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Davis and Augustine's performances are the key to this game

Khimki were forced to do without both first choice centers in Game 2, which resulted in a lot of struggle in the paint. That would be even more obvious today and they would have a very tough time dealing with the goo-quality opponent if those two were out again. But, in case either one of those key players is back (Davis especially), Khimki's chances would increase significantly

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Lokomotiv failed to record a win in Game 1 but they made amends in the second one after being in the lead for almost the entire game. They were 18 points ahead and managed to stay calm when Khimki managed to tie the score two minutes before the end. Derrick Brown's three pointer at the beginning of the final minute was crucial for the win, which Lokomotiv only confirmed a bit late from the free throw line. 

- The win feels even better because we lost momentum but we managed to pull through and steal the home court advantage - Bazarevic said.

Lokomotiv's task was much easier since Augustine and Davis didn't pay at Khimki. They are the top two centers on the team and their absence affected Kurtiniatis' team performance in the key massively, disabling them from dealing with one of the best front courts in the league. Randolph, Brown, and Henrix combined 45 points. 

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- Hats off to Khimki. They lost a player are they were down for the most part but kept on fighting - Bazarevic said.

Lokomotiv are in a great situation now since they have a shot at securing the final in two home games, which would see them get a spot in Euroleague. They left a much better impression than Khimki in the first two games, they are a more complete team, especially given all the problems the opponents have. 

- We will have to do our best in order to win - Bazarevis said.

Starting centers' injuries turned out to be a huge problem for Khimki. Pateev did a pretty good job on the offensive end (18 points) btu he couldn't do everything himself. Kurtinaitis used Claver as his substitutes, in which moments Khimki's defense struggled a lot. Sam did not do well at that position at all to record 4 faults in 8 minutes. Pateev had to spend staggering 32 minutes on the floor. It is questionable whether Pateev will be able to survive another game like that physically if Augustine and Davis are out again. 

- We lost both starting centers but I'm happy we managed to catch with Lokomotiv. They were luckier in the end. The most important thing is getting Davis back. I expect that to happen in Game 3 - Kurtinaitis said and added:

- We need a bigger contribution from the bench. I'm not happy with Seleket and Claver.

Davis and Augusine's health status is the most important thing ahead of this game. But there is almost no information regarding that. Without them, Khimki would stand very little chance since Lokomotiv would have complete dominance in the paint. Khimki would depend on Rice and Kopone, which probably isn't enough against such an opponent. If either one of those centers, Davis especially, would get back fully fit, Kkimki's chances would increase significantly and we would see a much closer game.