Zenit vs Lokomotiv Kuban. Preview
Opponent
Krasnodar’s Lokomotiv Kuban is coming to Saint Petersburg. The teams have already met this season on Lokomotiv’s home court. In that November game, Loko came out on top (89:80), but over the past month both teams have changed significantly. Zenit has recovered from an injury epidemic and added big men Luka Samanic and Noah Vonleh to the roster. The Krasnodar side also strengthened, signing American forwards Mike Moore and B.J. Johnson. So there’s no point in looking for much in common with the previous game.
Up until the international break, Anton Yudin’s team was moving at a very good pace, winning five straight games in the VTB United League. However, after the break the opponent suffered two painful losses. First, at home, Loko allowed CSKA to tie the game with 0.6 seconds left before the final buzzer and then lost in overtime (90:95). Then, on the road in Perm, they fell to BETSITY PARMA, 85:93. As a result, the Krasnodar team slipped slightly in the standings and now shares 3rd–4th place with Zenit, trailing on points differential.
As always, the main threat on the southern side is point guard Patrick Miller. He remains one of the VTB League’s biggest stars, averaging 16.1 points and 7.0 assists per game.
Head-to-head
This will be the 45th head-to-head meeting between these teams in the history of the VTB United League. So far, Zenit holds a slight edge: 23 wins to Loko’s 21.
Direct speech
Zenit head coach Aleksander Sekulic shared his thoughts ahead of the game against the Krasnodar side:
It is important for us to step on the court with the right energy, right mindset. Because if you don’t do that you can pay for it. Loko showed this season that they are a team that can beat anybody. But if you play them correct way, they also can be beaten. We have to do what is important for us and focus on our game.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Lokomotiv-Kuban
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: December 17, 19:00 (local time)
Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match TV, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video
