Big Barrel Hawks (7-9, 9th) v Steelformers Taranaki Airs (9-6, 3rd)
The Hawks are hoping to protect the nest and snap a three-game slide to stay in the thick of the finals chase. But with key players unavailable, it’s a tall task against an Airs team that’s still rounding into form after recent roster changes. Will the Hawks grab a win to jump back into the top six, or will the Airs steal a road victory and edge closer to securing postseason home-court advantage?
When: Sunday 15th June, Rapid League 2pm, Sal's NBL 3pm
Where: Rodney Green Arenas, Taradale, Napier
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Hawks welcomed the Rams to the Bay for a rematch following a tightly contested clash in Christchurch but struggled to match the visitors’ early intensity. The Rams came out firing, knocking down four triples and attacking the paint to build a 13-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite efforts to rally, the Hawks couldn’t stem the tide in the second half, as Taylor Britt (23 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls) and Tohi Smith-Milner (19 pts, 9 rebs, 1 blk) helped the Rams stretch their advantage to 28 in the third. The Hawks shot just 39% from the field and committed 12 turnovers in a 110–78 defeat, as the Rams notched their eighth straight win.
The Airs wrapped up their Southern Swing in style, securing a crucial 92–78 win over the Nuggets in Otago to snap a two-game skid and climb back into the top three. It was a grind early, but the Airs stayed within reach despite a 34-point effort from Don Carey Jr. Carlin Davison (20 pts, 8 rebs, 9 asts, 2 stls, 2 blks) flirted with a triple-double, while Craig Moller (17 pts, 16 rebs, 4 blks) controlled the paint. A dominant 32-point fourth quarter blew the game open and sent the Nuggets to their 11th consecutive loss.
What to Expect:
The Hawks enter with a sense of urgency, sitting just one win outside fourth place in a tightly packed mid-table. However, they’ll be without Jackson Ball, Cambell Scott, and Kahu Treacher due to national team duties. That puts more on the shoulders of Dan Grida and Brandon Alston, who will need to be aggressive offensively. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk will have a key two-way role, while Luca Yates must manage his fouls as he battles a physical Airs front line. Kobe Kara steps into the starting lineup and has proven effective in previous starts. Off the bench, Jacob Murphy, Dante Matakatea, and Clifton Bush Jr will be called on for meaningful contributions. If the Hawks want to stop the slide, they’ll need to slow down one of the league’s most potent attacks.
The Airs have been offensively disjointed at times due to personnel changes, but Carlin Davison has been a consistent bright spot. His expanded role as a ball-handler and playmaker has added a new dimension, especially as the team settles its point guard rotation. Deng Dut has shown promise with efficient shooting and steady distribution but could afford to be more assertive. Jack Andrew should be a factor on the glass against a Hawks team that struggles with rebounding, and if Craig Moller gets going, he could be a matchup nightmare. DKP and Jaylen Gerrand will be key off the bench, as the Airs look to exploit their depth against a shorthanded Hawks squad.
Matchup to Watch: Dan Grida v Carlin Davison - Both players are engines for their teams' offenses. Grida thrives in transition and as a secondary creator, but with the Hawks short on guards, he may have the ball in hand more often. Davison has grown into a primary ball-handler for the Airs, and when he protects the ball and controls the tempo, they’re difficult to stop. But when the turnovers creep in, so do the opposition’s chances.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Hawks | Airs |
| Scoring Offense | 89.38 (6th) | 95.60 (2nd) |
| Scoring Defense | 96.06 (10th) | 90.80 (6th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 53% (4th) | 52% (5th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 47% (9th) | 44% (2nd) |
| Free Throw Rate | 33% (2nd) | 34% (1st) |
| Free Throw % | 76% (1st) | 73% (4th) |
| Three Point Rate | 39% (7th) | 36% (10th) |
| Three Point % | 31% (9th) | 32% (6th) |
| Turnover Rate | 14% (9th) | 13% (6th) |
| Assist Rate | 53% (last) | 57% (5th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 21% (last) | 31% (2nd) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (8th) | 75% (4th) |
| Block Rate | 5% (10th) | 11% (2nd) |
| Steal Rate | 7% (last) | 10% (3rd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
