Next Saturday (15.03), Flamengo faces Macaé in a match valid for the 32nd round of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). The team plays at the Tênis Clube Macaé gym, Juquinha, in search of the victory that would guarantee, in advance, a place in the quarterfinals.

Flamengo's next opponent is a familiar face from the state championship. In their ninth undefeated championship in 2013, Flamengo defeated Macaé at the Tijuca Tennis Club gymnasium. Olivinha was on the court for that game and believes both teams have become more sociable over time.

"The chemistry we have today is definitely much better than it was during the Carioca championship. During the state championship, some reinforcements had arrived, but the team wasn't quite there yet. But now that Marquinhos is back, Tony (Washam) has arrived, and everything has helped us and contributed to our success. As for Macaé, I believe that because they're a new team, they're also more in tune. If I'm not mistaken, they were the team we played against the most this season," he analyzed.

The power forward believes that the fact that the teams know each other so well is a factor that, on the one hand, makes the match more difficult and, on the other, helps Flamengo to behave on the court.

"They know all the characteristics of our players, but we also know theirs. Neto, in every game, has a new play, a different strategy, and this makes things difficult for the opponent. This model has been working well throughout the season. We know that we will definitely have another new development in the game," he said.

Regarding the Final Four in Rio, the player said he was looking forward to the arrival of the semifinal match, which will be held on March 21, against Aguada (URU), at Maracanãzinho.

"It will undoubtedly be a different kind of emotion. We have to commend the work of the board of directors for bringing the Final Four here to Rio. We'll be playing there (at Maracanãzinho) for the first time this season and with the support of our fans. We're expecting a packed house for this unprecedented Final Four for us. We're looking forward to the semifinals. We know it's a huge responsibility, but our team is experienced and the support of the fans will be crucial. Just like at the NBB celebration last year, we hope they come and support us as we pursue this title," he concluded.