Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (12-2, 1st) v The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (7-8, 6th)
The best offense in the league hosts the best defense in a matchup that pits strength against strength. The Rams continue to take down all opponents in their path as they look to claim their third consecutive title, but the Whai have postseason aspirations of their own and could use an upset to solidify their place on the ladder. Can the Rams win an eighth straight game and all but lock up the top spot, or will the Whai bounce back to become the only team in the league to beat the Rams twice this season?
When: Wednesday 11th June, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Rams traveled north to Hawke's Bay for their second consecutive matchup against the Hawks following a tight contest in Christchurch. The visitors jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, hitting four triples and attacking the rim to end the opening term up 13 points. The Rams put their foot down in the third, extending the lead to 28 as Taylor Britt (23 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls) and Tohi Smith-Milner (19 pts, 9 rebs, 1 blk) found their rhythm. The defense held strong throughout, limiting the Hawks to 39% shooting and forcing 12 turnovers. The Rams cruised to a dominant 110–78 victory, securing their eighth straight win and maintaining a two-game cushion atop the ladder.
The Whai traveled to Auckland to face the Tuatara in their second game of the round, looking to extend a three-game win streak against a key finals contender. The Tuatara took control early as Rob Loe (15 pts, 12 rebs, 5 asts, 2 stls, 3 blks) set the tone, helping his team to a 10-point lead after the first quarter. Mojave King (16 pts, 5 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls) helped the Whai battle back in the second, and a Jayden Bezzant (10 pts, 1 reb, 2 asts) triple cut the deficit to 36–33 with three minutes left in the half. But that was as close as they’d get, as the offense stalled after halftime, managing just 24 points total in the second half. The Tuatara took a 78–59 win, dropping the Whai to sixth on the ladder, now level on wins with five other teams and just one win off the pace for third.
What to Expect:
The Rams are the highest-scoring team in the league, but they’ll still remember their season-opening loss to the Whai, one of just two defeats all year. They boast talent and depth at every position, wearing down opponents with physicality and a relentless pace of execution. Their frontcourt, Tohi Smith-Milner, C.J. Penha, Kyle Bowen, and Max Darling, combines power in the post with perimeter shooting and strong defense. The backcourt is just as dangerous, with Taylor Britt, Sean MacDonald, and Walter Brown setting the tone before the one half of the Isaac brothers (Kaia out injured) come in to make an impact off the bench.
Efficiency is a hallmark of the Rams, as they lead the league in turnover rate and are among the top teams in assist percentage. But they’ll be tested by the defensive grit of the Whai, who will try to slow the game to a crawl and drag them into a grind-it-out affair.
The Whai excel in the mud, they play with discipline, physicality, and the slowest pace in the league. While their three-point shooting has been inconsistent (last in the league in 3pfg%), they defend the arc as well as anyone. Rebounding will be crucial, with Anzac Rissetto and Carter Hopoi key to battling on the boards. But it will take a collective effort to control the glass against the Rams’ depth. The Whai’s best offense often comes from their defense, forcing turnovers and turning them into easy points, though that will be a tall order against the Rams, who are second in the league in turnover margin. Sean Bairstow and Mojave King will need to be active in the passing lanes to disrupt the Rams' rhythm, while creating scoring opportunities at a higher rate then they've been able to manage of late.
Matchup to Watch: Walter Brown v Mojave King - Brown’s offensive production has been trending up, he’s posted double figures in nine straight games, but his defensive job on Mojave King may be even more important. King will need to be efficient in transition, as the half-court is where the Rams are most dangerous. If he can find room on the wing, the Whai may have a shot at stealing a massive road win.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Rams | Whai |
| Scoring Offense | 101.36 (1st) | 80.87 (last) |
| Scoring Defense | 86.07 (3rd) | 82.07 (1st) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 56% (1st) | 47% (last) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 45% (6th) | 45% (4th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 25% (10th) | 27% (7th) |
| Free Throw % | 69% (7th) | 71% (6th) |
| Three Point Rate | 42% (4th) | 42% (5th) |
| Three Point % | 35% (2nd) | 29% (last) |
| Turnover Rate | 10% (1st) | 12% (3rd) |
| Assist Rate | 58% (4th) | 55% (9th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 31% (1st) | 28% (4th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 76% (3rd) | 71% (last) |
| Block Rate | 9% (5th) | 7% (8th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (7th) | 11% (2nd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
