Pre-game breakdown
The Army Men got back from Istanbul right after the game against Fenerbahce. The team practiced at Megasport tonight, the players stretched, worked on shooting and tactics.
Semen Antonov, Andrey Lopatin and Janis Strelnieks remain isolated with COVID-19.
Nikola Milutinov recovered after coronavirus, he passed the necessary tests and ready to join the team. Dimitris Itoudis plans to have him on the roster.
Pre-game quotes
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
Alba played one day earlier so they have an extra day, and they base their game on energy. This is a team that runs the floor very good, they play on high pace all of the game and hustle on boards. The first thing that we have to do is to match their energy, enthusiasm and the numbers [on fast breaks].
Johannes Voigtmann, CSKA forward:
I feel ok [after knee injury]. Obviously to play back-to-back is a bit tough but I am going to be fine. Alba struggles a bit to get into rhythm, but still they are very dangerous, they play with a lot of energy, they try to play fast, and we got to be ready for that.
Close relations
ALBA big man Johannes Thiemann and CSKA sharpshooter Janis Strelnieks were teammates at Brose Bamberg during the 2014-15 season.
Daniel Hackett and ALBA’s Maodo Lo and Louis Olinde were teammates at Brose Bamberg during the 2017-18 season.
Important numbers
Mike James has made at least 1 three-point shot in 24 straight games.
James has scored in double figures in each of his last 29 games.
Darrun Hilliard has made at least 1 three-point shot in eight straight and 13 of his last 14 games. He needs 1 more three-pointer to reach 100 in the EuroLeague.
Tornike Shengelia has had double-digit PIRs in 10 of his last 11 games.
Tornike Shengelia needs 7 more three-pointers to reach 100 in the EuroLeague.
Shengelia needs 2 more free throws made to reach 400 for his career.
Will Clyburn has recorded at least 1 steal in five consecutive games.
Janis Strelnieks ranks sixth all-time in free-throw accuracy at 90.9%.
Nikola Milutinov ranks 12th all-time with 376 offensive rebounds. Former CSKA great Mirsad Turkcan is 11th with 385.
Daniel Hackett needs 4 more free throws made to reach 400 for his career.
Past matchups
Wins/losses: 8-5
1996-97 – Euroleague. Qualification Round: CSKA – ALBA: 67-69 (-2)
1996-97 – Euroleague. Qualification Round: ALBA – CSKA: 78-76 (-2)
1998-99 – Euroleague. Preliminary Round: ALBA – CSKA: 63-70 (+7)
1998-99 – Euroleague. Preliminary Round: CSKA – ALBA: 86-75 (+11)
1999-00 – Euroleague. Qualification Round: CSKA – ALBA: 71-76 (-5)
1999-00 – Euroleague. Qualification Round: ALBA – CSKA: 81-76 (-5)
2000-01 – Euroleague. Qualification Round: ALBA – CSKA: 80-77 (-3)
2000-01 – Euroleague. Qualification Round: CSKA – ALBA: 89-86 (+3)
2012-13 – Euroleague. Top 16. ALBA – CSKA: 57-75 (+18)
2012-13 – Euroleague. Top 16. CSKA – ALBA: 80-65 (+15)
2013-14 – Euroleague. Regular Season. ALBA – CSKA: 68-84 (+16)
2013-14 – Euroleague. Regular Season. CSKA – ALBA: 95-66 (+29)
2019-20 – Euroleague. Regular Season. ALBA – CSKA: 66-82 (+16)
Short dossier
ALBA Berlin, Germany
Founded: 1989
Colors: dark-blue, yellow
Homecourt: Mercedes-Benz Arena (16,000)
Supervisory Board: Dr. Axel Schweitzer, Dieter Hauert
CEO: Marco Baldi
Head coach: Aito Reneses
Website: www.albaberlin.de
Accomplishments: Korac Cup winner (1995); 9-time German champion (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2020); 10-time German Cup winner (1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020).
