Russian VTB United League Zenit Petersburg vs Lokomotiv Kuban Preview and Prediction

Date/Time:  10-05-2018, 13:00 EDT

Spread: Lokomotiv Kuban -6.5

Total: +162.5

In the opening week of the Russian VTB United League, two squads that finished among the top-4 of the league last year are clashing, when the fourth Zenit Petersburg are visiting the third Lokomotiv Kuban.

Zenit Petersburg had a 16-8 record last season and finished in the 4^th place of the league. They were 5-1 in their last 6 games last year and in their latest matchup they were victorious against Unics Kazan on the road in the third place game with a 79-93 score. Lokomotiv had a 17-7 record last season and finished in the third place of the league. They had lost their last four games last year and in their latest matchup they got defeated by Khimki on the road in game three, 86-73 and were eliminated in the quarterfinals 3-0 wins.

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Kyle Kuric led Zenit Petersburg in scoring with 16.4 ppg. He also added 3.4 rebounds per game, while Sergey Karasev followed with 14.6 ppg and 3.6 rebounds per game. Drew Gordon added 11.1 ppg and led the team in rebounding with 6.7 per game. Mardy Collins led Lokomotiv in scoring with 13.1 ppg. He also added 4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, while Joe Ragland followed with 12 ppg and also led the team in assists made with 3.8 per game. Frank Elegar added 11.4 ppg and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Those two squads met twice last year with each one being victorious at their home court. Lokomotiv Kuban won with an 87-84 score, while Zenit Petersburg won 79-78. Lokomotiv Kuban were at 8-3 home last year, while Zenit had a 7-5 road record. Zenit Petersburg had a better offense with 85.5 ppg to Lokomotiv Kuban’s 84.8, while Lokomotiv Kuban had a better defense, allowing 73.1 ppg to Zenit Petersburg’s 85.5. Lokomotiv Kuban had a better accuracy both from the field, shooting with 48% to Zenit Petersburg’s 45.6% and from behind the arc, shooting with 36.3% to Zenit Petersburg’s 34.3%. Zenit Petersburg made more assists per game (19 to 18.2) and committed fewer turnovers (11.8 to 12.6), while Lokomotiv Kuban grabbed more rebounds per game (31.9 to 30.7). Their two matchups last season were both extremely close and expect another close game today, so pick Zenit in this one.

Zenit Petersburg vs Lokomotiv Kuban Prediction: Zenit Petersburg +6.5 (-115)