BIG MATCH Preview: Worcester Wolves host Leicester Riders

The Wolves and the Riders have both got off to convincing starts in the BBL with the both teams facing 'new' opposition in the Birmingham Knights and Surrey United respectively.

The Wolves managed a massive 117-60 win away in Surrey while the Riders crushed the Knights 90-56 at the John Sandford Centre.

The Worcester Wolves recently moved into a brand new arena and will be playing their first BBL game in the arena in Friday's showdown.

Colin Taylor, the press officer for Worcester is looking forward to the clash against last seasons BBL champions.

He said: "This will be the biggest crowd for a basketball game in Worcester ever, and they can play a big part."

"We have a nice rivalry with Leicester in terms of location, but the way the team has come together, we can have a rivalry in terms of ability as well."

"It would be a big statement to beat them, we see ourselves as a team which can compete in the top echelons of the BBL, we have expectation rather than hope."

The clash is made even more exciting by the fact Zaire Taylor plays against some of his former teammates as he makes his home debut for Worcester.

Rob Paternostro, coach of the Leicester Riders is weary of his former player but will be more focused on the team.

He said: "He was great for us last year, a talented player and we loved having him around, but we will be more concerned with our team being the best it can be, it will definitely be strange!"

"When you go on the road, you have to play intelligent basketball and be consistent and take your opportunities."

"They have a very talented backcourt and we will look at our game and we will find the best way to play against Worcester."

Both teams got crucial opening day victories as previously stated and both Colin Taylor and Rob Paternostro were pleased to get the W.

Taylor: "It was the team doing what they had to do, you can only beat what is in front of you and Surrey had a very inexperienced side with a few players to come in."

Paternostro: "It is early in the season and there were positive signs, the win is nice and we did things well, we've improved since the pre-season games."

For Worcester Wolves' preview of the game click here.

For Leicester Riders' preview click here.

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