By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Eight teams managed to go through a tough season and now the time has come in order to fight for a place in the best four of the competition.
Let’s take a look at the pairings!
CSKA Moscow vs. VEF
After a disappointing EuroLeague Final Four, it’s only natural for CSKA Moscow to give its 100% in the VTB League against VEF.
The Army team is looking to defend its title by going through the Latvians and is fully prepared, with De Colo and Hines back in shape. CSKA has won both meetings in the regular season and is looking to expand its perfect winning streak against their opponents, with the first battle on the road (Thursday).
Unics Kazan vs. Nizhny Novgorod
Second-placed Unics will face fellow Russian force Nizhny with high hopes to advance.
The two teams share equally qualitative rosters with Jamar Smith and Stefan Jelovac in the starring role for each of them. Smith was named March MVP in the league and rightfully so, as his versatile game has helped Unics rise to the top, while Jelovac, May MVP, is going through one of his best seasons. The highlight so far? His 49-point performance vs. Kalev.
Regardless of the regular season results, both teams stand good chances of making it further to the post-season.
Lokomotiv Kuban vs. Khimki Moscow
The Eurocup runner-ups will face title-hungry Khimki in the playoffs in a series that already seems like a nail-biter!
Two excellent and solid guards will face each other in this clash; Loko’s Dmitry Kulagin, who is having a great season thus far, will fight against superstar Alexey Shved. And while Shved’s undeniable quality has led Khimki all-season long, Kulagin could execute any opponent at any given night.
Loko holds two wins in this regular season’s games against the Moscow side.