By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Status, dynamics, form and the significance of results are the criteria for ranking the 18 teams.
No. 18 ZENIT ST PETERSBURG
Previous ranking: 14 (-4)
Record: 2-9
At home: 0-5
Away: 2-4
Offense-Defense: 74.4-83
Six defeats in a row, no home wins, fourth-worst offense, fourth-worst defense and the worst point differential (minus-8.6)… The explanation as to why Zenit hasn’t climbed above 14th place (Round 5) and why the last four rounds have kept it pegged in the 18 spot is simple. The average of 12 offensive rebounds (first, together with Baskonia) is the best statistic Zenit has to show, but it shoots 43.6% from the field (fourth-worst FG%) and concedes almost as many offensive boards (second-highest average with 11.9).
No. 17 ZALGIRIS KAUNAS
Previous ranking: 8 (-9)
Record: 3-8
At home: 3-3
Away: 1-4
Offense-Defense: 73.6-75.8
Five consecutive losses make up Zalgiris’s worst streak since the format changed and it might continue with the away game at CSKA next on the schedule. The problem lies on offense (third-worst with the third-worst FG%, 43.3%) since on defense the Lithuanian champs remain one of the best teams (second-best). 17th place in the standings is the lowest this team has found itself; it was in the playoff zone before the current losing streak began.