Nizhny Novgorod hosts Avtodor Saratov in the Game of the Week.
Who:
Nizhny Novgorod, 2015-16 VTB United League quarterfinalists
vs.
Avtodor, 2015-16 VTB United League quarterfinalists
Where:
Nizhny Novgorod Trade Union Sports Palace (capacity 5,500), Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
When:
4:00 PM (4:00 MSK), January 28, 2017
TV:
Nash sport, VTB-League.com
Face to Face
The Volga derby started two seasons ago with Avtodor’s debut in the League. The first two meetings were fiercely competitive, but Nizhny Novgorod came out on top twice, 91-85 in OT at home and 93-88 on the road.
Last season, Nizhny and Avtodor traded victories. Avtodor won in OT, 94-86, while Nizhny picked up a 75-70 victory in the lowest-scoring game of the series thus far.
The first meeting of the 2016-17 campaign went to Avtodor, a 95-92 win in Saratov. How many points will these two teams put up on Saturday?
Looking Back
Intrigue
Both Volga clubs have made the postseason each of the past two seasons, but are currently on the outside looking in. Putting up big numbers on offense is nice, but these teams need a win to keep the pressure on 8th-place Enisey. Sitting at 4-8, Avtodor trails the Siberian club in winning percentage, while 3-9 Nizhny Novgorod is one game back. A loss for either team would be devastating, if not quite fatal.
Balance of Power
Avtodor president Vladimir Rodionov is not okay with his team’s current position and has made several changes throughout the season, including bringing in two new coaches. Rodionov has said numerous times that the team will reach the postseason, where it would pose a threat to virtually any opponent.
Perhaps this will be Avtodor’s turning point. After defeating 8th-place Enisey on January 15, Saratov came from behind to beat Le Mans in the Champions League and qualify for the Round of 16. Picking up another win against a key rival would be a huge boost moving forward.
“Our team is in a tough spot right now. We’re trying to end a bad streak,” – said Nizhny head coach Arturs Stalbergs after a big loss to Lietuvos Rytas.
While Saratov has shown signs of life in recent weeks, Nizhny continues to struggle, losing five of six. Nothing seems to be working. Nizhny Novgorod doesn’t look likely to reach the Eurocup knockout stage and the Volga club faces Zenit and Lokomotiv-Kuban in the VTB United League following Saturday’s home game. It could be now or never for Nizhny Novgorod.
All-Star Duel
Nick Minnerath vs. DeAndre Kane.
Minnerath has been outstanding over the first half of the season, picking up the Champions League Week 14 MVP thanks to a 27-point, 7-rebound, 3-assist and 2-steal performance in the win over Le Mans.
Nizhny’s scoring and rebounding leader, DeAndre Kane, is also playing at a high level. He’s ahead of Minnerath in efficiency rating (22.1 vs. 20.0). Given how these games typically go, Kane and Minnerath are likely to have a lot of scoring opportunities. Adding to the excitement, both Minnerath and Kane were recently added to the World Stars team for the All-Star Game in Sochi.
