The Guangdong Southern Tigers face off against the Beijing Ducks in Game 3 of their playoff series tonight at 19:35. As the matchup approaches, fans are eager to know if Guangdong can pull off another victory, whether the starting lineup will change, and what kind of performance the team will deliver on the court.
Looking back at their playoff history, Guangdong and Beijing have met 25 times, with Beijing holding a slight edge at 14–11. This season, the two teams have split their first two playoff games, each winning one. Now, facing a critical Game 3, Guangdong enters this matchup as the underdog, lacking a clear advantage in terms of roster depth. For the Tigers, this game feels like a do-or-die battle on the edge of a cliff, where every possession will be a tough fight. 
Playing on the road is always more challenging than at home, so how will Guangdong respond? Judging by the second game, where they pulled off a dramatic buzzer-beater win, the starting lineup worked well. It’s likely that Du Feng will stick with the same five: Xu Jie, Quinn, McCall, Du Runwang, and Wang Shaojie. This unit boasts impressive three-point shooting. Meanwhile, Hu Mingxuan and Quinn need to maintain their form to prevent Beijing from building a big lead. Xu Jie and Cui Yongxi, who struggled in the last game, will need to step up and contribute to create another miracle for Guangdong. 
Beyond the starters, there is also anticipation around two players who didn’t get any minutes in the previous game: Chen Jiazheng and Jiao Boqiao. They could potentially serve as secret weapons. On paper, Guangdong’s overall depth cannot match Beijing’s. But basketball isn’t just about individual talent; it also tests a coach’s tactical adjustments and team chemistry. If Du Feng can spring a surprise with these two players, it might bring unexpected rewards.
In summary, this game against Beijing will be filled with challenges, and the Tigers might even lose. However, for Guangdong fans, the thrilling buzzer-beater win in Game 2 was already more than enough. Game 3 feels like a bonus. Of course, if Guangdong manages to upset Beijing again, that would be even better.
