Game 1. May 12, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport
Game 2. May 14, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport
Game 3. May 18, 20:00 (Moscow Time), Krasnodar, Basket-Hall
Game 4. May 20, 20:30 (Moscow Time), Krasnodar, Basket Hall
Game 5. May 23, 17:00 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport*
Game 6. May 26, 20:00 (Moscow Time), Krasnodar, Basket Hall*
Game 7. May 29, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport*
* – if necessary
Regular Season
CSKA: 1st place (37 wins and 3 losses)
Lokomotiv Kuban: 4th place (27 wins and 13 losses)
Rivalry This Season
This season, the rivals have played 6 games, including the in-season Cup. The Moscow team took win in all of them. In most, CSKA dominated. In the November matchup, the score difference was 40 points; on February 22, CSKA won by 29 points in Krasnodar; and in the most recent game on April 7 in Moscow, the hosts won by 30 points.
The hardest battle in the League was on December 5 in Krasnodar, when the outcome was decided in an epic overtime. Trimble’s three-pointer with 17 seconds left was the key. After that shot, CSKA lead increased to 5 points – 95–90. The hosts were unable to return to the game in the remaining time.
The average score difference in the season series is 26 points.
In the group stage of the Winline Basket Cup, CSKA won 89-81 at Basket Hall and 93-89 at home. Loko ultimately failed to reach the Final Four, while the Moscow team claimed the Cup.
Why can CSKA win?
In matchups against Lokomotiv Kuban this season, the Moscow team has clearly demonstrated all strength. CSKA’s advantages include the individual skill of leaders, the most dangerous shooting unit in the League and home-court advantage. The team boasts incredible depth, featuring proven Playoffs veterans ready to step up in clutch moments, and on any given night, anyone can step up, but there is also an undisputed leader: the unstoppable Melo Trimble, MVP of the last 2 Playoffs.
The reigning champion has no weak spots; in particular, the Moscow team is quite capable of keeping up with Loko’s high pace and matching the Krasnodar team’s athleticism. The demanding Andreas Pistiolis knows how to keep his players motivated and disciplined: CSKA got only 4 losses across 2 tournaments combined for the entire season. The Moscow team also entered the Playoffs in good shape, where confidently swept Enisey.
At the start of the season, the Krasnodar team played positional basketball that was historically unusual. With the arrival of Tomislav Tomovic, the picture changed radically. The new head coach brought the Krasnodar team back to its familiar style of fast-pace. Aggressive defense, transition offense, and lightning fast breaks, pressure in the paint and individual skills of leaders led by Patrick Miller – these are the pillars built by the Serbian coach. Tomovic’s familiar aggressive Loko gradually picked up momentum and performed great in the first round versus BETCITY PARMA. The Perm team had repeatedly defeated all Top 4 teams during the regular season. The matchup, which looked like the most intriguing in Quarterfinals, consisted of just 3 games.
In Game 1, Loko demonstrated its best qualities and looked the most confident. In the second and especially the third, character and self-belief were needed—the Krasnodar team returned from Perm down by 19 points. Such resilience gives Lokomotiv Kuban fans hope ahead of the Semifinals.
X-Factor
At the end of the regular season, CSKA was the League’s best team in three-point shooting – 39.6%, while Loko ranked 3rd from the bottom – 32.7%. The Moscow team is the contender in the series. Andreas Pistolis team doesn’t need X-factor to win. However, improving long-range shooting, where the Krasnodar team need to stretch the perimeter, as well as relying on luck and momentum, could help to get Loko a win.
Facts
Lokomotiv Kuban remains the only team in history to have knocked CSKA out of the League Playoffs before the Finals (in the 2022/23 season).
Rivalry history score – 79-19, the Moscow team leads.
Loko last defeated CSKA on January 19, 2025 in Moscow – 106–104.
