UNICS vs Zenit. Preview

Zenit is traveling to Kazan to play against UNICS in the 30th round of the VTB United League regular season. For both teams, this will be their first game after nearly a two-week break. As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, the playoffs are getting closer, and there is no doubt that we are in for a high-level matchup. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Opponent

Since autumn, UNICS has been sharing the top of the league with CSKA Moscow, and it seems they will contest first place until the very end. However, after their head-to-head game in February in Moscow, CSKA now lead the standings alone, with one fewer loss than the Kazan team. Overall, the previous month has been a solid test for Velimir Perasović’s squad. After a narrow loss to CSKA (84:80), the Kazan side played two strong road games — first defeating Uralmash (72:68) and then Lokomotiv-Kuban (82:79). This was followed by a clutch home win against Parma (74:72), and right before the league pause, an easy road victory over Avtodor (101:65).

UNICS remains the league’s top team in assists (22.0 per game) and blocks (4.2 per game). The team’s scoring leader, Jalen Reynolds, averages 18.4 points per game (top 3 in the league), while on the boards, Marcus Bingham leads with 7.5 rebounds per game (top 2 in the league).

It is worth noting that Alexey Shved, who is the league’s second-leading assist provider with 6.7 per game, and Andrey Lopatin only arrived at the team today due to transport issues at Dubai airport. How much this will affect their participation remains to be seen tomorrow.

Head-to-head

This season, Zenit has not yet beaten UNICS. In total, the history of their clashes in the VTB United League includes 47 games. The edge is with the Kazan side — 26 wins compared to 21 for Zenit.

Direct speech

Zenit head coach Dejan Radonjić commented ahead of the away game:

Huge respect to UNICS, to their coach. It will be very tough game. We have to be ready for a very physical game, to put a lot of energy, to be very focused. So, 40 minutes to do a lot of things defensively or offensively to control the rhythm of the game and it will be very important to read the game.

Who. Where. When.

Opponent: UNICS

Location: Basket Hall, Kazan

Date: March 6, 18:00 St. Petersburg time

Broadcast: Okko Sport, Match! Strana, Match! Igra, VTB United League website, VK Video, Start