Pre-game breakdown
It was only partial day-off for the Army Men on Friday. The rest was given to those who played significant time against Olympiacos (though some of the leaders still came to lift weights). The others had normal practice that included work-out in the weights gym and shooting practice.
CSKA has no absences currently. Nikita Kurbanov started to work with the team. CSKA-2 guard Alexander Khomenko also remains at Dimitris Itoudis’ disposal.
Word to the coach
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
We face very athletic team, that scores over 100 points in their last three games, including European competition. They play high-tempo basketball, so we should be ready for that.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 52-16
Games in 2017-18 VTB League season:
22-Oct-2017. CSKA – Avtodor: 93-66 (+27)
04-Mar-2018. Avtodor – CSKA: 98-110 (+12)
Short dossier
Avtodor Saratov
Founded: 1960
Colors: black, white
Home court: Kristall Ice Palace (5,500)
President: Vladimir Rodionov
Head coach: Sergey Mokin
Website: www.avtodor.ru
Trophy case: 4-time Russian League runner-up (1994, 97, 98, 99), 2-time Russian League bronze winner (1992, 96), EuroCup semifinalist (1998), Superleague A champion (1997, 98), Superleague B champion (2009), Superleague champion (2013/14)
