Pre-game breakdown
CSKA will miss injured Mikhail Kulagin and disqualified Kyle Hines. Alexander Khomenko will not be able to help this team due to his participation in the VTB United Youth League finals.
Zenit misses injured Sergey Karasev.
Word to the coach
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
In five days we will have three games, including one away. This is what concerns us right now – how we are going to get into the rhythm. Our first opponent is Zenit, very serious team. They have very good team which is already established the new system under the new coach. We know it is going to be a tough game. We want to fight on the highest level.
Past matchups
Wins-losses: 7-3 (18-0 against Triumph Lyubertsy)
Game of the 2018-19 VTB United League season:
20-Jan-2019. Regular season. Zenit – CSKA: 93-86 (-7)
Short dossier
Founded: 2014
Colors: dark-blue, white, light-blue
Homecourt: Yubileiny (7,044)
CEO: Alexander Tserkovny
Head coach: Joan Plaza
Website: basket.fc-zenit.ru
