EuroLeague champions and current league leaders CSKA Moscow host third placed Baskonia in the Russian capital in the pick of the games on Friday evening.

And despite owning the best record in the EuroLeague, CSKA coach Dimitris Itoudis is still aware of the threat that Baskonia pose.

“Baskonia has size and speed at the same time,” he explained. “They rely on their big men Voigtmann and Bargnani who play pops after screens most of the time, Tillie and Diop help them a lot. Their point of emphasis in the post is Shengelia. Larkin is the center of their offence; he creates off pick-and-rolls and isolations, he drives and kicks. Beaubois, Blazic, Hanga are capable to create damage for opponent teams.

“We expect it to be difficult, our opponents play good and aggressive basketball, so we need our full attention to every aspect of the game, another one in our long marathon.”

~~~ BARCA LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK ~~~

Coming off their worst home loss since 1963 at the hands of arch rival Real Madrid, Barcelona will look to regroup as they travel to a dangerous Galatasaray side on Friday.

The Turkish side secured only their second win of the EuroLeague season last week and have momentum but the question remains: is the Barcelona side vulnerable or a wounded animal?

“Every EuroLeague game is difficult, especially on the road against an opponent with great players,” said Barca coach Georgios Bartzokas.

“I hope we can compete against them in a tough atmosphere. [Justin] Doellman and [Victor] Claver are still not at 100 percent but they will be available if we need them.”

As mentioned by coach Bartzokas; Justin Doellman and Victor Claver are expected to feature but predicted to be cameos.

~~~ PANATHINAIKOS HOST DARUSSAFAKA ~~~

Still smarting over their narrow loss to bitter rivals Olympiacos last week, Panathinaikos remain at home as they host Darussafaka Dogus.

These teams have only met twice before in the EuroLeague with the Greek squad holding a positive 2-0 record. The hosts have a balanced 4-4 record so far in the standings, while Darussafaka is faring a little better at 5-3.