Khimki Moscow Region hosts Lokomotiv-Kuban Krasnodar in a clash of league favorites.
Who:
Khimki, 2015-16 VTB United League semifinalists
vs.
Lokomotiv-Kuban, 2015-16 Euroleague Final Four
Where:
BCMO Sports Complex (capacity 4,000), Khimki, Russia
When:
1:00 PM (1:00 MSK), October 23, 2016
TV:
Match TV, VTB-League.com
Power of Balance
Khimki and Lokomotiv-Kuban are among the League’s top contenders, making this the first big clash of the 2016-17 season. That said, neither team is in peak condition: Khimki already got upset by VEF at home, while Loko lost to Enisey. After Sunday, one of these teams will drop to 0-2 and sink even further in the standings.
Though an unusual situation for Moscow Region and Krasnodar, it’s still way too early to panic. Still, nobody wants to open the season on a losing streak. Khimki and Loko are going to be extremely motivated for the weekend showdown, with Moscow Region look to take advantage of the home court.
Face to Face
Despite ranking among Russia’s top clubs in recent years, these two clubs have only met 23 times. But the rivalry has picked up the last two seasons. The teams met seven times two seasons ago, including a five-game tilt in the playoff semifinals. Last season, the clubs met in the quarterfinals. Both times, Khimki advanced to the next stage. Overall, the Yellow-Blues hold a 16-7 edge.
Looking Back
Back to the Future
For years, this match-up came down to Khimki’s offense and Loko’s defense. But Dusko Ivanovic has introduced a new approach in Moscow Region, emphasizing conditioning and aggressive defense over pretty offense.
Fotios Katsikaris has yet to fully implement his own philosophy in Krasnodar, but it’s clear that Loko isn’t going to adopt a “seven seconds or less” offense or move the ball ala the San Antonio Spurs. Much like Khimki, the emphasis will be on defense. Sunday’s game probably won’t break any scoring records, but should be plenty competitive. The team that plays with more energy and passion should have a better chance at getting a positive outcome.
Duel
E.J. Rowland vs. Taylor Rochestie.
When the offense bogs down, scorers like Rowland and Rochestie can do a lot of damage. The two guards aren’t afraid to take initiative and create opportunities: Rowland prefers to drive the lane, while Rochestie looks to shoot the jumper. The 2013 VTB United League regular-season MVP vs. the 2015 Euroleague Alphonso Ford Trophy winner: Sunday’s game could depend on how these two perform.
X-Factor
Khimki star Alexey Shved is close to returning after August surgery on his ankle. The League’s Top Russian Player last season is already practicing. Even if he’s rusty, having Shved in the game would provide an instant boost to Khimki’s morale.
Family Ties
Loko point guard Dmitry Khvostov played for Khimki from 2011-13, while Khimki forward Valery Likhodei wore Red and Green from 2012-14. That was several years ago for both players, though, and both rosters have changed significantly since then.
Khimki’s Dmitry Sokolov played for Lokomotiv from 2002-06, back when the club was located in Rostov.
Quotes
Khimki head coach Dusko Ivanovic:
– It’s a very important game for both teams. Loko is a big club and had a terrific run last season. Their roster changed significantly during the offseason. It’s a new team and they need time to gel, even though all the players have experience. The game will be very tough. Loko looked good against Olimpija, but didn’t play as well against Enisey. As for us, we need to improve our defense, rebounding, and show more patience. At the same time, we need to play with more confidence.
Lokomotiv-Kuban head coach Fotios Katsikaris:
– Playing Khimki on the road is one of the toughest road trips of the season. We had an unexpected outcome vs. Enisey, and we worked hard all week to create good team chemistry. I believe in the guys and think that we can play a lot better. As for our opponent, they are quick on offense and we need to control that. On offense, they have several versatile guards, who can create their own shot and get teammates open. We need to play from our defense in this game. We need to battle for every possession, which should give us confidence on offense.
