UNICS will host CSKA in the Game of the Week on Saturday.
Place: Russia, Kazan, Basket Hall
Time: November 9, 2024, 14:00 (Moscow time)
Broadcast: Match TV, TV Start, League website
Rivalry
CSKA and UNICS are the only teams that have played in the League since the very first season. Not surprisingly, the rivalry history between these clubs is incredibly rich. For the first time, the rivals played in the 2009-10 season final, where the Moscow team won the first title (66-55). But today we’ll focus on the most recent clashes between these top teams.
For UNICS and CSKA, this will be the 11th game in 2024. Last season, the Moscow team lost all 3 games in the regular season, but got revenge in the Finals 4-1. On September 14 at VTB Arena, CSKA once again activated killer instinct, winning the SuperCup Final and securing first trophy of the new season (87:72). CSKA was also stronger in the opening game of the regular season.
The rivalry history score is 90:27, CSKA leads.
Motivation
Velimir Perasovic repeatedly emphasised the team was slowly getting into the season at the start, but would gradually gain momentum and should be fine for the crucial part of the season. Injuries proved the situation. But main games will be next year. Still, UNICS has already lost to all of its direct competitors – CSKA, Zenit and Lokomotiv Kuban. Now it is the time to remind fans and themselves of goals and ambitions. The Kazan team has a 4-game winning streak and the injured players have returned. A rematch against CSKA is the perfect opportunity to complete this important comeback.
CSKA is in good shape. The team approaches this Game of the Week with the longest 6-game winning streak in the League. Among others, the team defeated Zenit, unbeaten Lokomotiv Kuban and Pari NN. A successful stretch allowed the reigning champion to top the standings. The Moscow team is approaching the crucial game in good mood. CSKA is in the Top-3 in scoring (86.0) and rebounding (38.0), all team leaders are healthy, and Aleksa Avramovic got the MVP award for October. The Moscow team will try to extend the streak and solidify first place.
MVP
Aleksa Avramovic was recognized as the MVP of October. CSKA guard finished the first month of the new regular season with 15.3 points, 5.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 19.3 eff. points per game.
The Olympics 2024 bronze medalist doesn’t mind keeping the award in November as well: 12 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists versus Pari NN, 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists against MBA-MAI.
The VTB League President Sergey Kushchenko was impressed by Aleksa game:
– Avramovic is our Doncic. He scores any type of shots. With his eyes closed, a fantastic long-range with one hand against Zenit. Soon he’ll be scoring with his back. CSKA has undoubtedly signed a great master who makes people fall in love with basketball.
Return
UNICS will be strengthened compared to the first game versus CSKA by Louis Labeyrie presence in the front court. The French guard missed the start of the season, but has recovered and has had time to get in great shape. In the last 4 games, he averages 15.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, shooting 63.6% from the field. The bigman is especially dangerous from the distance, shooting an incredible 60.8% on 23 attempts.
Duel
Marcos Knight vs. Melo Trimble
The guards have the same roles on their teams – they are leading the offense, have the initiative, take a lot of charge and often playing isolation. And they do it at the highest level, which they have repeatedly proved in the most important games.
This point guard rivalry promises a lot of joy for fans and may become a key to the game on Saturday.
Injury
CSKA guard Ivan Ukhov is out due to fractured finger on left hand. A decision on the need for surgical intervention will be made after an additional examination next week.
Numbers
The Kazan team had 1 of 25 three-pointers made versus CSKA in the first game of the season. UNICS players missed 23 long-range shots in a row, which becomes the VTB League record.
CSKA leads the League in shooting percentage from the field (49.5%) and long-range shots (37.8%), and also has the less turnovers (17.8).
Amath M’Baye and Tony Taylor have played 177 games together (spent 3 seasons together in Karsiyaka and 1 in Virtus), more than any other teammate in their careers. Saturday will be their 3rd game in the League, though they are now representing different teams.
