Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (6-4, 5th) v Indian Panthers (0-8, 12th)
The Jets feature one of the most powerful offenses in the league but the defense has been impressive of late while the Panthers have been playing an improving brand of basketball their first road trip since the season opener could provide their toughest challenge yet.
When: Saturday 26th April, Rapid League 12:30pm, Sal's NBL 1:30pm
Where: Fly Palmy Arena, Palmerston North
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 5 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Jets hosted a Whai team looking to bounce back after an upset home loss but would be pounced upon by a Jets team that has a newfound defensive identity. The Jets holding their guests to just 40% shooting from the field while committing 16 turnover that led to 29 points. All five Jets starters hit double figures led by Miles Gibson (30pts) while Dontae Russo-Nance (13pts, 3rbs, 7ast) fueled the D with 5 steals as the Jets took a 107-85 victory despite the efforts of Kruz Perrott-Hunt (18pts, 5rbs).
The Panthers hosted the Hawks and clawed their way to a second quarter lead behind a Jaylen Gerrand (23pts) led offense before a late flurry saw the home team trail by four at the half. The second half saw the Panthers grip on the ball loosen, and with it their chance to steal a win as Dan Grida (27pts, 7rbs, 5ast) and Darnell Cowart (21pts, 9rbs, 6ast) lead the Hawks to a 103-88 victory.
What to Look For:
The Jets have as powerful an offense as there is in the league and they have been playing at a higher level on the other side of the ball for a few weeks now. They play more in the mid-range then most teams in the league but they can get away with a low three-point rate thanks to the mid range excellence of Corey Webster (24.7ppg, 6.8apg) and Dante Russo-Nance (20.1ppg, 4.4apg, 3stls). Miles Gibson (24.1ppg, 7.9rpg) has been the squads top weak side option while Isaac Miller-Jose (9.2ppg, 3.8rpg) is coming off his best game of the season. If they lock in they'll have too much firepower for the visiting Panthers.
The Panthers continue to improve but haven't yet pulled together a complete game yet. Jaylen Gerrand (19.8ppg) is the biggest threat offensively. Due to the unavailability of much of their bench they may be at an even greater disadvantage for the first road trip outside of Auckland since the first week of the season.
Matchup to Watch: All the Panthers v Corey Webster - Corey Webster was on a mission the last time these teams played and if the Panthers can't work as a collective to slow him down if could be a career night for Webster in the Sal's NBL.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Jets | Panthers |
| Scoring Offense | 100.10ppg (2nd) | 79.50ppg (last) |
| Scoring Defense | 92.40ppg (7th) | 106.75ppg (last) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (7th) | 46% (last) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 46% (9th) | 50% (11th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 23% ((last) | 26% (8th) |
| Free Throw % | 69% (8th) | 66% (9th) |
| Three Point Rate | 8% (11th) | 39% (6th) |
| Three Point % | 34% (5th) | 29% (last) |
| Turnover Rate | 9% (1st) | 16% (11th) |
| Assist Rate | 52% (11th) | 47% (last) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 27% (5th) | 23% (11th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (8th) | 67% (last) |
| Block Rate | 8% (6th) | 8% (8th) |
| Steal Rate | 12% (2nd) | 9% (8th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
