Disposition
In 5 recent games PARMA have won only twice, but those victories were great – both times over the ruling champion. Having beaten UNICS on the road kast week, the Perm club put some strong intrigue into the distribution of places at the top of the table. They themselves are fifth at the moment, but still have a chance to get higher – in case of victories in every remaining games.
Loko, in turn, has won three times in the Top 6 round so far. Including in a home game against today’s opponent. By the way, this was the first victory of the Krasnodar team this season over the team of Evgeniy Pashutin, which should add emotional comfort and relieve tension.
The team of Alexander Sekulić now closes the quartet of the strongest, but also has a chance to rise higher, right up to the 3rd place. Until the end of the second stage, Loko will have to play at home against Yenisei and Zenit.
Their leaders
Molot stands are the real sixth player of PARMA, as Sekulić had stated in his interview.
PARMA’s backcourt is led by Isaiah Reese, who averages 15 points and 6 assists per game. His trio with Alexander Platunov and CJ Bryce is effective and reliable throughout the season.
PARMA is also one of the best rebounding teams in the league. This result is ensured by the front court players who are fully focused on fighting in the paint – Richard Solomon, Ruslan Abdulbasirov, Stanislav Ilnitsky and BJ Johnson.
Evgeniy Pashutin’s team does not play with the widest rotation, but even in intense matches, PARMA usually has enough gas to fight for the entire 40 minutes, as Loko could’ve seen recently, winning the home game only in a clutch.
Where to watch
On “Krasnodar”, “Match! Igra” and “Start Triumph” TV channels. Online stream will be available on Lokobasket.com and the VTB United league official site.