The red-blues again have to play without Milos Teodosic who continues conservative therapy on his left calf. Victor Khryapa, Manuchar Markoishvili and Alexei Zozulin continue to practice individually while recovering after injuries. The junior team players Anton Astapkovic and Mikhail Maleyko joined the main team practices again.
The opponents will miss a couple of important players as well. Nick Caner-Medley is injured, the newcomer Ivan Paunic had surgery on appendicitus.
“Astana is a very serious opponent, well-coached team which plays good basketball,” CSKA head coach Dimitris Itoudis said. “Their guards Johnson and Brown are very productive and creative, the same can be said about bigs Mahalbasic and Andric who dominate the boards. Calathes is a team joker, who can play 3 and 4 positions, adds energy to the team’s play, helps with his experience – I know Pat very well because we worked together in Panathinaikos. Local guys Kolesnikov and Ponomarev play big roles recently. So we prepare very carefully. I think this game is again a good chance for our fans to show their support, to come here at afternoon time and help the team.”
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 2-0
2013-14 – VTB United League. Regular season: CSKA – Astana: 72-54 (+18)
2013-14 – VTB United League. Regular season: Astana – CSKA: 69-88 (+19)
Short dossier
BC Astana, Kazakhstan
Founded: 2000
Colors: yellow, blue
Homecourt: SC Velotrack/Saryarka (9.270)
President: Valery Tikhonenko
Head coach: Alexander Trifunovic
Website: www.bcastana.kz
Accomplishments: 9-time Kazakhstan champion (2005, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 14), 5-time Kazakhstan Cup winner (2008, 11, 12, 13, 14)
