Zenit vs Astana. Preview
Context
A month and a half after the first game, which took place on October 26 in Kazakhstan, the visitors remain the only team in the league without a single victory. The day after their loss to Zenit, Greek specialist Fotis Takianos left the club. Since then, Gleb Plotnikov has taken on the duties of head coach.
Additionally, Astana parted ways with forward James Murray-Boyles and, most notably, the team’s leader Markell Johnson. Having lost their main star, the Kazakh club continues to search for its first win of the season.
In their most recent away match against MBA-MAI (73:49), Astana’s standout player was Daniel Utomi, who, after Johnson's departure and in the absence of the injured T.J. Starks, has become the team’s top scorer. On average, the forward scores 14.4 points, grabs 3.7 rebounds and makes 1.7 assists per game.
Connections
After the Triumph basketball team relocated to St. Petersburg in 2014, center Andrey Desyatnikov and guard Grigory Motovilov joined Zenit’s system. While playing for the blue-whites, the players earned bronze medals in the VTB United League and reached the Russian Cup final in the 2015/16 season.
Head-to-head
The history of matchups between the teams in the VTB United League includes 20 games, of which Zenit has won 15.
Quotes
Head coach of St. Petersburg team Xavi Pascual — about the game with Astana:
The most important is that we play at home. We have to continue in the line that we are and in trying to improve our game. To be always concentrated and to play good basketball defensively and offensively. And this is what we will try to do tomorrow. And I hope we will continue with a lot of fans like the previous games and to enjoy together the moment.
Who. Where. When.
Opponent: Astana
Location: CSC Arena, St. Petersburg
Date: December 11, 19:30 (local time)
Broadcast: VTB United League website
Tickets are available on tickets.bc-zenit.com
