Two teams have everything to play for when Boulogne Metropolitans 92 hosts Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar. A victory for Metropolitans (3-1) secures its spot in the quarterfinals and leaves it atop the group with a chance to finish in first for home-court advantage in the next stage. That result would also eliminate Lokomotiv (1-3) from quarterfinals contention. A Lokomotiv win keeps it alive for the Top 16 finales.
Marquee matchup
Mantas Kalnietis will carry more responsibility than ever before with top scorer Jordan Crawford out for Lokomotiv. He will match up at point guard with David Michineau, who has played his best basketball in the Top 16 with averages of 17.3 points and 5.0 assists per game. Watch these key players to see how this game plays out.
Last time they met
Metropolitans defeated Lokomotiv 79-83 in their respective Top 16 openers in January. David Michineau led the winners with 19 points and Anthony Brown added 17 - all in the second half, for Metropolitans. Mindaugas Kuzminskas paced Lokomotiv with 21 points. Michineau and Brown combined for 6 free throws in the final 18 seconds to ensure their team went home with the win.
Keys to victory: Metropolitans
Controlling the game pace and making the most of its depth could make the difference for Metropolitans. Both teams have shown dominance all season, especially in the paint, however, Metropolitans' depth could change everything. If the hosts can get Kevin Hervey and Drew Gordon in foul trouble, they may be able to take advantage.
Keys to victory: Lokomotiv
With Crawford out, Lokomotiv will need Will Cummings and Nigel Williams-Goss to step up and provide more backcourt scoring. It will be a different look for Lokomotiv and the team's ability to adjust on the fly and get the most of Williams-Goss in just his second EuroCup game with the club – could be decisive.