Kazan's Succession at Stake: Will Samara's UNIX Match Prevail in Kazan's Streak Continuation?
October 22nd, the 2023/24 VTB United League basketball season brings a clash between Samara and UNICS at the "Sports Palace" arena in Samara. Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM local time.
Samara
Last season, Samara failed to qualify for the playoffs, finding themselves at the lower end of the league. The team's structure has remained relatively unchanged over the summer, so we can expect a similar performance this year.
So far, the team has a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. They've defeated Yenisei at home (83:63), MBP away (77:65), and the Belarusians away (91:78). Their defeats this season have come against Zenit (84:76) in Samara and Runna (85:74) in Moscow.
Samara scores around 80 points per game with an impressive 50% field goal percentage. They're top 3 for assists, but they struggle with rebounds and have issues with turnovers. The team occasionally plays with an aggressive style.
UNICS
UNICS has managed to adapt to changes in Russian basketball despite global politics. Their roster may be different, but they remain competitive. UNICS is the reigning champion of the VTB United League.
The Kazan team has started the new season strongly, winning all three of their opening matches. They defeated "Loko" at home (91:73), crushed the Minsk team away (49:97), and defeated Uralmash at home (94:67).
UNICS is currently the highest-scoring team in the VTB League, averaging 94 points per game. They also boast the best field goal percentage (nearly 53%) and lead the league in assists, rebounds, and steals. Their dominance doesn't end there, as they sit in the top 3 for blocks as well.
However, it's worth noting that UNICS has had an easy schedule at the start of the season and will face stiffer competition as the league progresses. Nevertheless, they will be favored in their match against Samara.
History of Rivalry
Samara and UNICS first met in 2016. To date, they have had four mutual matches, with Kazan winning 3-1. In the 2022/23 VTB United League, UNICS won both encounters (94:86 at home and 86:74 away). Over the summer break, Samara came out on top in a friendly match 84:81. The oldest clash between the two teams ended with a score of 86:57 in favor of UNICS.
Betting Odds
Bookmakers anticipate a dominant performance from UNICS, with odds of 1.23 for their victory. A Samara win is valued at 4.15. The total score bet of 159.5 points is available at 1.9, with a breakthrough of this mark also paying out 1.9. A 8.5-point victory margin for UNICS offers bettors a chance to multiply their money by 1.75.
Samara - UNICS
P1 4.15 P2 1.23
Prediction
While the outcome of the match is largely in UNICS' favor, their high scoring style suggests that Samara might be given some space to score. The total score bet presents an opportunity for a relatively high return on investment. We're taking TB(159.5) for 1.9.
TB(159.5)
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- Samara, despite their modest performance last season and few changes to the team, will face the current VTB United League champions, UNICS, on October 22nd at the "Sports Palace" arena in Samara.
- Samara's record so far this season stands at 3 wins and 2 losses, with their strongest victories being against Yenisei (83:63), MBP (77:65), and the Belarusians away (91:78).
- Although UNICS has been dominating the league this season with all three of their opening wins, they have faced relatively weaker opponents compared to the challenge that awaits them against Samara.
- Despite the odds favoring a dominant performance from UNICS, the total score bet of 159.5 points may offer a higher return on investment, as Samara's offensive style may give them space to score against the high-scoring Kazan team.
