labem. Lokomotiva has beaten Brandys nad Labem 83-75 and Slovanka 72-40, but it has also lost to Zabiny Brno, USK Prague and SBS Ostrava. DSK has alternated strong offensive showings with tighter results, while Lokomotiva has shown the ability to score in bunches but is coming off a road loss. The home side will try to use its familiarity and crowd support, while DSK will aim to control the pace and get Striplin involved early. With identical records, the game could hinge on which team handles the other’s top scorer better and which side makes the key plays late.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of DSK 75, Lokomotiva 71. Interstat’s ELO system gives DSK a 54.9 percent probability to win.