PBC ASTANA (NUR-SULTAN, KAZAKHSTAN)

Founded in 2011
Team colors: blue and white
Honors: Kazakhstan National League winner (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018), Kazakhstan National League silver (2016), Kazakhstan National Cup (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019), VTB United League 1/4 finals (2015)
Arena: Arena Velotrack (capacity – 9270)
General Manager: Valery Tikhonenko
Official website: pbcastana.kz

Where to watch

Game 1

LIVE: Match TV (15:55), Match! Strana (15:55, replay at 21:55), matchtv.ru, VTB United League website
Text online: VTB United League website

Game 2

LIVE: Match! Strana (19:45, replay at 01:20), Match TV (replay at 00:55), matchtv.ru, VTB United League website
Text online: VTB United League website

Game 3

LIVE: Match! Strana (16:25, replay at 02:25), matchtv.ru, VTB United League website
Text online: VTB United League website

PRE-GAME QUOTES

Rimas Kurtinaitis, Khimki Moscow Region head coach:

“This season Astana is playing well both at home and on the road. I know how hard it is for them to travel, and the time difference also affects them. I know this from the time when my friend Ramunas Butautas worked in Kazakhstan. He told me that all the trips they had at 4 or 5 a.m., players didn't have enough rest and did not sleep enough. This season Astana doesn't have such problems, they play very well and smoothly everywhere. For sure, they have a small rotation, as they involve six or seven players, while clearly holding the game plan and have a good game organization. If they are ahead in the score or lose, everyone plays according to the plan, and no hurry. It is evident that the coach did an excellent job and made a disciplined team from Astana. He clearly knows the strengths and weaknesses of the team. For example, there are only throwing players like Michael Jenkins, and he attacks with a good percentage. In short, Astana is a dangerous opponent with whom we need to play at full strength. They spend a stable season, but we are ready for them”.