Perm, Astana and Moscow will host 3 regular season games on Wednesday.
PARMA (Perm Region) vs UNICS (Kazan)
Time: 19:30 (17:30 Moscow time)
Place: Russia, Perm, UDS Molot
Broadcast: Match! Igra, Start Triumph, League website.
PARMA: The loss to CSKA became the second win a row for PARMA, but the fans have reason for optimism. The team showed character, had cut a 20-point deficit and made 50% of three-pointers for the first time this season. The confidence will be important in the upcoming clash with UNICS, which the Perm team beat at home last season. This time, the home crowd support will once again help, so the hosts will surely be able to put up a fight against a tough opponent.
UNICS: UNICS’ winning streak came to an end in Krasnodar, where the team once again had problems with making shots. Now Velimir Perasovic team will travel to Perm to rehabilitate and take revenge for last season’s second-round loss. The Kazan team will rely on rotation and experience, as well as defensive and rebounding advantages: the guests are better in rebounds, steals and blocks.
Astana (Astana) vs Enisey (Krasnoyarsk region)
Time: 20:00 (18:00 Moscow time)
Place: Kazakhstan, Astana, Jekpe-Jek
Broadcast: TV Start, League website
Astana: After the hard game with UNICS, the team failed to cope with Samara. The Kazakh team lost the rebounding and had 5 more turnovers than the opponent. Now the team will return at home, where it will face Enisey, which also builds its offense around the individual actions of its leaders. This could be a positive factor for Astana, as Markell Johnson remains in good shape, which means he can help to get first win. In addition, Astana will have fans’ support.
Enisey: After the win over ‘PARMA, the Siberian team offense failed against Avtodor (52:64). The Krasnoyarsk team couldn’t defend Caleb Agada (31 points), so Jovica Arsic will have to adjust his approach to defense against the opponents’ leaders before the game with Astana, which is led by the best scoring player of the season Markell Johnson. But in team play, Enisey look more confident this season. The Siberian team is ahead of Astana in average scoring (67.1 vs. 63.8) and also has less turnovers
CSKA (Moscow) vs. Avtodor (Saratov)
Time: 20:00 (Moscow time)
Place: Russia, Moscow, Megasport.
Broadcast: Match! Igra, TV Start, League website
CSKA: The Moscow team confidently defeated PARMA for their 6th win of the season. The team performs well in defense and offense, ranking in the Top 2 in average scoring and being the League’s best defensive team. The reigning champion approaches the game with Avtodor in optimal shape with the intention of continuing the winning streak. It will be important to maintain high level and also to stop Caleb Agada, who set a season-high last game.
Avtodor: After the win over Enisey, the Saratov team moved up to 7th place in the standings. But Avtodor will have a tough trip to Moscow to face the reigning champion, who is better in most team stats. The key to a win over CSKA could be Caleb Agada and Dmitry Khaldeev duo, as well as aggressive defense and pressing (the Saratov team is in the Top 2 in steals).
