Krasnodar will host first WINLINE Game of the Week of the 2026 between Lokomoitiv Kuban and UNICS on Sunday.
Place: Russia, Krasnodar, Basket Hall
Time: January 4, 2026, 16:30 (Moscow time)
Broadcasts: Match TV, VK Video, VTB League website
Rivalry
Lokomotiv Kuban and UNICS have played many games and series throughout their history. Last season, the teams fought for third place. The bronze went to Kazan, who got win in 4 games (3-1). The regular season ended with the opposite result – the Krasnodar team won the season series 3-1.
The teams set a VTB League record by playing in the Playoffs for the ninth time.
In the 2025/26 season, top clubs have only played once so far – on October 19, UNICS won at home – 74:63.
Current situation
December began for Loko with losses to CSKA, BETCITY PARMA and Zenit. The Kuban team only recovered at the end of the year with beating Pari NN and Avtodor. The unstable results even gave rise to rumors of a possible change in the coaching staff – the Serbian publication Meridian Sport reported the club’s interest in Crvena Zvezda assistant Tomislav Tomovic. Loko’s last big win was on November 9 (against Zenit), so starting 2026 with a win over rival at home is serious motivation for Anton Yudin and his players.
UNICS welcomed the New Year in a more cheerful mood. The Kazan team has a 6-game winning streak and share 1st place in the standings with CSKA. Neither opponents nor roster difficulties can stop the Kazan team. In addition, the club is expected to announce the signing of a new player in the near future.
Speed versus size
Loko traditionally relies on aggressive, fast-paced basketball. The Krasnodar team starting five features Vince Hunter (203 cm) and Anton Kvitkovskikh (202 cm). For the second time this season, the Krasnodar team smallball will face Kazan team bigmen – the duo of Marcus Bingham and Jalen Reynolds, who determine UNICS play. In the first clash between the teams, Reynolds made the difference, scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks with 8 of 14 field-goals made.
Family ties
UNICS captain Dmitry Kulagin played for Lokomotiv from 2017 to 2020.
The Kazan team guard Denis Zakharov played the 2016/17 season with the Krasnodar club.
Last summer, Vince Hunter moved from St. Petersburg to Krasnodar. In 2023, the American bigman helped the Kazan team win the VTB United League.
Loko head coach Anton Yudin represented UNICS during his playing career from 1999 to 2003, as well as from 2005 to 2006.
Stats
UNICS leads the season in two-point percentage (58.6) and free throw percentage (80.8).
Lokomotiv Kuban ranks first in steals, averaging 9.0 per game.
Patrick Miller (19.4 points, 6th place) and Marcus Bingham (21.5, 4th) are among the most effective players in the league.
Rivalry history score: 35-30, UNICS leads. The teams have faced most in the VTB United League.
