CSKA will face UNICS Kazan in Semifinal series up to 4 wins.
Time and place
Game #1. May 6, 20:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport
Game #2. May 8, 17:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport
Game #3. May 12, 19:30 (Moscow time), Kazan, Basket Hall
Game #4. May 14, 19:00 (Moscow time), Kazan, Basket-Hall
Game No. 5. May 17, 16:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport*.
Game #6. May 20, 19:00 (Moscow time), Kazan, Basket Hall*.
Game #7. May 23, 20:00 (Moscow time), Moscow, Megasport*.
* – if necessary.
Regular Season
CSKA: 2nd place (37 wins, 7 losses)
UNICS: 3rd place (36 wins, 8 losses).
Rivalry
The rivalry between CSKA and UNICS began before the start of the regular season, exactly at the SuperCup 2024 final, where the Moscow team celebrated win – 87:72. CSKA was also stronger in the regular season opener – 71:55, and then won the November game in Kazan – 80:73.
On March 1, the Moscow team earned another win over principled rival in Moscow – 97:86. The Kazan team managed to end that streak only in their final game of regular season – 86:78.
Why can CSKA win?
CSKA and UNICS have played 11 games in 2024. In the 2023/24 season, the Moscow team lost all 3 games in the regular season, but took the Finals with confidence (4-1). As noted, 4 more consecutive wins followed, including the SuperCup, and CSKA lost only in the game without impact on the standings.
The rivalry history score in the League – 33-13, CSKA lead. The teams have 120 head-to-heads in all tournaments: 92-27, the Moscow team holds lead. CSKA and UNICS are the only teams that have played in the League since the first season, and the Kazan team has never once managed to get past the opponent in Playoffs – the Moscow team has been stopping UNICS every time. The Kazan team has only 4 wins and 8 losses against Top-4 teams this season, including 1-3 against the Moscow team.
CSKA is playing its second season with virtually the same roster that brought the club back the title last year. The team’s 5 players averaged 10 or more points per game in the regular season (Tonye Jekiri, Amath M’Baye, Aleksa Avramovic, Livio Jean-Charles and Melo Trimble; Casper Ware had 9.8). CSKA opponents never know which of the players will make a performance – the Kazan team coaching staff will have a tough task preparing for games.
Rotation and team play allowed CSKA to finish the regular season leading the League in scoring average (91.6 points) and assists (21.2). In the first round, the Moscow team proved strength against Pari NN, when failed to score 100+ points only once – 114:83, 106:65, 99:68.
Why can UNICS win?
The Kazan team is ready to counter CSKA powerful offense with defense. UNICS allowed opponents to score 72.5 points per game during the regular season. The combination of the League’s most efficient defense, experienced and balanced roster, Top-5 scorers (Marcos Knight (16.8 points) and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (16.3)) make the team an elite force and an extremely dangerous opponent for any team.
UNICS had poor season start, but then built momentum and gained shape. In the first round, the Kazan team confidently defeated Avtodor (99:70, 100:85, 95:59).
X-Factor
UNICS newcomers
Shortly before the Playoffs, UNICS announced the signing of Marcus Keene, the League top scorer of 2020/21 season (20 points per game) and All-Star Game participant, as well as former CSKA player Darrun Hilliard (the Semifinals matchup will be a special one). They replaced Louis Labeyrie and Tony Taylor, who were out for the rest of the regular season.
And while before the first-round series with Avtodor, the newcomers readiness could be considered as key factor. Keene and Hilliard seems unpredictable and can play really important role in the Semifinals.
Th Quarterfinals showed abilities of new players. Keene showed his best in Game 2 (18 points, 7 assists, 6 of 11 FGM) and Hilliard in Game 3 (20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals, 6 of 11 FGM). How will they prove against a much stronger opponent?
Facts
CSKA and UNICS are rivals from last year’s Playoff series and SuperCup 2024 final. This time they will face in the Semifinals.
CSKA was the best regular-season team in points (91.6), field-goal percentage (49.7%), three-point percentage (39.2%), free-throw percentage (81.7%) and assists (21.2). The Moscow team also had less fouls (18.9 fouls).
UNICS is the best defensive team of the regular season (72.5 points average).
The Kazan team has 2 players, who finished the regular season in the Top 5 in scoring (Marcos Knight with 16.8 points and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell with 16.3).
