Trains standing idle; no commencement in sight.
Preview: Lokomotiv-Kuban vs Zenit in the VTB United League
Mark your calendars, hoops fans! On October 22, the "Basket-Hall" arena in Krasnodar will host a thrilling match between Lokomotiv-Kuban and Zenit in the 2023/24 VTB United League regular season.
Lokomotiv-Kuban
The "Railwaymen" have a bit of a rollercoaster history in recent VTB League seasons. Last year, they took their sweet time to find their rhythm but eventually made it to the final. This season, they've yet to hit their stride, with only a single victory in the first five matches. Their performance so far includes losses against UNICS, Uralmash, PARMA, and Enisey, with their sole win against MBP.
Lokomotiv averages over 80 points per game, which is decent, but their defense is a concern. They've been struggling with their shooting and have been relying on strong rebounding to make up for it. Their ball movement in attack also leaves much to be desired, though individual player skills partly compensate for this issue. It's worth mentioning that they tend to commit quite a few fouls.
Zenit
Zenit's history with the VTB League isn't short of success. They won the title in the 2021/22 season and were heavily invested before being excluded from international competitions. As a result, they've had to cut costs and overhaul their roster. The team currently sits firmly in the tournament, albeit not as the unstoppable favorite of earlier seasons.
Zenit's performance in the 2023/24 VTB United League has been solid but not spectacular, with an average of just over 78 points per game. Their shooting efficiency leaves a lot to be desired, but they've found success from the free throw line, a potential advantage against a dirty-playing opponent.
Head-to-Head History
When it comes to head-to-head records, Zenit has the edge, with seven wins in the last ten matches against Lokomotiv, dating back to winter 2020. Their latest encounter was during the VTB United League Final in September of this year, with Zenit securing a narrow 85-83 victory.
Bookmaker Odds
BC Fonbet sees Zenit as the favorite, offering 1.6 for P2 (Zenit's win). Lokomotiv's win (P1) is available at 2.35. The odds for total points (T) of 160.5 are 1.9 for both over and under.
Prediction
Zenit is currently in better form than Lokomotiv, who seem to be coming out of a holiday-induced slumber. It's unlikely that Zenit will destroy "Loko," but they are a strong contender to secure a win in this match. Given the current situation, betting on Zenit (P2) at 1.6 might be a good call.
- Lokomotiv-Kuban, commonly known as the 'Railwaymen,' are set to face Zenit in the VTB United League's 2023/24 regular season on October 22.
- Despite a decent average point score of over 80 points per game, Lokomotiv's defense has been a cause for concern, and they've struggled with shooting and fouls.
- Zenit, with their successful VTB League history, have been steady this season but not spectacular, with an average of over 78 points per game. Their free-throw line success might offer a potential advantage in dirtier matches.
- The previous head-to-head records favor Zenit, with seven wins in the last ten matches against Lokomotiv, including the most recent VTB United League Final victory in September of this year.
