The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (6-7, 7th) v NBS Nelson Giants (4-10, 11th)
The Whai have come back to their winning ways after reloading the lineup but have little room for error as they welcome a Giants team that has even less wiggle room. With both teams desperate for wins as they attempt to maintain pace with the top six setting the stage for high-intensity battle where every possession will count.
When: Friday 6th June, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: Mercury Baypark Arena, Mount Maunganui
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | TikTok Livestream: skysportnz
Last Time Out:
The Whai looked to stand tall at home, hoping to fend off a determined Franklin side as both teams came in desperate for a victory. All five Whai starters hit double figures, with balanced scoring and a strong third quarter pushing the Whai into a double-digit lead. The Bulls surged late behind Ethan Rusbatch and David Okwera, who trimmed the margin to just one in the final 30 seconds. But when it mattered most, Anzac Rissetto delivered, sinking a clutch bucket before converting the and-one to ice a crucial victory for the home side.to secure an 87–82 win.
The Nelson hadn't won a home game in 410 days when the Hawks came to town looking to avenge a loss at the hands of the Giants in Napier a few weeks ago. The Hawks holding court early in the contest as Dan Grida (22pts, 5rbs) and Brandon Alston (24pts, 5ast) found form. But then the Giants offense exploded going from being down 1 at 35-34 to finish the game on a 83-46 run. That effort claimed a 117-81 victory where 6 players hit double figures led by Jeremy Combs 26. The Giants grabbing 18 more rebounds and dishing out 10 more assists than their opponent as they shot 58% from the field.
What to Expect:
The Whai play the slowest pace in the league and feature the second lowest assist rate and a top three turnover rate, all stats indicating this is a team that prefers to work in the half court out of isolation and pick and roll action, lowering the chances to give away possession. This works well when jumpers are falling, but they are also last in 3point% which has made stringing together wins difficult. Buckets get scored by committee, with no one player responsible for carrying the load, but several capable of carrying it from time to time. The collective is in question, withe Sean Bairstow carrying a questionable designation, But look for Jayden Bezzant to step up into the offensive void while Sean Murphy takes on a larger minutes roll. The battle in the paint will be a key one, with Anzac Rissetto and Carter Hopoi needing to hold the line against a Giants squad that has become increasingly post focused on offense.
The Giants continue their late season turnaround and are playing like a team that has something to play for. Jeremy Combs is the focus of the offensive attack, with his patient post game finding great efficiency down low, forcing rotations that he then takes advantage of as a willing passer. Cal McRae has dominated when given volume, but his involvement can be matchup dependent as his comfort zone doesn't stray to far from the paint defensively. Alex Robinson has brought the spice offensively, acting as a true penetrating force off the bounce and with pass, forcing defenses to shift their attention to him. That gravity allows Andrew Jones to get loose on the weak side as penetrator while Liam Judd and Hayden Jones look most comfortable working off the second side of the defense. Ball control will be key as the Giants haven't been able to make up possession in other areas, and the Whai have been proficient in forcing opponents into mistakes.
Matchup to Watch: Anzac Rissetto & Carter Hopoi v Cal McRae and Jeremy Combs - This looks like a game where the bigs will be key, as the matchups provided plusses and minuses both ways. McRae is one of the few players in the league that Rissetto can't muscle out with ease while veteran Combs will feel confident against the teenage Hopoi. If the Whai can defend the paint without bringing double teams they will be in great shape to get the win, if not the Giants chances for a finals run remain open.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Whai | Giants |
| Scoring Offense | 80.92 (last) | 87.71 (8th) |
| Scoring Defense | 82.23 (1st) | 91.71 (6th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 47% (last) | 50% (10th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 45% (4th) | 47% (9th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 27% (7th) | 29% (4th) |
| Free Throw % | 73% (4th) | 68% (10th) |
| Three Point Rate | 42% (4th) | 36% (10th) |
| Three Point % | 28% (last) | 33% (6th) |
| Turnover Rate | 12% (3rd) | 13% (7th) |
| Assist Rate | 53% (10th) | 62% (2nd) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 28% (4th) | 28% (3rd) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 70% (last) | 73% (6th) |
| Block Rate | 7% (7th) | 6% (8th) |
| Steal Rate | 11% (2nd) | 9% (8th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
