Dubai vs Barcelona (Euroleague): odds and picks 16.10.2025

An exciting clash at the Coca-Cola Arena: an emerging project with financial muscle against a Barça side with big names and European experience. My take: if the game is played in the middle of the court, Barça’s talent on the perimeter and their inside players will prevail. In an open game with the home side on a three-point streak, the match will be evenly balanced.

Pre-match factors: a double-header week and a long trip for Barça; home court advantage and euphoria in Dubai, which pushes hard at home. Rebounding (defensive for Barça and offensive for the home team) and turnover control will be key. If Barcelona limits second chances and avoids trading runs, it will have more resources to close out a tight finish.

Information: date, time and where to watch the game

• Competition: Euroleague
• Date: Thursday 16 October

Odds for the winner of the Dubai vs Barcelona match

 (Reference odds; may vary until the time of the match)

Latest news from Barcelona

Barça arrives with growing chemistry and several new pieces fitting in well. My feeling: when Laprovíttola and Punter set the tempo and Clyburn/Shengelia find advantages without forcing the issue, the attack flows. It’s a demanding trip and a heated atmosphere, so I expect a conservative plan: half court, punishment in the post and rebounding.

Probable starting five and key players

• Tomáš Satoransky (1)
• Kevin Punter (2)
• Will Clyburn (3)
• Tornike Shengelia (4)
• Willy Hernangómez (5)

Key players: Satoransky to organise and keep losses low; Punter as a weapon in fast breaks and indirect plays; Clyburn, a constant source of advantages; Shengelia reading from the post; Willy, focused on sealing and rebounding. From the bench, Parra for physicality on the wings and Juani Marcos to raise the tempo.

Barcelona: breaking news

Wide rotation with the focus on the health of the outside players after the doubleheader. Juan Núñez remains out in the medium term; the rest of the core arrives with minor injuries typical of the schedule. Keep an eye on the management of Punter and Clyburn’s minutes on a long trip; possible starring roles for Parra/Da Silva.

Current situation in the Euroleague

A positive start with commendable victories. As visitors, they are at their best when they slow down the pace, protect the ball and punish opponents from the free throw line. They are putting up strong runs in the third quarters; if they can connect that streak in Dubai, they will dictate the outcome.

Latest news from Dubai

A new project in the Euroleague but with talent: perimeter scoring and a frontcourt capable of scoring on continuation or open shots. At home, they increase the intensity and thrive on runs fuelled by the crowd. My take: they will look for a medium-high pace, early three-pointers and punishment on offensive rebounds.

Probable starting five and key players

• McKinley Wright IV (1)
• Aleksa Avramović (2)
• Džanan Musa (3)
• Dāvis Bertāns (4)
• Filip Petrusev (5)

Key points: Wright/Avramović to press lines and speed up possessions; Musa as the first option for creating plays; Bertāns opening up the court and Petrusev punishing follow-ups. From the bench, energetic players to sustain rebounding and defence.

Dubai: breaking news

October medical report with updates: Musa and Avramović have minor knee discomfort (day-to-day monitoring); Justin Anderson, plantar fasciitis (questionable); Nate Mason, neck problem; Kosta Kondić, concussion; Mam Jaiteh, long-term injury (Achilles). Rotation somewhat limited in the backcourt, but with enough firepower on the wings.

Current situation in the Euroleague

An up-and-down start, but looking good at home: strong atmosphere and stretches of three-pointers that spark runs. Struggles when outside shooting drops off and concedes at the rim after missed shots. If it wins the offensive rebounding battle and forces the bonus early, it stays in the game until the end.

Last meetings between Dubai and Barcelona

Never met in official Euroleague competition. With no history to influence the outcome, the weight falls on styles: Dubai thrives on pace and three-point shooting; Barça on half-court play, post use and rebounding control. In a first meeting, emotional management and runs are often decisive.

Summary of the key factors in this match

• Pace control: fewer possessions, the better for Barça.
• Blaugrana defensive rebounding local offensive rebounding.
• Physical condition of Dubai’s perimeter (discomfort and doubts).
• Advantages of Shengelia/Willy in post play and follow-ups.
• Local triple: if it exceeds 37%, the game changes.
• Managing the trip and the doubleheader: rotations and legs.

Dubai vs Barcelona: our prediction