Avtodor - Zenit Preview

Avtodor hosts Zenit on Thursday in the VTB United League.

Thursday, March 31

Avtodor (Saratov) - Zenit (St. Petersburg)
Time: 7:00 PM (7:00 PM MSK)
Place: Kristall Sports Palace, Saratov, Russia
TV: Match! Nash sport (Russia), United League TV
Stats: VTB-League.com preview

Avtodor: Saratov has guaranteed a spot in the postseason, but there's still plenty to play for. These two teams are separated by only one win and the outcome of this game could have a major impact on the final standings. Despite trailing Zenit in the standings, Avtodor will likely be favored at home. The Saratov club has won six straight and set a new record for points in a game (132) last week. Avtodor also wants to get revenge for a loss to Zenit earlier in the season.

Zenit: St. Petersburg lost a thriller in Khimki last week, after nearly erasing a 25-point deficit. Vasily Karasev's men will try to carry over the momentum from the second half of that game. Janis Timma, who led Zenit to victory with 23 points in the first meeting vs. Avtodor, will look to bounce back from a less than stellar performance in Moscow Region.