BARNAUL (Interstat) — Dynamo Grozny will put its unbeaten start on the line Thursday when it visits Barnaul in a basketball matchup. Dynamo Grozny is 3-0 this season, while Barnaul is seeking its first win after opening 0-3.

Dynamo Grozny has won each of its first three games by at least eight points. The team most recently earned an 83-75 road victory at Novosibirsk. Before that, Dynamo Grozny defeated Tambov 83-64 at home and topped Izhevsk 87-75 at home. The offense has scored at least 83 points in every game, and the defense has held opponents to 75 or fewer in two of the three wins. Dynamo Grozny has outscored its opponents 253-214 through three contests.

Barnaul has faced a difficult start, dropping its first three contests. The team most recently fell 86-70 to CSKA Moscow 2 at home. Earlier, Barnaul lost 91-81 at Temp Sumz Revda and 92-79 at Ufa. Barnaul has allowed at least 86 points in each defeat and has scored 81 or fewer in two of its three games. Barnaul has been outscored 269-230 this season.

The matchup will pit Dynamo Grozny’s perfect record against a Barnaul squad still searching for consistency. Dynamo Grozny has not played since its win at Novosibirsk, while Barnaul also last played in a home loss to CSKA Moscow 2. Both teams will be looking to establish early rhythm in the game.

Dynamo Grozny is scheduled to return home for its next two games after the trip to Barnaul, facing Khimki BC and University-Ugra. The team then heads out for road games against Rusichi Kursk and Desna Bryansk. Later in the schedule, Dynamo Grozny will host Temp Sumz Revda and Ufa before a road stretch that includes CSKA Moscow 2, Chelyabinsk, Metallurg and Izhevsk.

Barnaul will hit the road for its next two games, visiting Metallurg and Chelyabinsk. The team returns home to face Tambov and Izhevsk, then travels to Novosibirsk. Barnaul also has road games at University-Ugra and Khimki BC later in the schedule. Home matchups against Desna Bryansk, Rusichi Kursk and Ufa are also ahead.

The game will feature two teams with contrasting records but similar need for momentum. Dynamo Grozny will try to remain undefeated, while Barnaul will attempt to break into the win column and build confidence at home. Barnaul will look to use its home court as it seeks a turnaround, while Dynamo Grozny aims to keep its strong start intact.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Dynamo Grozny 79, Barnaul 74.