This is a matchup between teams of equal caliber who started with a defeat. Cremona has the advantage on Sunday (5:30 p.m.) and the psychological burden of playing at home. Dinamo, in theory, has less pressure, but they must bounce back from their home defeat against Varese, especially since the fixtures next include Milan and Bologna.

Coach Massimo Bulleri explains: "It's a match against an opponent who is still developing, given the number of injuries in preseason. Physicality and size are key characteristics for Cremona, who enjoys the open court and one-on-one play. They have dangerous three-point shooting players; they're a complete opponent. We'll need to be more consistent than we were against Varese."

Small forward Giovanni Veronesi went to play for Cremona, who made his debut against Venice with only 4 points and 0-for-7 from three, which paradoxically makes him even more dangerous.