The current season for Unicaja is far from the consistency shown in previous years. Although still a strong contender in the Liga Endesa, their performance has not reached the optimal level of past campaigns. The fight to secure a spot in the ACB playoffs is proving tougher than expected, especially with the upcoming visit to Granada with a notably weakened team.

With eight games remaining in the regular season, the team led by the coach is in eighth place, with fifteen wins and eleven losses. This situation places them four victories behind the spots that grant home-court advantage in the final phase. In contrast, last year, at this same point in the competition, they were in fourth place with eighteen wins, a position they would ultimately finish the regular season in.

The team arrives at this Andalusian derby after suffering four consecutive defeats in the domestic competition, losing to La Laguna Tenerife, Barça, Surne Bilbao Basket, and Valencia Basket. This poor run is exacerbated by a series of injuries that have intensified in recent days. In addition to the already known absences of two important players, who are continuing their recovery processes, another player will have to stop for several weeks due to a right-hand injury.

Furthermore, three other key players are doubtful for this Sunday's match, as they have not been able to train all week. A guard from the team will definitely be out due to discomfort in his left soleus muscle, necessitating precautions to prevent his condition from worsening.

Given this scenario, the coach has been forced to call up a player who is not yet in full physical condition to meet the minimum quota required by the ACB, although his participation on the court is unlikely. This complex situation arises at a crucial moment, not only due to the need for victories to stay in the playoff race but also because of the proximity of the Basketball Champions League Final Four, which Unicaja will play on May 7.