The Palau Blaugrana is getting ready to host its final get-together of the year.
Although FC Barcelona will be missing some of their most dangerous sharpshooters in Àlex Abrines, Marcus Eriksson, Brad Oleson and captain Juan Carlos Navarro — all injured — Sunday's El Clásico promises to be what it always has been: a struggle for supremacy and bragging rights.
The Palau will be packed to the brim as Barça and Real Madrid face off in a must-win situation for two teams embarking on what typically ends up being a decisive stretch of the regular season.
FC Barcelona
Newly acquired Edwin Jackson has been activated for the game and could see his first action donning the blue and claret.
The 6-foot 3-inch, 200-pound shooting guard was leading the French Pro-A league in scoring at the time of his signing and will be asked to shoulder some of the load and contribute as a playmaker.
But even with Jackson's presence, Barça's injury woes mean that the team will need to give it their all if they are to take down first-place Real Madrid. FC Barcelona are currently third in the standings with nine wins and three losses.
Their opponent
Real Madrid rolled into Barcelona on Saturday, and it is still a mystery as to whether Sergio Rodríguez will play. Rodríguez has been out with a lower back injury.
Tied for first place with Unicaja Malaga with ten wins and two losses, Real Madrid haven't won a league game in Barcelona in eight years.
The big question is whether Barça's home court advantage will be a deciding factor as they look to bounce back in this latest installment of El Clásico after falling to their archrivals 99-78 in the Spanish Super Cup final, back in September.
