BANGKOK (Thailand) - Getting the best possible position for the BCL Asia-East 2026 Final 6 will be the goal of Group A teams when they conclude their Group Phase games this week at the Nimibutr Stadium here.
Of course, much of the attention is on Hi-Tech Basketball Club since it will be their turn to experience - and possibly maximize - homecourt advantage as the pan-regional contest heads back to the Thai capital.
But fans and observers alike are keeping an eye on Dewa United Banten and Johor as well, curious to see how things shall play out given how competitive this particular pool could get based on their recent games.
As it stands, the Indonesian Basketball League outfit are sitting atop Group A with a 3-1 win-loss record, followed by the BTL powerhouse (2-2) and then the Southern Tigers of Malaysia, who are toting a 1-3 slate.
All three participating clubs are actually a lock for the Final 6 and for sure, Dewa United would want to maintain where they are right now, but other teams would still want to cause a major shakeup and flip the narrative.
That bid starts in the final window of Group A games, which opens on Thursday, April 30, with the defending IBL champs taking on Johor - the very same team that dealt them their first loss in the competition.
It could be recalled that Dewa United were gunning for a fourth win in as many outings in Johor Bahru, but the latter's own bets pulled off a big upset by coming away with the 90-87 decision in their favor.
Needless to say, they would want to get back at them to strengthen their hold of the top spot. But the Southern Tigers are a tough bunch, too, motivated to sweep the Bangkok games to improve to .500.
Dewa United will once again take the floor the following night (May 1, Friday) to face Hi-Tech, looking to complete a 3-game sweep of the former BCL Asia campaigners after emerging victorious in their first two meetings.
But Hi-Tech definitely wouldn't want any of that to happen, as they're aiming not only for a perfect homestand, but to advance to the postseason - something they couldn't accomplish in the last two BCL Asia qualifiers.
Group A play will conclude on Saturday, May 2, with the hosts battling Johor, with their sights set on repeating against the latter after beating them in their own turf last April 17 thanks to Pongsakorn Jaimsawad.
All games of the Bangkok window will be played at 18:00 local time.
FIBA