The playoffs in Euroleague begin in Russia capital as Cska host Baskonia. They have met not long ago in the 30th round, so this should be an interesting pair, as Baskonia provided promising performance last time. This is an entertaining game, so please review our thoughts here below.
CSKA Moscow
CSKA has a great history, not only playing in playoffs but also playing against Baskonia, they haven’t lost to them at home since 2005. In their previous meeting, CSKA couldn’t perform as they should, however, one big quarter was all it took to steal the victory. CSKA shoot that matches very well, making 47.1% of 3 points, that is very impressive, yet Baskonia managed to outrebound them 28:35. This season Russians had many ups and downs, and yet they know how to play in playoffs, and will be one of the favorites to win the title.
Will Clyburn led CSKA to victory last time with C.Higgins combined 30 points, big help came from N.De Colo and D.Hackett combined 22 points. These four players are the key element to victory for Russians, if opponents manage to stop them and won’t allow them to play the way they like to play, victory would be three steps closer. However, considering how CSKA plays at home, there is not much hope for Baskonia, unless they provide something truly special.
Baskonia
Baskonia managed to defeat CSKA at home 76:73 in Euroleague and they were playing very well in the 30th round in Moscow, however, last quarter destroyed all their effort. Last meeting Shengelja finished only with 6 points, that is disappointing for such a key player, but he is able to work with himself, and won’t fail to help his team again. Very important will be team’s attitude, as they are one of the most turnovers making team-12.8 per game, 15 against CSKA last time, so if they will keep making mistakes, they don’t stand a chance against Russia champions.
Very much will depend on Shengelja, Poirier, and Janning, for they are team’s leaders. It will be their responsibility to carry the team to the best performance. As the past has shown they don’t play well. Team’s results are going down, and it is very difficult to reach victory, considering that their opponent is not any bottom team, but CSKA, they have to bring their best form if they want to take home advantage from Russians.
H2H
As mentioned before, this season teams shared a home win both, however, CSKA hasn’t lost to Baskonia since 2005.
Article Image Taken from https://www.euroleague.net/main/results/showgame?gamecode=118&seasoncode=E2017