Big Barrel Hawks (7-10, 9th) v Southland Sharks (8-8, 6th)
The Hawks have dropped four straight and are in must-win mode to keep their finals hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Sharks are surging, riding a three-game winning streak into the top six with just four games left. On a night when Hawks legend Willie Burton will be honoured, one team will move a step closer to the postseason—who will it be?
When: Friday 20th June, Rapid League 3pm, Sal's NBL 4pm
Where: Rodney Green Arenas, Napier
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | TikTok Livestream: skysportnz
Last Time Out:
he Hawks fought hard but couldn’t overcome a strong second-half surge from the Taranaki Airs, falling 84-72 at home. Despite missing key players, Hawke’s Bay came out strong, with Wani Swaka Lo Buluk leading all scorers with 26 points. They held a narrow halftime lead but were outmatched after the break, with the Airs dominating the boards 44-29 behind Craig Moller (19 pts, 11 rbs) and Carlin Davison (9 pts, 10 rbs, 6 ast). Now on a four-game skid, the Hawks are under pressure to snap the slide.
The Sharks, on the other hand, stayed hot with a composed 100-93 win over the Franklin Bulls in Invercargill. Josiah Allick (22 pts, 14 rbs, 3 ast) and Sam Timmins (13 pts, 11 rbs, 3 ast) controlled the paint, while Keylan Boone and Alonzo Burton provided the firepower from outside. Flynn Cameron led Franklin with 27 points, but turnovers and fouls stalled their late comeback. The win pushed Southland to 8–8 and deep into the playoff mix.
What to Expect:
Dan Grida looks set to return, but the Hawks remain shorthanded with Jackson Ball and Kahu Treacher still on national team duty and Kobe Kara ruled out for the season following a knee injury. That puts Jacob Murphy into the starting five alongside imports Grida, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Brandon Alston, and big man Luca Yates.
At their best, the Hawks bring energy at both ends but will need to improve their three-point volume to keep pace with one of the league’s best shooting teams. They’re strong driving to the rim and convert free throws at the second-best clip in the league. Turnovers are a concern, especially against a Sharks team that punishes mistakes. Campbell Scott returns to bolster the bench, where Clifton Bush Jr. and Ezrah Eagle will also look to make an impact. Rebounding remains a key focus-if they can limit second-chance points, they give themselves a real shot at a much-needed win.
The Sharks haven’t forgotten the Hawks’ win in Invercargill last month but have been trending upward since. Josiah Allick and Sam Timmins anchor the interior, while Keylan Boone remains one of the most dangerous shooters in the league. Caleb Asberry continues to grow into the point guard role, though he looks most comfortable when calling his own number. Alonzo Burton is another key perimeter threat, but the Hawks allow fewer threes than almost any team in the league, which could disrupt Southland’s rhythm.
Second-chance points will be crucial, and the Sharks must commit to crashing the offensive boards. Off the bench, Brayden Inger, Tukaha Cooper, and Johnny Helu offer spark and versatility-if they produce, Southland’s playoff push stays on track.
Matchup to Watch: Dan Grida v Keylan Boone - Two athletic wings capable of scoring from deep or at the rim. Whoever makes the greater defensive impact could swing the momentum in a tight contest.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Hawks | Sharks |
| Scoring Offense | 88.35 (7th) | 90.19 (5th) |
| Scoring Defense | 95.35 (9th) | 92.56 (8th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 54% (4th) | 55% (2nd) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 47% (9th) | 45% (6th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 32% (2nd) | 28% (7th) |
| Free Throw % | 76% (1st) | 75% (2nd) |
| Three Point Rate | 39% (7th) | 44% (1st) |
| Three Point % | 32% (8th) | 36% (1st) |
| Turnover Rate | 14% (9th) | 15% (10th) |
| Assist Rate | 53% (last) | 65% (1st) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 20% (last) | 27% (6th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (8th) | 71% (10th) |
| Block Rate | 5% (10th) | 10% (3rd) |
| Steal Rate | 7% (last) | 8% (9th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
