Every team in teh Sal's NBL Showdown now has a win, and a loss, meaning we have a very even competition on our hands and the race to the title is wide open!
Tonight's action starts with the Fluid Recruitment Otago Nuggets looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat last night to the Airs, but it will be anything other than easy against the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls who come in off two successive wins.
Tonight's second game will see the Mike Pero Nelson Giants clash with the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams, the latter suffering their first loss last night and now looking to back up immediately and get back on the winning list.
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.
NUGGETS vs BULLS
When: 5:30pm / Thursday July 2
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3 / Sky Sport Now
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
Bulls Starters: Jackson Stubbins, Everard Bartlett, Isaac Davidson, Dom Kelman-Poto, Sam Timmins
Preview: All eyes are on the Nuggets in this one. Last night's capitulation against the Airs wasn't Nuggets-like. After two good wins in weeks one the Nuggets came off a six-day break (the longest break for any team in the competition this season) and fell flat against a zone in the second half. Expect a raised effort tonight. Also expect the Bulls to play a bit of defensive zone to test the Nuggets. Star players Jordan Ngatai and Jarrod Kenny are being very well managed when it comes to minutes so they will respond tonight, but keep an eye on Jordan Hunt, he really is a young star on the rise. For the Bulls, who come in with two successive wins, you get the feeling they are starting to settle and find their groove. While Isaac Davidson will no doubt keep his work-rate ticking along, expect a big game from Dom Kelman-Poto, he looks like he's ready for some good numbers. A good match-up across the court and a genuine toss of the coin when it comes to predicting a winner.
Talking Point: How will the Nuggets respond to last night's loss? After trading baskets in the first half with the Airs, the Nuggets stopped to standstill and lost the second half 68-35! Of great interest will be to see how the Nuggets respond to zone defence going forward?
Nuggets Weapon: We know Ngatai and Kenny are A-Graders, but keep an eye of Jordan Hunt. The young centre has quietly delivered averages of 16.3pts and 5.7rbs over the first three games.
Bulls Weapon: Isaac Davidson continues to turn heads. He is clearly the go-to player for the Bulls and looks a genuine force. What will come now will be added defensive pressure on the young Bull. Let's see how he responds?
Nuggets Leaders: Jordan Ngatai (21.3pts), Jordan Hunt (5.7rbs), Jarrod Kenny (4.7ast)
Bulls Leaders: Isaac Davidson (20.5pts), Dom Kelman-Poto (7rbs), Everard Bartlett (3.3ast)
RAMS vs GIANTS
When: 7:30pm / Thursday July 2
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3 / Sky Sport Now / Delayed on Prime TV at 9:30pm
Tickets: Available at the door or online HERE / Adults $20, Students $10, Junior $5 / 2 games for the price of 1
Giants Starters: Tysxun Aiolupotea, Dane Brooks, Tom Ingham, Nic Trathen, Mike Karena.
Rams Starters: Taylor Britt, Sam Smith, Toby Gillooly, Mac Stodart, Alex Talma
Preview: There is nothing like a good South Island match-up between the Giants and the Rams. There is no confirmation yet on Mika Vukona, so his inclusion looks like a game-time call. The Giants look stronger with Mike Karena and Dane Brooks on court, as to be expected, and they'll like their chances here against a Rams outfit coming off their first loss last night. Both teams have some really good young talent, and both are rotating their benches well. Tysxun Aiolupotea is set for his biggest challenge at this level when he goes up against Taylor Britt, while a collective effort will be needed by the Rams when they go about trying to limit Karena. Can the Rams bounce back? Will Toby Gillooly suit-up and return to play? Will Mika Vukona make his 2020 debut? Expect some strong tactical play from two highly-credentialed coaches. This will be fun!
Giants Weapon: Mike Karena has made his presence felt since coming back from a minor ankle tweak. The big man is a massive presence inside the paint at both ends and has wasted little time in delivering solid numbers. Canterbury's tall timber is in for a busy night!
Rams Weapon: It's a constant go-to …. Taylor Britt is the force driving the young Rams, so once again he'll be the weapon to watch. Another player to keep a close eye on is young Tom Webley, who delivered his highest-scoring NBL game last night with 17pts.
Giants Leaders: Mike Karena (21.5pts), Tom Ingham (7rbs), Tysxun Aiolupotea (2.5ast)
Rams Leaders: Taylor Britt (23.5pts), Taylor Britt (9.5rbs), Taylor Britt (4.3ast)
