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Toolson in a hospital, CSKA on a 16-game winning run

This match's result isn't that important, CSKA are definitely to finish top table. Unicaja secured Top 16 and now fight for the runner-up spot, but their chances aren't good because they'd have to win both today and in Tel Aviv

Unicaja crushed Murcia in an away game on Monday, scored 96 points and came back home as one of the leaders of the ACB league. They're sharing the place with Real who lost the city derby to Estudiantes. The situation in Malaga is pretty good, despite four defeats in the last five rounds of the Euroleague. Since they secured Top 16, they're not even too worried about that.

They'll try to stay in for the second place fight against CSKA, but if they win today, they'll have to defeat the Europe champion in Tel Aviv, too. That doesn't really matter in the end.

- CSKA are the most dangerous club in Europe - coach Plaza was clear. 

However, his problems are not the Russians, but his roster. After coming back to Malaga, the best player from that game, Ryan Toolson, ended up in the hospital because of the stomach issues, and a 38.5° C fever. His performance is questionable. Marković has some minor toe issues, so we'll see if he plays today. 

- We have the privilege to host players so good they could play NBA. It's luck to stand up to the strongest team of Europe economically, but also a challenge. The fans should helps us show to Europe, what we can do with 12 000 people. 

From coach Plaza's words, it's obvious they don't feel like they have to do anything, they're just coming to play a real game. Toolson scored all four shots against Murcija in the first period for 10 points and went to 20 till the end. Him not playing would really be a handicap. 

In Moscow, the Russians played an open game, didn't hold back in any segment, be it running or quick shots. Unicaja can take something like that, we've seen it in the last year's ACB finals against Real. You can expect something similar today, even more so if Teodosić plays for the guests. Besides that game in Moscow, they were an even match in Istanbul before the season started, as well. 

The Muscovites secured the first place in the group before the last round already, but that didn't stop them. They crushed Cedevita in the first half (60 points, 12/18 three pointers, 20 assists), and got another convincing win. They continued that with an amazing win against the great UNICS in the VTB league. 

- The team deserve honest congratulations. I like what I saw. Like I said in the locker room, we might not always be in the mood to shoot, but with the help from the defense, we have to get the win. Today, we were like a chameleon that changes color depending on its mood. We adjusted to the situation perfectly, played a great defense. We played against a very strong Euroleague team who came to Moscow with five wins in a row and very motivated, tried to slow our rhythm down. Even like that, we forced the opponent into 17 turnovers. We won the second half 47-21, which only motivates us more for the next game - Itoudis had a reason to be happy after a convincing win. 

CSKA are, without a doubt, the best team in Europe right now, and the results confirm that. The Muscovites have 16 wins in a row in all competitions, with 19.8 points difference per game, which only shows how much they dominate over everyone. Besides, they've been playing without Markoišvili, Teodosić, Hrjapa and Zozulin (of those, only Markoišvili came here, but is still questionable), and when they recover, the team will only be even stronger. The captain Hrjapa will be out for some time, since he had an ankle surgery a few days ago. 

Unicaja are the team who resisted CSKA in Moscow the best, lost by 10, even though they were without a few important players. Itoudis's team will have a big challenge today, even though this game's result isn't that important to them, we don't have to doubt their desire to continue the positive series. Besides, there are no big matches in December, so no reason for Itoudis to spare the key players today. 

- I expect a very tough game. Unicaja are a good team with two good players for each position. They confirm that in the Spanish competition, one of the best in Europe. They'll be extra motivated in front of their fans, and they need a win to get qualified for Top 16 - Itoudis said, and confirmed: 

- We secured the first place in the group already, but that doesn't mean we'll be relaxed. We have respect for ourselves, the game, and the opponent. We want to continue playing this level. We played the defense really well in the second half against UNICS. Unicaja have the height, the players who go for rebounds, Marković and Granger lead the offense, Toolson and Vasiliadis are good scorers, as well as Kuzminskas and Suarez. They have wing centers Green and Thomas who can play the five position in shorter lineups. Vasquez and Golubović are centers. The team are well assembled, and the latest reinforcement Steffanson brings experience and a good shot.

Hats off to CSKA who are impressive this season, even without Teodosić. But, nobody can come to Malaga and expect an easy ride. This is one of the most difficult courts in Europe, and the home team's coach even pointed that out today and invited the fans. Unicaja didn't lose at home with this handicap in over a year, and even though they lost to Real and Maccabi, those defeats were close. I expect the same today because Unicaja are one of the rare European teams who can match CSKA in strength, defense and rebounds. These two teams are pretty evened out, and I see this match on a hot court in Malaga, a match that doesn't matter to CSKA, as a home team's win.