Zalgiris flies to Moscow without the injured Jankunas 0

Paulius Jankunas was an unfortunate casualty of Monday’s practice, as he suffered a tear in a pelvis muscle. He will not be with the team in the upcoming matchup against CSKA Moscow and will likely be sidelined for a couple of weeks, thus missing out on Zalgiris’ next two home games as well.

Jankunas has shown durability throughout his career and had played in 112 of the last 113 EuroLeague games over the past five seasons.

Rokas Jokubaitis will take his place in the twelve-man roster. Nevertheless, coach Sarunas Jasikevicius doesn’t expect too much out of the 18-year-old. “He’ll be sightseeing in Moscow,” Jasikevicius joked before the flight.

Nate Wolters, who missed Zalgiris’ last Betsafe-LKL bout due to a slight groin injury, is likely to play against CSKA, as he is said to be feeling much better.

The Russian powerhouse has been in phenomenal form this season, raking in all 7 victories to remain just one of two undefeated clubs in the league.

Coach Jasikevicius was high in praise for the opponents, naming them as one of the favorites to win the tournament.

“They are an elite team that has a chance at gold every single year. It’s going to be a very tough game, but we just have to go out there and fight. If we stick to the gameplan and keep it close, we’ve got a chance.”