Today CSKA arrived to Kazan for the Russian Superleague game against UNICS. Guard J R Holden who is rehabilitating form the injury flew with his teammates.
Holden began practicing with the team on Thursday, but it is still uncertain if he will play. So Ettore Messina has 13 players in the roster – excluding injured Ramunas Siskaukas, Artem Zabelin and Maxim Zakarov who stayed with the junior team.
“I will try not to use J because I don’t want to put pressure on him, - Ettore Messina said. – He participated in only two full practices though he is in good shape. Even if we will be in tough situation, and I can imagine it – UNICS plays very well recently, and it is always difficult to play in Kazan”.
By the way the MRI on the twisted ankle of Siskauskas did not reveal any serious damage. Under doctors estimation he will need 7-10 days to rehabilitate.
UNICS roster also cannot be called optimal. Due to injuries two American players – Terrell Lyday and Marc Jackson will miss the game against CSKA.