Avtodor — CSKA, 18 January 2021

PRE-GAME BREAKDOWN

As a result of the EuroLeague double-week the Army Men lost another two soldiers. Micro injuries made Mike James and Tornike Shengelia stay at home for rest and conservative therapy. Will Clyburn, Andrey Lopatin and Daniel Hackett continue their rehab at club’s facilities. So the coaching staff has just 9 main team players plus CSKA-2 forward/center Alexander Shashkov.

Due to the shortened previous season the red-blues had no chance to visit Saratov. The previous trip to Volga River banks is dated by March of 2019.

WORD TO THE COACH

Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:

We have big respect to Avtodor. With the new coach this year they have all good components to win games. We are coming there shorthanded so we have to be focused and fresh to win the game.

PAST MATCHUPS

Wins/losses: 56-16
Game of 2020-21 VTB League season:
10-Oct-2020. CSKA – Avtodor: 100-66 (+34)

SHORT DOSSIER

Avtodor Saratov

Founded: 1960
Colors: black, white
Home court: Kristall Ice Palace (5,500)
President: Vladimir Rodionov
Head coach: Gordon Herbert
Website: www.avtodor.ru
Trophy case: 4-time Russian League runner-up (1994, 97, 98, 99), 2-time Russian League bronze winner (1992, 96), EuroCup semifinalist (1998), Superleague A champion (1997, 98), Superleague B champion (2009), Superleague champion (2013/14)