CSKA vs Kuban Prediction 23 May 2026
🔊 Can the visitors stave off an early vacation? The fifth game of the VTB United League playoff semi-finals between CSKA and Lokomotiv Kuban tips off in Moscow. The reigning champions have claimed both previous away games and now stand just one win away from the finals. After their sensational victory in the series opener, the Krasnodar side have struggled to match the improved quality of CSKA’s play, but they continue to fight valiantly. Even if Lokomotiv fall short in this battle, no supporter could fault their effort. Let’s break down this matchup and pick out the most reasonable prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊Statistical analysis of previous official games between the teams CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Kuban:
- played 75 matches;
- wins (including extra time): 55 for today's home team and 20 for the guests;
- the home team averages 86.04 points per match, the guests - 78.67;
- average total match points - 164.71.
The last confrontation took place on 20 May 2026 at the venue of Lokomotiv Kuban and ended with a score of 75:85.
Head-to-head statistics CSKA - Kuban
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
CSKA Moscow are in outstanding form, having secured 9 wins in their last 10 outings. The team have taken command of games, averaging 94 points per contest over this stretch while conceding just 79.5. Over the course of the season, their scoring average climbs even higher to 92.8 points per game, with opponents managing only 74.3-numbers that highlight both CSKA’s defensive strength and their ability to capitalise on fast breaks and set plays.
In the previous game of the series against Lokomotiv, Emiliano Pistiolis’ squad faced serious resistance in the opening half, but after the break, CSKA’s defense gradually shut down Lokomotiv’s offense led by Miller. In the end, CSKA methodically built their lead into double digits. A key factor proved to be their superior free throw shooting-an impressive 89.3% compared to Lokomotiv’s 57.1%. Now, back on their home court, CSKA are determined to deliver the knockout blow.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
Lokomotiv Kuban Team Overview
Lokomotiv-Kuban have struggled with consistency in recent outings: after stringing together just two consecutive wins, they’ve since dropped three straight games. Over their last ten fixtures, they’ve posted seven victories and three defeats-a solid run that points to decent form, but there’s a clear sense of instability when they go up against top-tier opponents like CSKA.
Offensively, the Krasnodar side keep up a high pace-averaging 88 points per game in recent matches, though their defensive numbers are less impressive, conceding 83.8 on average. Throughout the season, Lokomotiv have been less efficient from the field compared to their Moscow rivals, scoring 85.7 points while allowing 81 per outing. In Game 4 of the series against CSKA, the Railwaymen gave everything they had and even led at one stage, but ultimately couldn’t sustain that level of intensity. Now, their chances of a comeback in this matchup look extremely slim.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Kuban
Prediction for the 1st quarter
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters - 75;
- First quarter wins at home for the hosts - 22; for the visitors on the road - 14;
- Average total points in the first quarter: 40.48;
- Today's home team averages 21.43, while the visitors average 19.05.
First Quarter Stats: CSKA Moscow (home) vs Lokomotiv Kuban (away)
- Tournament matches played: 24 vs 23;
- Number of wins: 18 (75%) vs 11 (47.83%);
- Number of losses: 6 (25%) vs 11 (47.83%);
- Number of draws: 0 (0%) vs 1 (4.35%).
- Average points scored: 25.71 vs 20.52;
- Average points conceded: 19.58 vs 22.
Last 10 Matches (Overall):
- Number of wins: 5 vs 6;
- Number of losses: 3 vs 3;
- Number of draws: 2 vs 1;
- Average first quarter total: 44.9 (scored - 23.9, conceded - 21) vs 45.5 (scored - 24.3, conceded - 21.2).
- CSKA Moscow scored under 23.5 points in the 1st quarter in last 6 games against Lokomotiv Kuban.
- CSKA Moscow scored under 23.5 points in the 1st quarter in last 5 games against Lokomotiv Kuban (VTB United League).
- CSKA Moscow scored under 23.5 points in the 1st quarter in 7 of last 8 games (VTB United League).
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- number of matchups - 75;
- number of wins for the home team - 55, for the away team - 20.
Statistics: CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Kuban
- number of tournament matches played: 40 vs 40;
- number of wins: 43 (91.49%) vs 31 (65.96%);
- number of losses: 4 (8.51%) vs 16 (34.04%);
- number of wins at home for the home team: 23;
- number of away wins for the away team: 14.
Last 10 matches:
- number of wins: 9 vs 7;
- number of losses: 1 vs 3;
- number of home wins for the home team: 5;
- number of away wins for the away team: 2.
- Lokomotiv Kuban won with a +13.5 points handicap in 12 of last 14 away games against CSKA Moscow.
- Lokomotiv Kuban won with a +13.5 points handicap in 15 of last 16 away games.
- Lokomotiv Kuban won with a +13.5 points handicap in 14 of last 15 away games (VTB United League).
- Lokomotiv Kuban won with a +13.5 points handicap in 9 of last 10 games (VTB United League).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 86.04, for the away team - 78.67;
- average total points in H2H matches - 164.71.
Statistics: CSKA Moscow vs Lokomotiv Kuban
- average total in the tournament: 167.15 vs 166.64;
- average total points scored: 92.83 vs 85.7;
- average total points conceded: 74.32 vs 80.94;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 47.98 vs 42.21;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 44 vs 43.04;
- CSKA Moscow: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 95.67;
- Lokomotiv Kuban: average total points scored away in the tournament - 84.57;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 94 (home - 96.33) vs 88 (away - 85).
- Over 167.5 points scored in 7 of last 8 CSKA Moscow home games against Lokomotiv Kuban.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The match promises to unfold at a high tempo, with both sides favouring an attacking brand of basketball. CSKA look to capitalise on their pace and home-court advantage, while Lokomotiv-Kuban are known for their aggressive offensive approach, even on the road. The visitors will have to push hard on offence, which could further expose their already vulnerable defence. It's reasonable to expect that Loko will drag their more experienced opponents into a thrilling shootout, setting the stage for a high-scoring contest. Backing over 165.5 total points looks like a solid play here.No comments
Betting Tips: CSKA Moscow - Lokomotiv Kuban
in 10 of last 11 games against Lokomotiv Kuban.in 8 of last 9 games against Lokomotiv Kuban (VTB United League).in 26 of last 27 home games.in 22 of last 23 home games (VTB United League).in 18 of last 19 games.in 16 of last 17 games (VTB United League).in last 11 games against Lokomotiv Kuban.in last 9 games against Lokomotiv Kuban (VTB United League).in last 12 games (VTB United League).in last 11 games.in last 7 home games (VTB United League).in last 5 games (VTB United League).in 7 of last 8 home games against Lokomotiv Kuban (VTB United League).in last 11 home games (VTB United League).in 10 of last 11 home games.in 10 of last 11 games against Lokomotiv Kuban.in 8 of last 9 games against Lokomotiv Kuban (VTB United League).in 8 of last 9 games (VTB United League).
Other predictions
