Game Preview: Canterbury v Wellington

Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (2-1, 5th), v Mills Albert Wellington Saints (2-1, 4th)

The Rams and Saints are both coming off high octane offensive performances against Southland that topped 120 points, come into the game with 2-1 records after bouncing back from tough opening round losses. But only one team will leave with a winning streak and a spot in the top four.

When: Sunday 30 March, Rapid League 2pm, Sal’s NBL 3pm

Where: Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 5 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here

Purchase Tickets Here

Last Time Out:

Rams- Taylor Britt and Kaia Isaac dropped 27 each as they powered through the Sharks with a 120-84 victory as they forced 22 turnovers, scored 58 points in the paint and found 30 points in transition.

Saints- Nick Marshall scored 35 on 68% shooting while Hyrum Harris was on triple double watch (12pts, 11rbs, 8ast) as they powered over the Sharks 122-83 shooting 69% inside the arc and 54% outside of it while dropping 20 threes.

What to Look for

Look at that! Its an import! Canterbury welcomes Kyle Bowen into the fold and into the starting lineup as Max Darling heads to the bench, The offense has been explosive and the Rams play with pace through all their actions, whether in transition or running sets in the halfcourt. The offense creates great shots and and hits 3’s at the highest clip in the league with Taylor Britt guiding the offense they can overwhelm opponents with their relentlessness. The defensive rebounding could use a lift, but with more size on deck with Bowen that should be less of an issue. They give up the second highest three point rate in the league which can be a problem against the Saints.

The Saints offense has been led by their Aussie contingent of Shaun Bruce (22pts, 5rbs, 5.3ast) and Nick Marshall (24pts, 6rb) while Izayah Le’afa, Hyrum Harris and Nick Muszynski provide the backbone of the defense. They’ve been taking good care of the ball but could look to be more efficient in the half court. Look for them to be more aggressive in the passing lanes to capitalise on the shot blocking ability of Muszynski on the back line.

Small Sample Size Stats:

Rams- Third in effective field goal % (57%), tops in three point field goal percentage (38%) but 9th in three point field goal percentage allowed (35%). Third in points allowed (82.77) and 8th in defensive rebounding percentage (69%) but second in offensive rebounding percentage (36%).

Saints- Third best assist rate (58%) and third best turnover rate (11%). League worst steal rate (6%) but league best block rate (13%). Third best free throw rate (36%) and fourth best three point rate (43%). Second worst offensive rebounding rate (21%)

Matchup to Watch: There’s a few!! Up front Smith-Milner and Kyle Bowen matched against Nick Muszynski and Hyrum Harris will be a doozy. But so will the backcourt with Taylor Britt on Shaun Bruce and Kaia Isaac on Izayah Le’afa.