Zenit will face CSKA in the Semifinals to 4 wins.
Series Schedule
Game 1. May 5, 19:00 (Moscow time), St. Petersburg, CSC Arena
Game 2. May 7, 19:15 (Moscow time), St. Petersburg, CSC Arena
Game 3. May 10, 14:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport.
Game 4. May 12, 16:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport
Game 5. May 15, 19:30 (Moscow time), St. Petersburg, CSC Arena*
Game 6. May 18, 14:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport*
Game 7. May 21, 19:30 (Moscow time), St. Petersburg, CSC Arena*.
*- if necessary.
Regular Season
Zenit: 2nd place (26 wins and 10 losses)
CSKA: 3rd place (25 wins and 11 losses).
Rivalry
The season rivalry between CSKA and Zenit was thriller. In October, CSKA neutralized the St. Petersburg team offense and led for 3 quarters. Even Thomas Heurtel performance (27 points + 8 assists) wasn’t enough to take the win – 80:76.
The second game was much the same as the first – Zenit needed to catch up again. Casper Ware had one of the best games for the Moscow team with 28 points. The America guard performance was almost overshadowed by a loss, as Trent Frazier three-pointer sent the game into overtime. But CSKA was able to repeat its 22 points record and pull out the win at home.
With the start of the second stage, the teams switched roles – CSKA lost Ware due to injury, had to give up the option to add Will Barton to the roster, and had losses. Zenit finally showed up in full strength and took a revenge in early March – 81:71.
The fourth game was again a thriller. After trailing by 20 points, the Moscow team came back into the game and led by 3 points with 20 seconds left. Frazier was the hero in the end again – first the guard made free throws, and then had a steal and assisted Vince Hunter. The center scored a key 2 points, allowing the St. Petersburg team to win again – 92:91.
Why Zenit can win
Xavi Pascual team is still the best defensive team in the League. The St. Petersburg team defense showed quality in games against CSKA too – twice the Moscow team failed to overcome the average in points.
For a long time, the weakness of the team defense was bigmen mobility – Adrien Moerman and Bojan Dubljevic often allowed opponents to score easy points. The arrival of Josh Carlton and Juwan Morgan changed that situation. Now Zenit looks even better, which is confirmed by the stats – the St. Petersburg team is in the Top 2 in steals (7.8).
Zenit offense also remains extremely dangerous. In the series with Uralmash, the St. Petersburg team outscored the opponent in long-range shooting in 4 out of 5 games, and made 11 three-pointers in 20 minutes of the Game 1. During the regular season, Zenit made long-range shots with a high percentage, including against CSKA. Therefore, shooting could help the team to create an advantage.
In addition, the team is energized, as Zenit only had 2 days off, while CSKA has been out of practice for more than a week.
Why CSKA can win
CSKA removed any doubts about the shape and coach changing by beating Enisey.
CSKA healthy roster is extremely difficult to stop. Ball movement (20 assists per game) and good rebounding are combined with the presence of Casper Ware and Melo Trimble, who greatly added from the bench. The Moscow team also outperforms the opponent in field goal percentage and average efficiency.
The long break between the series may have had a negative impact on the team’s playing shape, but it definitely allowed the leaders to fully recover before the difficult rivlary. That’s why CSKA will approach the Semifinals in more optimal physical conditions.
X-factor
Casper Ware
The American guard has become an unsolvable problem for Zenit several times in the last 2 years. In 2022, Casper shot ended the St. Petersburg team 5-game winning streak, and in the 2023/24 season, CSKA has never lost to Pascual team with the guard in the lineup. Ware is averaging 22.5 points against the St. Petersburg team. That’s why the recent return of the key performer after injury could be a deciding factor in the Semifinals.
