Krasnodar will host WINLINE Game of the Week between Lokomotiv Kuban and CSKA on Sunday.
Place: Russia, Krasnodar, Basket Hall
Time: February 22, 2026, 13:00 (Moscow time)
Broadcast: VK Video, VTB League website
History
Loko remains the only team in history to knock CSKA out of the League Playoffs before the Finals (2022/23 season). In the last season, the teams played only in the regular season and ended with a 2-2 result.
This season, the rivals have played 3 games, including the in-season Cup, with the Moscow team winning all 3. In December’s game, the difference was 40 points.
The rivalry history score is 76-19, CSKA leads.
Situation
After the season resumption, Lokomotiv Kuban got crucial win over BETCITY PARMA. The teams are fighting for third place. The success allowed the Krasnodar team to gain an advantage over their rival. Now Loko will try to catch up with Zenit. The Krasnodar team has lacked consistency this season, alternating between wins and losses. A win against CSKA could be a turning point for the team before the decisive stage of the season.
The derby against MBA-MAI formally kicked off CSKA’s road series. It will continue with a trip to Krasnodar and a tour to Volga. The Moscow team will next play at home in the League on March 22. The start of the tour will be extremely difficult. CSKA lost an 18-point lead versus MBA-MAI, then barely managed to snatch win in overtime. The relatively recent clash against Uralmash followed a similar scenario, with Casper Ware playing the leading role in both cases.
Streak
CSKA managed to extend winning streak in the VTB United League to 16 games against MBA-MAI. Andreas Pistolis admitted that he was not ready to answer questions about his team’s loss of such a large lead. The Greek coach said that this issue still needs to be addressed. It is always difficult to maintain concentration during such a long streak. The Moscow derby may play a positive role in this sense, helping to maintain motivation and shake up CSKA.
The Moscow club has not lost in 3 months, with 16 consecutive wins in the VTB United League and a series of 4 wins in WINLINE Basket Cup.
Strengthening
On Friday, Lokomotiv Kuban announced the transfer of Alen Hadzibegovic.
Alen started the season with Avtodor. His average stats were 17.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks.
The center took part in the VTB League All-Star Game as a member of the World Stars.
Return
At the end of January, Zakhar Vedishchev returned to Loko. The guard had recently played for Dynamo Vladivostok and then underwent a long period of rehabilitation after injury. The son of the Krasnodar team president played 4 games and was particularly impressive in the in-season Cup against Mega, scoring 16 points and making 4 assists.
Stats
The Moscow team continues to lead the season in points scored (92.1) and rebounds (38.4).
Melo Trimble (23.8 points per game, 1st place) and Patrick Miller (19.1, 8th place) are among the best scoring players in the League.
Patrick Miller is the season leader in assists (6.8).
Casper Ware is 4 points away from reaching 2,500 points in his VTB League career.
