HÀ NỘI — Saigon Heat must win their match against Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions to keep alive their hopes of entering the play-offs of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

It will be the second elimination round face-off for both sides, which will enter Saturday’s affair having won five games between them.

Hong Kong (8-2) solidified their hold at the top spot in the league standings after a come-from-behind win over Westports Malaysia Dragons, 96-87, the team’s third straight victory, on Sunday.

Saigon Heat, on the other hand, picked up an 85-76 win over the Kaohsiung Truth last Saturday to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Earlier, they won an away game against Alab Pilipinas.

However, Heat will be playing this weekend without their centre Christien Charles, who has returned to the US for further treatment of his injury.

American Jordan Henriquez will be fielded in his position for at least three games ahead.

The 2.11m centre, is a former Kansas State star, whose career highlights include playing for Houston Rocket in NBA Summer League 2013 and New York Knicks in NBA Summer League 2014.

His professional career started with Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan and later, he played for Science City Jena in ProA season in Germany last season.

Henriquez will be Heat’s third temporary import after Herbert Hill and Haminn Quiantance.

Both Heat and Long Lions are aware that the result of the upcoming match will affect their standings.

For the Long Lions, a win would mean staying on top of the upper echelon of the league, while for Saigon Heat, keeping the streak alive would also mean overtaking the Truth for the tightly-contested fourth spot, and ensure their play-off spot.

The exciting showdown is set for a 5pm start at the CIS Arena in HCM City. — VNS