Moscow, Saratov and Samara will host 3 regular season games on Saturday.
MBA-MAI (Moscow) vs UNICS (Kazan)
Time: 13:00 (Moscow time)
Place: Russia, Moscow, Basket Hall Moscow
Broadcast: Match! Igra, Start Triumph, League website
MBA-MAI: The clash with UNICS will end MBA-MAI series with the Top 4 teams. The Moscow team failed to defeat CSKA and Loko – after an even first half, Vasily Karasev team lost the third quarter in both games. If the team can improve the stability, the Moscow team fans will have a good chance to see a win over Kazan. In addition, this game will be the last home game of 2024, so the players will have a special motivation.
UNICS: The Kazan team came through a tough stretch – after crucial win over Pari NN 102:66, UNICS ended Zenit 12-game winning streak on the road and get into Top 3. Velimir Perasovic defensive system stops the best offensive teams of the season, and the team is led by the duo of Jalen Reynolds and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell. The Kazan team head into the last road trip of 2024 in good mood.
Avtodor (Saratov) vs Pari Nizhny Novgorod (Nizhny Novgorod)
Time: 16:00 (15:00 Moscow time)
Place: Russia, Saratov, DS Kristall
Broadcast: TV Start, League website
Avtodor: The Saratov team pursuit in the standings has been mixed so far – after a win over Samara, Milenko Bogicevic team lost in Yekaterinburg. Despite the loss, the game gave the Saratov team fans a reason for optimism. Artem Klimenko returned from injury, allowing the team to play with a full roster. The presence of all the leaders will be necessary for the win over Nizhny. This season, Pari NN managed to beat Avtodor in the end, so the upcoming rivalry will be an opportunity for the hosts to take revenge.
Pari Nizhny Novgorod: Sergey Kozin team remains in the Top 5, but Uralmash is a win away from securing the place. After the huge loss in Kazan, Nizhny regained confidence by beating Enisey with Zach Nutall 31-point performance. The team will be able to focus on rebounds and assists in Saratov.
Samara (Samara Region) vs PARMA (Perm Region)
Time: 18:00 (17:00 Moscow time)
Place: Russia, Samara, SKK “Dvorets Sporta”.
Broadcast: Start Triumph, League website
Samara: After the rebuilding, the team has 1 win in 4 games. The Volga team game has changed with Anton Kardanakhishvili, there is a lot more ball movement and young players have taken on leading roles in offense. The upcoming clash will be important. Samara will play at home for the last time this year and will have a chance to regain confidence after a huge loss to CSKA. And in case of win, Samara will also be able to move up to the 8th place in case of Avtodor loss.
PARMA: The Perm team won in Kazakhstan and moved up into the Top 7. The team’s leaders are in good shape, and Samson Ruzhentsev is gradually regaining his shape after his return, so PARMA is going to Samara in optimal condition. Evgeny Pashutin team has already managed to beat Samara once this season, and now will face rebuilt roster. PARMA will have a good chance to extend their winning streak.
