It's NBA Jersey Night in the Sal's NBL Showdown! Show your colours and wear your favourite NBA Jersey!
Tonight's action starts with the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls going up against the Property Brokers, See Me Media Manawatu Jets, which will be followed by the Fluid Recruitment Otago Nuggets playing the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams.
And remember, every night you get to watch 2 games for the price of 1.
Proudly presented by SkyCity, tickets are available at the door for $5 (children U12), $10 (students) and $20 (adults) - and you get to watch both games!
You can also buy tickets online - click HERE.
BULLS vs JETS
When: 5:30pm / Saturday July 4
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3 / Sky Sport Now / Sky Sport Next / Stuff.co.nz / Tribe Sports App / NZNBLpass.com
Tickets: Available at the door or online HERE / Adults $20, Students $10, Junior $5 / 2 games for the price of 1
Jets Starters: Jayden Bezzant, Ashton McQueen, Haize Walker, Tom Vodanovich, Taane Samuel
Bulls Starters: Jackson Stubbins, Everard Bartlett, Isaac Davidson, Dom Kelman-Poto, Sam Timmins
Preview: Both teams come in off wins and will hope to stay on a roll. The Bulls have actually won their last three games and find themselves in strong form. The Jets are a bit banged up and will spend at least the next week, maybe two, without Hyrum Harris (hip flexor), a big blow. Jackson Stubbins and Everard Bartlett will have their hands full with Jayden Bezzant, the big man match-up between Vodanovich and Samuel up against Kelman-Poto and Timmins will be crucial, while the Jets will have to find a way to stop Davidson. Look for an open game and possibly a high score. The Jets in particular like the three-ball, while in recent games the Bulls have looked strong going to the basket. This should be a fun contest to watch.
Talking Point: How will the Jets go without Hyrum Harris (hip flexor)? Across 4 games Harris has been a force for the Jets and consistently delivering a near triple-double every time he steps out, so the Jets have big shoes to fill. Let's see how they go about doing it.
Jets Weapon: Jayden Bezzant has been one of the most talked about players over the opening two weeks and he doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon. With Harris out, Bezzant will see even more of the ball and could go for 30pts-plus in this game.
Bulls Weapon: Sam Timmins was on fire last time out and will have gained maximum confidence from his leading role in Franklin's win on Thursday night. He'll like his chances to keep rolling against the Jets.
Jets Leaders: Tom Vodanovich (26.8pts), Hyrum Harris (13pts), Hyrum Harris (6.5ast)
Bulls Leaders: Isaac Davidson (19pts), Dom Kelman-Poto (6.6rbs), Everard Bartlett (2.8ast)
RAMS vs NUGGETS
When: 7:30pm / Saturday July 4
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3 / Sky Sport Now / Sky Sport Next / Stuff.co.nz / Tribe Sports App / NZNBLpass.com
Tickets: Available at the door or online HERE / Adults $20, Students $10, Junior $5 / 2 games for the price of 1
Nuggets Starters: Jarrod Kenny, Josh Atchieson, Jordan Ngatai, Kane Keil, Jordan Hunt
Rams Starters: Taylor Britt, Sam Smith, Mason Whittaker, Mac Stodart, Alex Talma
Preview: Both teams have had a rough week and would like nothing better than to grab a win and restore a little confidence ahead of week three. Young and dynamic are apt ways to sum up both squads, though the Nuggets certainly have some strong experience to throw in with Ngatai and Kenny, which could be the trump card here. The match-up between Kenny and Britt will be worth watching, as will the battle between Jordan Hunt and Alex Talma. Keep an eye on Sam Smith, he might be the one that gets under the guard of the Nuggets. Tom Webley has had a breakout week for the Rams and looks set to keep taking on a larger role, the young forward can score freely if he gets on a roll. Either way, both teams will be desperate to find a win here. Expect a real battle all the way to the final buzzer. Our first overtime game could be on the way.
Nuggets Weapon: The two Jordans will be key to a Nuggets win. Jordan Ngatai and Jordan Hunt are leading players and can deliver at both ends of the floor. At a time when the Nuggets are looking to grab a win and restore some confidence, look for Ngatai and Hunt to fire.
Rams Weapon: Have you been keeping an eye on Tom Webley? The young forward has had a good week, and despite the Rams losing a couple, the signs for Webley going forward and helping the Rams get back on the winner's list are good. Look for his continued rise.
Nuggets Leaders: Jordan Ngatai (19.8pts), Jarrod Kenny (4.5ast), Jordan Ngatai (5.8rbs)
Rams Leaders: Taylor Britt (23pts), Taylor Britt (8rbs), Taylor Britt (4.4ast)
