PILSEN, Czechia (Interstat) — Lokomotiva Plzeň will host USK Prague on Wednesday in Czech NBL play at Hala Lokomotiva, with both teams looking for their first win of the season.

Lokomotiva Plzeň enters at 0-3, while USK Prague also sits at 0-3. The matchup offers each side a chance to change momentum in the early portion of the schedule.

USK Prague is expected to lean on Patrik Auda. Auda has been active across his recent appearances, recording 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block in a loss to Usti n. Labem. He also had five points and seven rebounds at Decin, and 10 points and seven rebounds against Slavia Prague ERA NBK. In USK Prague’s most recent game, Tomas Kyzlink added 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Ondrej Svec contributed eight points, four rebounds and five assists. USK Prague will need that supporting production to ease pressure on Auda and help offset a Lokomotiva Plzeň defense that will aim to control the glass.

Lokomotiva Plzeň counters with Damon Nicholas Jr., who has been its most productive player. In the team’s most recent outing, a loss to Sokol Pisek, Nicholas finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Michal Svojanovsky also scored 18 points and handed out seven assists, while Jakub Kojzar grabbed 15 rebounds. That interior presence could be important against USK Prague, especially if Lokomotiva Plzeň can generate second-chance opportunities and limit live-ball turnovers.

Both clubs have struggled defensively this season. USK Prague has dropped games to Slavia Prague ERA NBK, Decin and Usti n. Labem, while Lokomotiva Plzeň has fallen to Decin, Usti n. Labem and Sokol Pisek. The records are identical, but the styles differ. USK Prague has leaned on Auda and Kyzlink for scoring, while Lokomotiva Plzeň has received a strong all-around effort from Nicholas and complementary play from Svojanovsky and Kojzar.

This game could hinge on pace and rebounding. If Lokomotiva Plzeň can use its home court at Hala Lokomotiva to establish an early advantage, it may force USK Prague to play from behind. USK Prague, meanwhile, will look to Auda to create offense and draw attention that opens shots for teammates.

After this matchup, USK Prague’s upcoming schedule includes games against Sokol Pisek, Opava, JBC MMCITE Brno and Ariete Prostejov. Lokomotiva Plzeň is set to face Opava, JBC MMCITE Brno, Ariete Prostejov and GAPA Hradec. Both teams will continue searching for consistency as the Czech NBL season develops.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Lokomotiva Plzeň 77, USK Prague 72.