The primary contenders for the League’s top seed in the postseason meet on Monday night in Moscow.
Where:
USH CSKA (capacity 5,000), Moscow, Russia
When:
7:30 PM (7:30 MSK), April 2, 2018
TV:
VTB-League.com
Face to Face
UNICS and CSKA know a thing or two about high-pressure games and big stakes. Over the years, the Army Men have dominated the rivalry, leading 76-17 in the all-time series. CSKA’s lead is even bigger in VTB United League meetings (16-2). The biggest match-up in recent years came in the 2016 playoff finals as CSKA powered to a 3-1 series win and the League championship. That is also the last time UNICS has defeated its rival. CSKA swept the season series in 2016-17, though both games were competitive.
Entering December’s game, Kazan (6-0) and Moscow (7-0) were the only two remaining undefeated teams in the League. CSKA won 88-75 to remain in 1st place.
Looking Back
Intrigue
It’s been nearly four months since that meeting in Kazan with UNICS stringing together an impressive nine-game winning streak. CSKA has not been as lucky, losing twice to Zenit and Lokomotiv-Kuban in February. Once again, Moscow (17-2) and Kazan (15-1) are the top two teams in the League and enjoy a solid gap on 3rd-place Lokomotiv. CSKA and UNICS have shown over the course of the season that they are the best teams in the League. Now they have a chance to settle scores face-to-face.
Given the consistency with which both teams have handled other opponents, this has the feel of a regular season finale. Each club has only one game remaining against another Big Five team: Zenit. Whoever wins on Monday is likely to be the regular season champion and pick up the top seed in the postseason.
Balance of Power
CSKA is hosting UNICS after another showdown with a White-Green club, Zalgiris Kaunas. The Army Men lost on the road, but had already clinched 1st place in the EuroLeague the week prior. Kazan’s European campaign ended in the EuroCup quarterfinals, giving Dimitris Priftis & co. plenty of time to prepare for the trip to Moscow.
On the Sidelines
After dispatching Georgios Bartzokas and Khimki a week ago, UNICS boss Dimitris Priftis is preparing for another duel with a fellow Greek, Dimitris Itoudis, who’s earned a reputation as one of Europe’s finest coaches during his time at CSKA. The two high-energy Hellenic coaches will have an outsized impact on Monday’s game.
Duel
Nando De Colo vs. Jamar Smith.
Even though De Colo has started the last two games in the League, he’s spent most of the season as CSKA’s 6th man, much like Jamar Smith for UNICS. Also like Smith, De Colo is not only a candidate for best reserve player, but also team MVP.
De Colo and Smith are key players on offense, leading CSKA and UNICS in scoring (17.4 and 14.8 ppg, respectively). The Frenchman and American will be ready to go on Monday night.
