When and where
Game 1. Basket Hall, Kazan, Russia. 8:30 PM MSK, May 22
Game 2. Basket Hall, Kazan, Russia. 7:00 PM MSK, May 24
Game 3. BCMO, Khimki, Russia. 8:00 PM MSK, May 27
Game 4*. BCMO, Khimki, Russia. 7:00 PM MSK, May 29
Game 5*. Basket Hall, Kazan, Russia. 7:00 PM MSK, June 1

* – if necessary

Regular season
UNICS: 2nd place (21-5)
Khimki: 3rd place (20-6)

Three burning questions

Can UNICS stop Alexey Shved?
The series between UNICS and Khimki will likely decide who gets a EuroLeague ticket next season. Last year, these two teams, CSKA’s two biggest threats in recent years, also met in the semifinals with similar stakes. Shved was unstoppable, setting a new playoff record and then career-high in the League with 36 points in the Final Four semifinal.

In the first meeting between these teams in 2018-19, Shved once again impressed, recording 24 points and five assists in a 78-65 Khimki win. He was injured, however, in the second meeting and Kazan took advantage with a 73-58 victory.

Shved showed no rust in his return to the court, averaging 26.2 points and 5.7 assists over the final four regular-season games. He went on to post 22.0 points and 5.3 assists in the sweep of Astana. UNICS will split Shved defensive duties between several perimeter players, but on paper the White and Green don’t have anyone that can make life difficult for the Khimki star. Kazan’s success, or lack thereof, is likely to be the biggest factor in the series.

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27 очков и 5 передач — Алексей @Shved23 был неудержим в 1-м матче серии с @PBCAstana