Krasnodar will host WINLINE Game of the Week between Lokomotiv Kuban and Zenit on Sunday.
Place: Russia, Krasnodar, Basket Hall
Time: January 18, 2026, 15:30 (Moscow time)
Broadcasts: VK Video, League website
Rivalry
The top teams finished the regular season with a 2-2 record, beating each other time and time again in road games. Things got even more interesting in the Playoffs, where the rivals faced in the Semifinals. The epic series stretched over 7 games—this rivalry will go down in history – and ended with a big win for Zenit in the decisive game in St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg team advanced, but Loko wore the opponent down so much that Zenit simply did not have enough strength for the Finals against CSKA.
The teams have played 45 games in total, with Zenit slightly ahead – 24-21.
The first clash between Lokomotiv Kuban and Zenit in the new season ended with Krasnodar team win – 89:80, but the St. Petersburg team took revenge on the road later – 98:69.
Power balance
Just a month ago, on December 17, Lokomotiv Kuban lost by 29 points in St. Petersburg, which was one of the reasons for the decision to fire Anton Yudin. The Russian was replaced by Serbian Tomislav Tomovic, who started with the loss to Enisey. This was followed by a powerful win over MBA-MAI in Moscow (+25). In general, Lokomotiv Kuban swings from one extreme to another, but after the win in the Moscow, the new coach radiated optimism: “I believe in the team and I want the guys to believe in themselves too. That’s the most important thing – confidence in your own abilities.” The new system will be seriously tested against one of the rivals.
Zenit is also not known for its outstanding stability. Having overcome the autumn crisis and undergone a restructuring of the roster, the St. Petersburg team had a strong run (6-1). But on Wednesday, the team unexpectedly lost at home to Pari Nizhny Novgorod, which is currently outside the top 8. On Sunday, fierce rivals will fight for a place in the top 3.
All-Stars
This week, the League announced the names of the players became the first participants of All-Star Game 2026. 3 Loko players are among the 8: Vsevolod Ischenko and Anton Kvitkovskikh in the Russian Stars, and Patrick Miller in the World Stars.
Spotlights
Since his recent appointment, Tomovic has already spoken several times about the importance of fighting for rebounds. Loko is currently second to last in the League with an average of 35.3 rebounds (Zenit is better, but not by much – 35.9 and 7th place). The Serbian said he hopes to turn things around.
“We must constantly give our maximum level of energy, effort, and hustle – that’s the most important thing for us right now. And, of course, rebounds – that’s what we’re constantly working on day after day.”
Family ties
During the offseason, 3 Russian players moved from the Krasnodar to St. Petersburg. Andrei Martiuk and Vladislav Emchenko, as well as Dmitrii Uzinskii.
Aleksander Sekulic led Lokomotiv-Kuban from 2022 to 2024.
Stats
Zenit leads the season in three-point shooting percentage with 40.1%.
Lokomotiv Kuban is in first place in steals with 9-3.
