Another two contests tonight that could go either way. First up it's the Property Brokers, See Me Media Manawatu Jets up against the Mike Pero Nelson Giants at 5:30pm, followed by the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls against the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams at 7:30pm.
And remember, every night you get to watch 2 games for the price of 1.
Adults are $20, Students $10 and Children (U12) just $5. Tickets are available at the door, or can be pre-purchased online HERE.
JETS vs GIANTS
When: 5:30pm / Wednesday July 8
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3 in NZ / ESPN in United States / NZNBLpass.com everywhere else
Tickets: Available at the door or online HERE / Adults $20, Students $10, Juniors $5
Jets Starters: Jayden Bezzant, Ashton McQueen, Nelson Kirksey, Tom Vodanovich, Taane Samuel
Giants Starters: Josh Bloxham, Tom Ingham, Dane Brooks, Nic Trathen, Mike Karena
Preview: The Jets may insert Nelson Kirksey straight into their starting line-up, especially with Hyrum Harris (hip) still sidelined, and that will attract plenty of attention as other teams look to do an early scout on the American. Kirksey was a post-draft steal for the Jets as they captured him as an un-drafted replacement for Tom Power. Both of these teams have been solid and will like their chances at clinching a 4th win in the Showdown. The Jets have a dynamic starting unit, arguably the best in the competition, but they are also playing some heavy minutes and that may catch up with them at some point. The Giants are starting to look settled, especially with both Karena and Brooks fit and firing. The Samuel and Karena match-up is worth watching, while whoever gets Kirksey will also be good to take a look at. Get set for a close finish, this one could go either way.
Jets Weapon: We could focus on a number of players, but let's turn our attention to the Jets and their ability to get on a heater. As we saw last time out, if the Jets connect with their three-point attempts in quick succession they have the ability to open a game up very quickly. The lesson here is to protect the arc, no team puts up more three-point attempts than the Jets (39 per game). You've been warned.
Giants Weapon: Josh Bloxham is finding his feet and form. Keep an eye on the crafty shooter and playmaker as he looks to be assuming a greater role and could be a key behind the Giant's quest to go deep into Finals Week.
BULLS vs RAMS
When: 7:30pm / Wednesday July 8
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport 3 in NZ / ESPN in United States / NZNBLpass.com everywhere else
Tickets: Available at the door or online HERE / Adults $20, Students $10, Juniors $5
Bulls Starters: Jackson Stubbins, Everard Bartlett, Isaac Davidson, Dom Kelman-Poto, Sam Timmins
Rams Starters: Taylor Britt, Sam Smith, Toby Gillooly (if fit), Tom Webley, Alex Talma
Preview: Will Toby Gillooly play? Can the Rams snap a three-game losing streak? Will the Bulls bounce back from last night's loss, their first defeat in five games? Lots of questions ahead of this intriguing clash. The Rams looked a bit banged up over the weekend and will have no doubt freshened up. They need some more scoring power and would welcome the inclusion of Gillooly if he has healed from an ankle injury. Tom Webley is starting to increase his minutes for the Rams and could be one to watch here, his battle with Dom Kelman-Poto and/or Sam Timmins will be fun to watch. Taylor Britt has been playing some big minutes and will be needed once again to do the bulk of the scoring here if the Rams are going to win. The Bulls will be smarting after a quiet game last night where they just didn't look their normal selves. Stubbins and Bartlett will have their hands full with Britt and Smith, while Isaac Davidson is due for a big game and could be the player to cause the Rams the most headaches.
Bulls Weapon: Look for Davidson to turn it on tonight. It's a 2-game week for the Bulls so after last night's loss they will be demanding a win here. Davidson is sure bet to step up and take on the scoring load.
Rams Weapon: Sam Smith has been quietly going about his business, almost flying under the radar, but his value to the Rams cannot be underestimated. Smith has a knack of doing a bit of everything, and he does most of it really well. With his high work ethic and smarts for the game, expect to see him continue to feature amongst Canterbury's best each game.
Photo Credit: Photosportnz
