Granada/Islamabad- Not going to predict my own game.
Fez/Kabul- Is Hamza playing? If he is, this should be a tight one, Fez has the offense, but Kabul has the defense to try and match it. I can't trust Hamza being there being he missed the last couple of games. Even if he is there, I think I might give Fez the slight edge.
Delhi/Istanbul- I like the way Malik put it, their is a lot of ego on this Delhi team. If you guys are frequent readers of the predictions, you guys would know I've been high on Delhi all season however. I really like this team, I think they have the outside shooting and the inside game to go with it. Istanbul hasn't proven anything this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if they step up now down the stretch of the season. Delhi has to put their egos aside, move the ball, and play like a team.
Tehran/Cairo- Tehran ended my team's undefeated season hopes and they did the same to Sana'a. Tehran is a very good team with quick guards that can get to the basket and shoot. They have a big 6'5 man. Their best attribute though, is their defense. Their perimeter defense is outstanding. Joe Pipitone guarded me when I played them, and I took time out of the game to let him know how great his defense is. He puts in the effort and it pays off.
Mecca/Jakarta- 2 really good teams. Malik and Ed already said it, bring your popcorn. I don't know why, but I feel a great game coming from Jawad. Mujtaba is obviously the best player on his team, their's only one way to guard him, you can't. Shareef is a monster inside, and Himey hustles. For Mecca, I played with Malik last season and I'll be the first to tell you, he can GET HOT. And when he gets hot, he's hot. Jaber could take games over, but Jawad, Mujtaba, and Himey are all defenders they could throw at Jaber and Malik. Im excited to see how this one plays out.
Sarajevo/Palermo- Palermo is a one man show and that just won't win you games.
Cordoba/Mombasa- I don't know if people realize how fast Raza truly is. (Allahybarik feeh) When I play Mombasa, Raza is always my assignment, and he's the hardest cover for me. He's not the best in the half court game, but he runs and runs and never gets tired. If Cordoba can make this a slow half court basketball game, I wouldn't be surprised if they win. But if they allow Raza to get out on the break, watch out.
Suba/Riyadh- Riyadh has a good big man with good shooters. I see Riyadh winning this one.
Amman/Sana'a- this should be a fun game to watch. Amman has two guards that can really play and if Omar Mana shows, he'll control the paint. But, Sana'a specializes in defense. If they come out with intensity, they should pull this one out.
Alexandria/Beirut- I just don't see who on Alexandria can guard Jon Mingo. If they double him, he has shooters camping at the 3 just waiting for the pass. Should be a good game, but Beirut pulls it out.
Damascus/Dhaka- Damascus is a team that plays with heart, but they don't have enough offense. Dhaka has guard play, big men, Mairaj included, and the chemistry. Mairaj has been playing well and that should be a boost for this team come playoff time. He won't back down from anyone, he plays with heart, and so you have to take care of Salman AND Mairaj. It's going to be a mighty task.f